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Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak

8 Best Experience Gifts for Grandkids Under $25

The holidays are over, and by now you’ve probably seen that those precious, must-have toys start to break or be relegated to a closet shelf.

We know, stuff breaks. We also know that memories stick. So, if you’re a Modern Grand who wants fewer plastic parts and more sparkle-in-their-eyes moments, experience gifts are your secret super tool. The great part about it is that it’s affordable, easy to pull off, and doesn’t have to be tied only to “official” celebrations.

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Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak

Rewind and Reveal: 12 Questions to Ask the Grandkids Before the Year Ends

What?! It's December already! Where did those last 11 months go?

I know, I know, it happens every year—December sneaks in wearing a cozy sweater and carrying a mile-long to-do list. While our world rushes toward year-end sales, holiday menus, and half-finished resolutions, I have been thinking about what to do differently with my grandkids.

We could talk about homemade gifts and gingerbread houses, which we do every year. But what I really want to know from him is what made his heart beat faster this year? What did he learn? What does he hope for?

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Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak

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.

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Holidays and Traditions Carlene Szostak Holidays and Traditions Carlene Szostak

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.

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Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak Grandparenting Playbook II Carlene Szostak

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.

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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.