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Grand Expectations

The joys and dilemmas of being a grandparent

Grand Expectations cover

Description

The wise guide to navigating family life as a grandparent

Grandparents are more important in families than ever before, with millions providing free childcare. But while the joys of being a grandparent are widely celebrated, the challenges and dilemmas are often overlooked. What should you do if you don't agree with your daughter-in-law's parenting? Is it possible to build a close relationship with grandchildren when you live far apart? And above all, how do you juggle your own ambitions with your family's needs?

Celia Dodd speaks to grandmothers, grandfathers and adult children and draws on the latest research to help both generations negotiate what can at times be an emotional minefield. Grand Expectations shows how grandparents can harvest their wisdom and experience in nurturing these precious relationships.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Becoming the grandparent you want to be
2. Building a close relationship with your grandchild: babies to young adults
3. Your grandchild's parents: Your adult child
4. Your grandchild's parents: Your daughter-in-law or son-in-law
5. Childcare and babysitting
6. Grandfathers
7. Single grandparents
8. Number one grandparents? Paternal and maternal grandparents
9. Longing for a grandchild: Supporting your adult child through fertility treatment
10. If your child divorces or your own marriage ends
Conclusion
Resources
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index

Product details

Green Tree
Published 26 Mar 2026
Format Ebook (PDF)
Edition 1st
Extent 256
ISBN 9781399416986
Imprint Green Tree
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Celia Dodd

Celia Dodd is an author and journalist with over 3…

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