Book Review: Grandparents by Michael Carr-Gregg

 Grandparents

by

Michael Carr-Gregg 

A practical guide to navigating grandparenting today

 

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication date: 3rd October 2023

Genre:  Non-Fiction 

Pages: 305

RRP: $29.99AU (C format paperback)

Source: Courtesy of the publisher

 

Review: Grandparents

When my children were young I found Michael Carr-Gegg's advice was always quite reassuring and grounding.

 

I found Grandparents was a book full of sound advice. Some areas weren't relevant to me at this stage however Grandparents is a book you can go back to and read relevant chapters when needed.

 

I think the book would be particularly beneficial to those who haven't had a baby in the house for decades. Having worked in childcare I don't have that feeling of starting anew.

 

I loved the following quote and I think it is very apt.

  "Grandkids above all will remember your sense of fun."

This is a book to read before the baby is born as it has sections on communication, preparing for the grandchild, the birth and the first few weeks. There is also a section on how you should react to the news of a pregnancy (okay, I thought that was a bit strange).

 

I do think the expectant parents could benefit from reading the book before handing it to the grandparents.

 

Take from the book areas that relate to you and your family dynamics - don't expect the entire book to resonate. 

 

Just as many of today's grandparents attended playgroups as young mums to connect and chat to other mums, playgroups are still a vital area for connection. As more and more grandparents are minding their preschool aged grandchildren the opportunity to discuss concerns and swap ideas with other grandparents is vital. I run a grandparents' playgroup in my local area where we support each other, talk about local facilities for children and connect in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

My rating 3 / 5  ⭐⭐⭐

 

About the author

 

Dr Michael Carr-Gegg is an adolescent psychologist, a well-respected speaker and one of Australia's leading authorities on teenage behaviour. In 1985, he founded CanTeen, the acclaimed cancer patients' support group for teenagers in New Zealand and Australia.

 

He has written several bestselling books on parenting. he has also worked with organisations including Reach Out and Beyondblue and was the resident parenting expert on Sunrise. He has won many awards for his work.