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DeeDee More from More Than Grand joins me this week to talk about the challenges facing parents and what grandparents can do to be a resource to young parents. We delve into the critical topic of parental well-being, highlighting the mental health challenges parents face today, particularly in light of recent advisories from the Surgeon General.
Our discussion covers the impact of social media, financial pressures, and the role of grandparents in supporting parents. It emphasizes the importance of trusting parental instincts, advocating for better policies, and breaking the stigma of mental health. As we wrap up the conversation, DeeDee also touches on the unique stresses of the holiday season and introduces resources for new grandparents.
Once you have listened to this conversation, please share it with other grandparents so we can all become more educated about some of the challenges our adult children experience as young parents.
LinksUse this link to access DeeDee's blog about the Surgeon General's Advisory on Parental Mental Health. You can also access the advisory document using this blog link. https://www.morethangrand.com/blog/grandparents-response-to-the-surgeon-generals-advisory-on-parents-mental-health.
Click on this link to review the Grandparents Holiday Gift Guide: https://www.morethangrand.com/gifts-for-grandchildren.
You can use this link to visit More Than Grand. I encourage you to check out DeeDee's New Grandparent Essentials: https://www.morethangrand.com/
You can watch this conversation on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/wvC9hl5_Prw.
You can use this link to listen to our previous conversation about More Than Grand: https://cool-grandpa.us/?s=DeeDee+More.
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Ethan Yazel from I Love Muzzleloading joins me to discuss how the sport and hobby of muzzleloading have created a unique bond between multiple generations of his family. Ethan shares his deep family connection to muzzleloading and explores the rich histories of his grandfathers, Joseph Barnes and Harold Yazel.
We discuss the history of muzzleloading over the last century, focusing on the use of muzzleloaders in Indiana before, during, and after the Great Depression. Ethan reflects on cherished memories spent with his grandfathers, grandmothers, and extended family. We discuss the relationships between family and community and muzzleloading's impact on his life.
As you will discover, we both appreciate the historical context of muzzle loading, its significance to many families from when the United States was a colony to today, and how it serves as a means of survival and family bonding.
Ethan emphasizes the importance of the muzzleloading community. We learn about his passion for learning about and sharing our common history and the lessons he learned from his grandfathers, encouraging others to explore this unique hobby.
If you have not attended a living history event or a muzzleloading activity, we encourage you to check one out. I think you will have a fun time and gain an appreciation for how people used to live along the various frontiers and periods that have influenced generations of Americans and others.
Be sure to check out Ethan's website and YouTube channel. Remember to like and subscribe to learn about muzzleloading and our shared past.
LinksCheck out Ethan's website: https://www.ilovemuzzleloading.com/
You can watch Ethan's YouTube channel using this address. Remember to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to his channel for great information about muzzleloading. https://www.youtube.com/@ILoveMuzzleloading
To learn more about muzzle loading, you can check out the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association using this link: https://www.nmlra.org/
You can view my conversation with Ethan on my YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/Xgg42P3lM8U
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This week is our final one-on-one conversation for 2024 about being a cool grandpa. In this conversation, I share valuable insights and tips for grandparents navigating the holiday season. I emphasize the importance of flexibility, adjusting expectations, and focusing on the quality of time spent with family. I discuss how grandparents support their adult children's new traditions while also considering the interests of our grandchildren. I also discuss the emotional challenges of changing family dynamics and offer practical advice for finding peace during the holidays.
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Cool Grandpa Ricky Dickson is joining me to discuss his experience as the CEO of Blue Bell Ice Cream and being a father and a very cool grandpa. Recently, Ricky published his book One Scoop At A Time, which is an excellent book about his time at Blue Bell, from writing a marketing paper for a school project to becoming CEO and guiding Blue Bell through one of its most challenging experiences.
Ricky's book combines lessons of leadership, faith, and fun. We talk about how Ricky wrote this book to help tell his story and the story of Blue Bell and, maybe more importantly, as a legacy for his great-grandchildren. We discuss some of Ricky's personal stories, including a turning point in his career when he realized that God's purpose or role for Ricky was more important than a promotion.
As a grandfather, Ricky also talks about the importance of one-on-one time with his grandchildren and the special moments they share. Some memorable moments involve ice cream and conversations about listening to God, prompting us about what he wants for us and our lives, and then listening to that prompting and following that message as best we can.
As we wrap up our conversation, Ricky shares the 'go to' ice cream flavors that will make you the hit of any holiday or Christmas party you attend. Those flavors are Homemade Vanilla, Peppermint Bark, and Christmas Cookies.
