by Marlene Bumgarner | May 2, 2016 | Aging, Community, Family, Grandparenting
Last week I drove to San Diego for my son’s wedding. Helping him and his fiancee put the final touches on their plans, then stepping back and participating in each event, I experienced joy over and over, breath-stopping joy. And in unexpected places. I think...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Apr 25, 2016 | Family, Grandparenting
A new baby in your family! Everyone is so excited, and no one more so than the grandparents. But how can you help with the new baby without overwhelming your kids? When my first child was born, we lived 3000 miles away from our families, and I couldn’t have been...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Apr 12, 2016 | Aging, Child development, Family, Grandparenting
Today’s post is an essay I wrote during a recent writing workshop. The prompt was “In 500 words write about a time that you were given a second chance.” It was an interesting exercise, and elicited some forgotten memories. Life is what happens...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Mar 28, 2016 | Child development, Family, Good Reads, Grandparenting
I love spring, and the spiritual renewal it brings. I love the flowers blooming all around me: crocuses, daffodils and freesias popping out of the ground; magnolia, apple and cherry blossoms in the trees. I also love our family holiday traditions, especially the ones...
by Marlene Bumgarner | Mar 21, 2016 | Child development, Family, Grandparenting
Observe How Children Think Sometimes grandparents ask me, “How can I tell what my grandchildren know, or are ready to learn? How do I know what games to buy them, or which toys?” The only answer I can give is spend as much time as you can with your...