The Grandmother Principles

Rating:
Summary: Amazingly Helpful!
Review: "In most traditional cultures," Elgin quotes Sheila Kitzinger as saying, "grandmothers are people of immense importance and authority." And she goes on to tell us how, and to tell us why it's worth being that, if you aren't already. I coach men and women in midlife transition, and it gave me many practical tips for passing on to clients. While Elgin had only one participating grandmother, I had two, but they could not have been more different. However, like the "survivors" she describes in her book, who thrived throughout chaos and hardship because they had "one adult they could count on," it is my grandmothers who made me who I am, and to whom I return, in my heart and in my mind, when things get tough, or when I need to know how to do something, or how to be. Elgin states eloquently what my grandmothers meant to me, and what I hope to be for my grandchildren, and what you can be for yours. You'll find her no-holds-barred approach to realitymost helpful, and her down-to-earth practical tips most welcome. She'll clarify a lot of things you're aware of in the back of your mind but may not be able to put your finger on. This book is almost a call to action -- in today's fast-paced and changing society, where family life can seem to a child like a rapid-fire slideshow of new houses, new neighborhoods, new towns, new jobs, a new mom, a new dad, new culture, new religion, new church, new siblings, new step-siblings, what remains the same? Perhaps you, the grandmother--in your heart, in your approach, in your ways, and in your steadfast love. read it. You'll be glad you did. P.S. She's especially good about the parts that are hard for use grandmothers, or me anyway. She calls it "the velvet glove". You'll know just what she means!

Rating:
Summary: Filled with Many Useful Ideas
Review: For the grandmother who is new to the role or who has been at it for a long time, this book is sure to offer solutions to the "what to do" questions of effective grandmothering. Suggestions for what to do in assembling a family history, a family loan system and a family newsletter are practical and fresh. Also included are ideas for establishing and maintaining supportive, helpful relationships with your adult children and your grandchildren while honoring your own limits of time, energy and financial resources.

Rating:
Summary: A nurturing book to buy or to give.
Review: Gandmother Principles is the most practical, down-to-earth, well-written book for Grandmothers who wish to be a Reliable Source. It's a recipe for loving-kindness.

Sandy Gordon [e-mail]