Smartphones, social media, video games, and TV are all distractions for even the littlest of kids today. Pressures from adults on issues such as climate change, sexual identity, and DEI affect youngsters' mental health. In a world full of uncertainty, many children find themselves lost, without guidance or direction. As grandparents, we are not just bystanders in this journey but active participants. We have the power to assist them in finding their path, influence their dreams, and guide them toward a sense of fulfillment. But how do you help them discover their dreams? Let's explore this journey of self-discovery and how to navigate it with your grandchildren.

Ah, childhood! It was a time of scraped knees, incessant questions, and a bewildering array of hobbies that included collecting rocks, stamps, and, if you were like me, volunteering. I am not sure if I decided to participate on my own. It could be that my older sister wanted to do it, and I followed suit, or my mom orchestrated the event so we could learn to give back. Regardless, before I realized it, I was whisked away with my sister for the ½ hour drive 2 days a week to volunteer at St. Therese Hospital as a Candy Striper.

"Helicopter Parent" is a term used to describe parents who constantly monitor their children's actions and decisions. Similarly, "Bulldozer Parent" is a parenting style where parents actively remove obstacles from their child's path, which can hinder their independence and ability to cope with adversity. This can apply to grandparenting, too. However, have you ever heard of “Hands-In-Your-Pockets” Grandparenting? We coined this term to remind grandparents that you shouldn’t give cash to your grandchildren without meaning or purpose. Instead, keep your hands in your pockets and see what lessons can be taught to the rising generation.

Have you ever caught yourself knocking on wood or staying away from crossing paths with black cats? Don't worry, I do the same!

Across the world, in every culture and society, age-old traditions, customs, and beliefs have been passed down through generations. These practices are deeply rooted in our collective history and serve as a shield against misfortune and ill fate. One common thread among these rituals is the consumption of specific foods, believed to act as a safeguard against bad luck.

Being part of the one percent who have completed a marathon is an incredible feat that demands unwavering determination, steadfast dedication, and thorough preparation. By committing to a consistent training schedule, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and having the right equipment, I could conquer the physical and mental obstacles that come with the marathon distance. Despite encountering the infamous "wall," I emerged victorious; I finished.

Do you go to church? This is not a judgment question, just a simple question. Any church, synagogue, mosque, or temple in the past seven days? If you have, you are one of the 34% of the US adult population that regularly attend a religious service.

I was part of that statistic as a kid. I was raised Roman Catholic, more specifically, Polish Roman Catholic.

Family symbols such as crests, flags, and barn quilts are not just artifacts, but they are also timeless and living emblems of our lineage and heritage. They stand as guardians of our shared history and echo with the whispers of our ancestors' dreams and values. These symbols bind generations like a sturdy thread, weaving through the tapestry of time and igniting a flame of familial pride and unity. They light the way for our collective aspirations to shine through the ages.

For a passionate book lover like myself, there's nothing quite like the magical world a book opens up. Each volume is a portal to a different time, place, or perspective, offering a chance to escape the mundane and embark on thrilling adventures, explore profound emotions, or delve deep into the realms of knowledge. In the realm of books, every page is an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of the human imagination, making it a sanctuary for those who crave the magic of storytelling.