Funtastical Blog
"Are you ready to unlock the magic of grandparenting?"
Thanksgiving Traditions: Past, Present, and Hopefully, Future
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays—not just for the food (though Veggie Mornay might deserve its own holiday), but for the sense of tradition, family, and slightly chaotic joy that comes with it.
What Kids Learn When You Name Their Stuffed Animals: 6 Big Benefits
Naming stuffed animals might seem like child's play, but there’s a whole lot more going on beneath the fluff! From learning about animals and rhyming words to memory skills and emotional growth—this simple activity sparks big-time brain development.
Walking to School a Mile, in the Snow (Uphill Both Ways) & Other Winter Break Myths
Winter break: those endless days off school—back in our day, anyway. You have probably heard this a thousand times; our winters included the legendary walk "one mile, in the snow, uphill both ways." But if I have to be honest, winter break in 2025 is nothing like our rosy, frostbitten memories. This post is a blend of nostalgia, gentle ribbing, and serious advice for parents and grandparents alike—let's help kids today enjoy a break without the stress of social media, Zoom homework, or perfectionism.
Modern Grandparent Magic: Questions to Spark Connection With Kids Aged 3–6
In this heartwarming blog by CJ Corki, modern grandparents are invited to rediscover the joy of storytelling with the little ones. Through a playful tale full of wonder, we’ll explore questions that open hearts and spark magical conversations between generations.
Thanksgiving Turkey Hotline: 5 Hilarious (and Surprisingly Helpful) Questions Your Grandkids Might Ask
Thanksgiving is a cherished time of year filled with family, food, and a fair amount of frantic Googling. Somewhere between finding your grandmother's stuffing recipe and rescuing a smoke detector from overworked duty, you might hear one of your grandkids ask a question so bizarre, so completely out of left field, that it makes you pause mid-baste.
Enter the Thanksgiving Turkey Hotline. Yes, it's real. Butterball's iconic Turkey Talk-Line has been saving Thanksgiving dinners since 1981, fielding over 100,000 questions each season.
Not My Circus, Still My Monkeys: Why I Text My Adult Kids Even When They Don't Reply
I have a question for you. Have you ever stared at your phone, wondering whether to send that “just checking in” text to your grown kids, knowing full well they might not answer? If so, then pull up a chair. You’re in good company.
I’ve been there, too. I send the message, maybe toss in a meme for flair… and then? Crickets. And yet, I keep doing it. Every day. Not because I'm desperate for attention, but because I'm an intentional grandmother. And whether they respond or not, I want my kids to know: I'm here, I'm watching (not in a creepy way), and I still care.
A Remote Grandma's Guide to a Spook-tacular Long-Distance Halloween
Being a grandma is already magical, but being a remote grandma during Halloween? That requires a bit of witchcraft—and a lot of creativity. Gone are the days of sneaking extra candy into plastic pumpkins and chasing little goblins around the house. But just because we're far apart doesn't mean we can't raise a little Halloween havoc together. It's time to conjure up some spooky-fun ways to make your grandkids cackle with delight from across the miles!
The Labor of Love: How Grandparents Shape Family Legacies for Generations
In today’s diverse family structures, grandparents are vital as emotional and cultural pillars. They play an active role in caregiving, mentoring, and financial support, nurturing younger members and preserving family identity. Their unwavering presence provides stability amid the complexities of modern parenting and societal change, making their role indispensable to the family's well-being and legacy.
But this isn’t just a modern-day role. My grandparents were deeply involved in raising my sisters and me. Because my mom was working in the family business, she needed childcare, which wasn't available back then. You either were a stay-at-home mom or relied on extended family and sometimes neighbors for help. What we know as childcare didn’t become accessible for decades after my childhood.
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.
