Review of So, You're Raising Your Grandkids!

[JvO JvO]

[Following is a volunteer review of "So, You're Raising Your Grandkids!" by Harriet Hodgson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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So, You’re Raising Your Grandkids: Tested Tips, Research & Real-Life Stories To Make Your Life Easier
By Harriet Hodgson

This is a remarkable book. Author Harriet Hodgson has gathered extensive research and practical advice on how grandparents can raise their grandchildren under less-than-ideal conditions. Known as GRGs - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, her book focuses on providing personal stories, suggestions, kindness, and love to those in this unique situation. Hodgson was left to rear her twin grandchildren with her husband, who later died himself. She is in a unique position to supply her expertise on how to fill in as parents when parents are either dead or incapable of fulfilling their role as parents.

Hodgson allows us into her world of grandparenting. She has special tips, suggestions, checklists, summaries of her findings, and chapter summaries, all supplied in an informative and encouraging way. I was never overwhelmed while reading this, but rather happy that someone has taken the time to write about the trials and tribulations of grandparenting so thoroughly. It is an all-encompassing book.

What struck me the most is that these grandparents must endure a life suddenly changed forever, exclusively handling problems with schooling, student conferences, helping with homework, legal issues, loneliness, depression, isolation, and supplying food and clothing at a time when they should be winding down into their retirement.

Hodgson aims to help grandparents answer the question grandparents so often have, which is, “How did I get here?” She suggests taking advantage of online or in-person support groups. There are also governmental resources to explore. An entire section is dedicated to guilt. She reiterates that guilt is useless. “If I only had done x or y, this wouldn’t be happening.” You are pulling a guilt trip on yourself. She suggests not trying to control the uncontrollable, using relaxation techniques, and getting extended family emotional support.

I happily rate this book five out of five stars. It is written with excellent advice on handling delicate situations in an easy-to-understand fashion.

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So, You're Raising Your Grandkids!
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