Do yourself a favor and use one of the links below to check out Ricky's book, One Scoop At A Time. Even if you don't typically read business books, you will enjoy this one, as Ricky is open and honest about what was going on with his time at Blue Bell and with him personally. One of the cool things that you can do now if you live in an area that doesn't sell Blue Bell is order Blue Bell Ice Cream. I have put a direct link to their order page in the links below.
LinksUse this link to visit Ricky's website: https://www.rickydickson.com/
You can check out One Scoop At A Time using this link: https://onescoopatatime.com/
You can order Ricky's book from either of the links above, and you can also use this direct link to Amazon to order the book: Amazon - One Scoop At A Time
If you would like to connect and follow Ricky on LinkedIn, you can use this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricky-dickson-5301135/
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Allan Shelin from DADvocacy Consulting Group (DCG) joins this week's conversation. We get to know Allan and his experience as both a father and grandfather. Allan also shares his work as a principal at an elementary school in New York City and as an advocate for education and now for Daddys everywhere. We discuss his philosophy on education, the creation of the National Elementary School Center, and the concept of 'daddy' as a nurturing process.
We also discuss Allan's challenges in publishing his book on fatherhood. We talk about how great films can impact fostering father-child relationships. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with grandchildren.
Allan outlines the qualities that children seek in their fathers and grandfathers. Our conversation concludes with insights on grandparenting's evolution and routine's significance in nurturing these relationships. We reflect on the evolution of fatherhood and the importance of relationships across generations. Allan discusses the role of grandfathers and the need for emotional presence.
The conversation also highlights the Dadvocacy Consulting Group's mission to support fathers in becoming the dads they aspire to be, as well as insights gained from interviews with fathers about their experiences and challenges. Allan both encourages and challenges fathers to think about how they want to be perceived by their children and to take actionable steps toward that vision.
LinksUse this link to find out more about the DADvocay Consulting Group: https://www.dadvocacyconsultinggroup.com/
If you would like to follow Allan and his group work on Facebook, Instagram, or X, you can use the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/DADvocacyConsulting
https://www.instagram.com/daddyingfilmfest
https://twitter.com/DADvocacyCG
You can watch our conversation on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/kCSFMBO5XFY
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Bob Abate is on a mission to listen to and capture the stories of WW II veterans from New York City and the surrounding area. We discuss Bob's memories of being a small boy when World War II ended and the celebrations that were going on around him that he didn't understand at the time but grew to appreciate as he grew older. Bob and I also talk about his early years going through the Naval Academy and his academic career after leaving the Navy.
Bob started his passion for collecting veteran stories when he noticed that one individual who had been a heck of an athlete before going to Vietnam was not included in Manhattan University's Hall of Fame. That person is Tyrone Pannell. Through the research and induction comments that Bob made, you are going to enjoy hearing the touching story of how Tyrone's daughter got to know her father, who died when she was just a baby.
You will also enjoy hearing about Bob's effort and passion for getting the veterans to tell their stories without editing, polishing, or editorial comments. Their story is THEIR STORY, with all the good and the bad that come from raw memories and places in the heart that only they have known and experienced.
Once you have listened to this conversation, I encourage you to share it with your friends and family who are interested in great stories and who might be interested in learning how to capture the memories of family and friends who have served this country.
LinksHere is Bob's email address should you wish to reach out to him: [email protected]
You can also use this link to hear another great conversation with Bob conducted by the Yonkers Public Library: http://archive.ypl.org/items/show/512.
You can watch Bob's presentation at the Scarsdale Public Library using this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J6mUhOSBHk.
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This week's episode is our monthly one-on-one conversation. For our discussion, I have chosen to share a few questions and topics I recently had from grandparents. The first question concerns spoiling the grandchildren. Our second topic is the importance of knowing basic first aid and CPR, primarily pediatric CPR. The third topic is creating an enjoyable connection with the grandchildren as a Long-Distance Grandparent during Thanksgiving and the Holidays when you can not be there in person.
I also share my thoughts about how we, as grandfathers, can help our grandchildren connect with the veterans in our families and honor veterans, both living and deceased, in our community.
