Know-how for grandparenting

Grandparents are increasingly involved in raising their grandchildren, even if it’s only for a few hours a week.

Now there’s a new book out that may help. Local author, part-time lecturer and teaching assistant at the University of Canterbury, Dr Tessa Grigg has teamed up with Australian Dr Jane Williams to produce Grandparenting Grandchildren.

Dr Grigg has extensive experience in teaching and child development, while Dr Williams has been working with families and young children for over 45 years. She is the Director of ToddlerROO, KindyROO and GymbaROO, and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in the College of Health Sciences at James Cook University, Queensland.

Grandparenting Grandchildren is written specifically for grandparents, and aims to help raise well-rounded, ready-to-learn, happy grandchildren. The authors combine their practical experience as childhood development professionals with international research, to help grandparents understand the key influences on healthy development in the first five years. These include movement, music and sleep, how best to integrate ‘super brain foods’ in a grandchild’s life, and how to build a loving, supportive relationship that helps grandchildren feel positive about their future, while constructing essential life skills that ensure they are well-rounded, happy and capable, confident learners.