GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

Grandparenting a Seven-Year-Old Grandchild

Grandparenting a Seven-Year-Old Grandchild

As my life becomes more balanced, I have gained added time to enjoy my grandson as he turns seven years old. I am excited to watch his incredible growth developmentally and academically. I find seven- year-olds are very thoughtful and creative in their responses to life.  I am also impressed with his increasing reasoning abilities and effective problem-solving strategies.

Becoming More Responsible

Some of the questions and discussion topics that we and other friends are discussing include: [Read more…]

Providing Social-Emotional Support to Our College Children

Providing Social-Emotional Support to Our College Children

Many students struggle at various times during their college years with academic challenges and try to determine the next steps in their career paths. They may be burned out, overwhelmed, or confused about their academic progress. When they question their next steps, they may ask their parents for added support or guidance. Here at 10 tips for providing our young adults with the social-emotional support they so desperately need: [Read more…]

More Empty Nest Adjustment Strategies!

More Empty Nest Adjustment Strategies!

I was talking with my friend today about my summer plans now that my son will only be home for a short visit. It had not occurred to me that I would have more time for myself until we discussed my summer schedule. In the past I always provided my son with extra time for visiting and playing together throughout the summer. Now I would have a completely free summer. When asked what I would do after my work day, I came up with the following 10 activities: [Read more…]

Cultural Awareness Summer Programs

Cultural Awareness Summer Programs

As our children focus on the last days of the school year, parents are anxiously trying to secure adequate childcare and enrichment programs for their children once school is out. Some parents focus on sports camps, wilderness camps, and performing arts camp activities. Other parents use much of the summer for parks and recreational play dates. And other parents will focus on academic learning boot camps. It is important to balance your children’s summer play with a variety of activities to ensure that they have time to regroup and learn many new skills. [Read more…]

What Empathy Teaches Us About Families

What Empathy Teaches Us About Families

I recently met with a group of parents to discuss how we can increase our children’s awareness and empathy for others. Through our sharing, we learned that:

  • Having experienced a disability or learning challenge has helped others better understand what it is like to be in someone else’s shoes with a disability and experience empathy.
  • Empathy can be learned when we overcame adversity or a negative experience. When we are rescued by others, we may not learn to overcome a challenge.
  • When family members provide healthy support and not rescue their children, the children must learn how to resolve a challenge. This reflective process can help children learn compassion, empathy, and how to successfully solve daily challenges with others.

[Read more…]