Where Two Worlds Meet

Book excerpt: When grandchildren are young, a sweet treat or new toy is enough to inspire their unconditional adoration. And then your grandchildren grow up. Suddenly they are teenagers and it's not so easy. With our differences in musical tastes, technology, formative events . . . one could say we are from different worlds. Where Two Worlds Meet starts with the teenage years, recognizing that your grandchildren are becoming independent beings. It's an action-focused guide to stay connected and even deepen your relationship with your grandchildren as you both age. Parents will love this book too, as it helps grandparents respect boundaries as the grandparent, not the parent, and teaches how to develop healthy interdependence. All these ideas work whether you are in the same city or connecting from afar. Each chapter includes hands-on tactics to put learning into action. It's peppered with letters from grandchildren of diverse ages and backgrounds, sharing personal stories about a grandparent's impact on their lives. Grandparents can have a transformative effect on their family when they unleash their creativity, share their skills, and give voice to the things they are passionate about. Creativity is about bringing your whole self, including your vulnerability, to the relationship with your grandchildren as you enter each other's world.