Knowledge refers to the information, facts, and skills acquired through learning, education, and experience. It involves understanding the "what" and "how" of various subjects or areas of expertise. For grandparents, knowledge may come from a variety of sources, including their own life experiences, formal education, and the wisdom passed down through generations. In today's digital age, they may also acquire knowledge through technology and the internet.

The soothing sound of a rocking chair's gentle, rhythmic creaking and squeaking. A warm, rich, and slightly sweet scent of tobacco and smoke-filled air from a worn, chewed pipe. The comfort of sitting on my dad’s lap while listening to his stories about his travels through Europe during World War II. These are the magical memories of my childhood.

Growing up, my father was a disciplinarian. Although he never struck us, he threatened us with his belt or the pida, a Polish paddle defined as a wooden handle with leather straps. Again, he never hit us, but we were not allowed to defy the rules of the house. I grew up in a strict Polish Catholic environment, with thoughts of breaking the rules were not tolerated. But after becoming an adult and having kids of my own, the dynamics changed. No longer was my dad concerned about spilling milk or calling my sister a pig. He was the fun grandfather, with continual pranks and antics with the grandkids. This transformation is what I would like to be when the grandkids arrive.

Choosing a name for your camp is a personal decision, but many grandparents opt for a generic name like "Grandma’s Camp" or "Grandpa’s Camp," or they may personalize it by using their name. My parents called theirs Camp Cadillac for their grandkids at their lake house in Illinois. Before retirement, my parents dreamed of owning a Cadillac and afterward, they were happy to own several. "Camp Cadillac" is a nod to their post-retirement ownership of several Cadillac cars.

Did you ever meet a fire princess?

Some of you might think that meeting a fire princess might be easier to do as a child, but I didn't have the opportunity to meet one until I was well into my 20s. She appeared unexpectedly one evening, and I quickly learned a fire princess could always be called upon.

The first five years of a child's life are critical for brain development. During this time, the brain is rapidly growing and forming connections that will shape a child's future learning and development. It is important to provide young children with nurturing and stimulating environments to support healthy brain development. So, conversation and teaching are key, during the greatest brain development years.

No, this is not about a séance to reach Houdini. This is about you…and me. Have you thought about what you want to be known for when you leave this earth?

My mom did, I started, and maybe by the end of this blog, you will be ready for it too.

Ben Franklin said, "If you do not want to be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write something worth reading or do something worth writing."

Ageism is defined as prejudice or discrimination based on a person's age. This bias can vary from blatantly aggressive behavior, either physically or emotionally, to benevolent patronizing. In a world of social media’s fake but glamorous model-like looks, grey-haired wrinkled people seem to be pushed into the shadows. Their wisdom through the ages is often ignored or not given the respect it deserves.

Did you know that circus monkeys are capuchin monkeys? Their name comes from their coloration, which resembles the cowls worn by the Capuchin order of Roman Catholic friars. When it comes to things that are not our concern, we often say, “not my circus, not my monkeys” This Polish proverb describes something we have no control over and do not want to be bothered with. Since it’s rude and inconsiderate to say, “not my problem,” especially if someone is making an un-reasonable request for your help, “it’s funnier to say not my circus, not my monkeys.” In Polish it is Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy.

Our family is blessed to have all four grandparents living close by and active in our life. When our first daughter was born and I went back to work part-time, both sets of grandparents took turns watching her. When our second child was born 20 months later, the grandparents were instrumental in helping out with watching our toddler as I fed and got the baby to sleep. And in reverse, when our toddler needed some alone time with mom, the grandparents read, sang to, and played with our baby. As a result, both our kids, now 3.5 and almost 2, have a special relationship with each of their grandparents.

What is the difference between an elder and an older person? According to Webster, an elderly is a person who is old or who is aging. And if you look up the definition of old, it is described as having lived for a long time, no longer young. But the difference is an earned and respected position in the family by having a growth mindset.

Or, maybe you are a Grandpa or Jaja? Traditionally, families in Poland were three-generation affairs, with grandparents, parents, and children sharing a household. Typically this was a patriarchal structure, with adult sons living with their parents and adult daughters moving to the households of their husbands. The older generation held the greatest authority.

Let's do a quick survey. How many are in favor of child labor? Against?

Child labor…these words conjure up images of children working from dawn to dusk in spinning mills, shucking clams, or spraying arsenic on cotton fields in the 19th century or early 20th century. All of us would say that we have moved to a better place.

Growing up in a Polish American house provided the opportunity for an array of Polish cuisine. From homemade Polish sausage and pierogi to my favorite dessert, potiza, pronounced (paw-tee'-tzah). I remember it as a tasty bread with a sweet, nutty filling. As I reminisce about my favorite foods and memories, I picture my mom and grandma cooking diligently for the family feast. My grandma with her house dress and my mom in her slacks, both adorned with an apron. This nostalgic look at the past had me thinking about the lost item used in cooking, aprons. What were they used for, and why are they no longer in everyday use?

The theme song of the sitcom “Friends”, written by The Rembrandts, is appropriate for all stages of life.

“So no one told you life was gonna be this way (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

Your job's a joke, you're broke

Your love life's DOA

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month

Or even your year, but I’ll be there for you.”

What secret agent did you want to be like when you were growing up?

James Bond, 007

Secret Agent

Man from Uncle

I Spy

Get Smart

Mission Impossible

I loved the cone-of-silence (Get Smart); as children, we would put a blanket over our heads to mimic it. Under the blanket-of-silence, we could whisper secrets to each other. Fun memories.

Did You Know the phrase "the dog ate my homework" comes from an English expression that schoolchildren make as a common, poorly fabricated excuse to explain their failure to submit an assignment on time? Even beyond the educational context, the phrase is referenced as sarcastic. Much like the excuse "my dog at my homework," a mouse explanation might be considered false. However, the destruction of my mail is now a daily struggle.

Reading out loud sharpens young minds, boosts their listening skills, fosters their imagination, enhances communication, and much more. When teachers, parents, and grandparents read out loud to their children, they are advancing literacy development. But what if you are trying to enhance the development of their values? You can use those same principles to install your family’s vision, mission, and core values in a meaningful way for a preschooler. 

Busy parents juggle jobs, budgets, and their children's crazy schedules. Waking up before sunrise to take a child to hockey practice and then toting them to the soccer field seems to be the world's way. Organized activities from swimming lessons to gymnastics are packed into the parenting schedule. Fielding work calls from the game sidelines are just part of the work-life balancing act. Life can get complicated when you multiply that by more than one child. But if a grandparent is available, they can not only ease the burden of the daily routine; they can inject some magic into a child's life.

Made famous by the Soup Nazi in a Seinfeld episode, and is now an exclamation used in the event where someone changes their mind about giving something to someone else.