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Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge

Will You Be Dancing at 80? How to Build a Healthy Life with Movement, Nutrition & Sleep

Imagine yourself in the future—10, 20, perhaps even 40 years from now. It's your 80th birthday party. Are you sitting in a wheelchair, unable to move freely? Or do you find yourself dancing joyfully with your grandchildren? Which vision resonates more with you? The reality is, the path you take today shapes the life you lead tomorrow. Your choices—the levels of activity you embrace, your nutritional habits, and the amount of rest you invest in yourself—are the keys to unlocking your future. 

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Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge

The Pros and Cons of Travel Sports: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Thinking about travel sports for your young athlete? Whether they’re just starting at the young age of seven or competing in high school, it’s a big commitment for the whole family. We’ll break down the biggest benefits and the toughest challenges of joining a travel team—so you can decide what’s best for your kid (and your sanity). Although times have changed, this modern grandparent can help you navigate your way.

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Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak

Grandma's Ruckus: Why a Little Noise Is Just What Kids Need

Hi there, I'm Grandma—though around here, I proudly answer to "Carma." And let me tell you something: I make noise. Where does this behavior come from? When I was a kid, our house was never quiet. We had chaos in every corner—pots clanging in the kitchen, doors creaking open and slamming shut, siblings arguing over who would get up to change the channel, and someone always hollering from another room. And you know what? My baby sister could sleep right through it all. The hum of life became her lullaby. That everyday noise—the comforting kind that fills a home—was just part of my growing up.

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Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge

The Grandmother Who Led with Strength, Wit, and an Iron Will

“Men and women aren’t equal; women are better,” my dad would often proclaim with a mix of pride and playful irony. It was a stance he had to adopt, considering the formidable women who ruled his world—not only five intensely strong-willed daughters who each brought their unique spark to the family but also a family business led by a powerful matriarch, my grandmother.

I never had the pleasure of meeting the original matriarch, Maryanna, who had laid the groundwork for our family legacy, but the vibrant, blue-haired powerhouse that was my grandmother was a force to be reckoned with. She kept everyone on task, her sharp eyes missing nothing.

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Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak

Are Childproof Bottles Keeping Kids Safe—or Just Annoying Adults?

If you're anything like me, you've probably stood in your kitchen, wrestling with a so-called childproof bottle, muttering under your breath. The harder you push, the more the lid seems to defy physics. Eventually, you give up and shout, "Who even invented this thing?" Meanwhile, the bottle just sits there smugly, like it's won this round. Childproof bottles—a true triumph in safety design—or are they?

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Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge

From Card Catalogs to ChatGPT: A Journey Through Libraries and Technology

A Campus Visit Turned Time Capsule

On a recent trip, we made a stop to see a family friend at the University of Virginia. The tour, of course, included the iconic Rotunda. Although we viewed it from a distance, we had never entered the historic structure until now. A hush fell over everyone as we peeked at the boardrooms and cozy study spaces.

Libraries Reimagined: From Research Havens to Sleek Study Hubs

As we continued the tour, we visited the popular study spots, the libraries. No longer cluttered with stacks of books to check out, the books were instead displayed behind locked, ornate cabinets. As I passed the wooden card catalogs, I questioned why they were still there. However, when I tried to open one, I realized that it was for display purposes only. Our freshman tour guide said, “Yeah, what are those for anyway?”

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Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge Grandparenting Playbook II Madeline S. Hoge

Blink: Witnessing Growth, Change, and Life's Fleeting Moments

As a future grandparent, I often advise families with young kids: don’t blink. Time flies, and the moments you take for granted will be missed. For example, our youngest son was selected for a traveling soccer team when he was seven years old. All the after-school practices and traveling around the country for tournaments were taxing on our family, not to mention the costs for airfare, hotels, and countless soccer shoes worn out not just from growth spurts but from the wear and tear of the game. Family vacations during spring break became a thing of the past because of these tournaments.

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St. Joseph's Day: A Polish Kid's Guide to Tradition, Food, and Hilarious Memories

Ah, St. Joseph's Day—March 19th—the often-underappreciated sibling of more mainstream celebrations like Christmas or Easter. For Polish families, though, this day is a big deal. It's not just a feast; it's a full-on cultural performance complete with polka dots, pierogi, and more red clothing than a Valentine's Day clearance rack.

Let's explore the quirks and chaos that made St. Joseph's Day unforgettable for us as kids.

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Intentional Grandparenting Series

These insightful books are designed to strengthen the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren, offering a fresh and humorous perspective on grandparenting. With a mix of wit and wisdom, CJ Corki addresses the common challenges faced by grandparents today, providing practical advice and engaging activities that make grandparenting both fun and meaningful.