LinksHere is the link to Dr. Kerry Byrne's The Long Distance Grandparent: https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/
Click on this link to investigate More Than Grand: https://www.morethangrand.com/
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Doug Morneau joins us for an engaging conversation. Doug shares his experiences and insights as a grandfather, discussing the importance of family relationships, the impact of technology, and the value of spending quality time with grandchildren. He reflects on his upbringing, the lessons learned, and how he aims to create a nurturing environment for his grandkids. Doug emphasizes the significance of community support and the role of faith in family life and offers practical advice for new grandfathers.
Once you have listened to this conversation, be sure to share it with a friend who would enjoy this conversation and learning about building meaningful solid relationships with grandchildren.
LinksUse this link to check out Doug's website and business: https://www.dougmorneau.com/. You can also use this link to get Doug's social media information.
If you would like to reach out to Doug directly, you can use his email, which is: [email protected]
You can watch this episode on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/25cvzYhV9A0
Here is the link for the episode with Jim Padilla that we mentioned in this week's conversation: https://cool-grandpa.us/2024/07/26/ep-192-your-life-is-about-other-people/
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Michael Platt from Platt Motors sits down with us to share the remarkable story of his grandfather and the car business he started. You will enjoy hearing how Michael's grandfather started one of the earliest used car dealerships in New Jersey. Michael shares his earliest memories of going to auctions and seeing his father and grandfather work as direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale brokers.
Michael and I talk about the nostalgic pull that cars can have with grandchildren remembering their grandparent's vehicles and how that nostalgia can contribute to people buying cars that remind them of their parents and grandparents. We also discussed which classic cars might be a little impractical with us older guys who want to use them for road trips.
If you haven't already done so, please like, share, and subscribe to this podcast and YouTube channel. Also, remember to check out the Bookstore for cool merchandise that would make any cool grandpa happy.
LinksUse this link to check out Platt Motors: https://www.plattmotors.com/
If you would like to reach out to Michale via LinkedIn, you can use this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-platt-81249b117/
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Andre Renna shares his experience as a grandfather with us. We learn about Andre's reaction to learning that he would become a grandpa for the first time and how he was very excited to meet his grandchildren. I ask Andre about being a grandfather in the same community as his children and grandchildren. Andre shares with us how being close to his grandchildren is a blessing, but at times, it can also be difficult.
We learn about Andre's background growing up in Brooklyn, NY, with his extended family very close by and having that shared experience of living and growing up next to his grandparents. Andre and I also discussed his wonderful experience co-writing a book with his granddaughter. He shares with us the experience of his granddaughter creating the story while he was pushing her on a swing out in the park.
You will also be inspired by Andre's involvement as a volunteer at his grandchildren's school. Andre actively acts as a role model and mentor to the children in the school's reading program. The boys in the school also connect with Andre when he assists in the school's cafeteria. He shares that his ability to build connections with the boys through sports and other activities they are interested in helps them and their teachers have better lines of communication and areas of interest outside of the classroom.
You will enjoy hearing how Andre builds meaningful and lasting connections with his grandchildren. Once you have listened to this episode, remember to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend.
Remember to check out my Bookstore page for fun gifts for yourself or the Cool Grandpa in your life.
LinksHere is the email address to connect with Andre and order the book The Surprise Birthday Party: The Adventures of Aria and Ducky: [email protected]
You can check out the book at Amazon as well using this link: https://www.amazon.com/Surprise-Birthday-Party-Adventures-Ducky/dp/0578903954/ref=sr_1_1?crid=376YXD5V341Z9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.fh3C8PvpkQ8X-xtbuUctQQ.mVnH45R6fAwwFv_47dr2wt8eZRBgsIf0r_IqkHIDLHU&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Surprise+Birthday+Party%2C+andre+Renna&qid=1728511997&sprefix=the+surprise+birthday+party%2C+andre+renna%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1 (if you order the book through Andre, using his email address, he can have the book signed for you)
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This is our second panel or round table discussion on The Cool Grandpa Podcast. I like to call these activities Cracker Barrels. I think I like that term because it is what we used in Scouts and because it is a fun nostalgic term for people getting together informally and sharing important and sometimes not-so-important information.
We have four wonderful guests joining me to give their thoughts on how fathers and fathers-in-law can support moms. After all, the old adage that if mom isn't happy, no one is happy is more true than we might like to admit.
This event's participants are Dr. Kerry Byrne, Lori Wynne, DeeDee More, and Amanda Weishar. I have known these awesome women for some time and have worked with Kerry and DeeDee on some grandparenting projects in the past.
You will enjoy this fun conversation, and I encourage you to share it with other people who may be unsure about how to support their adult daughters and daughters-in-law.
LinksUse this link to access the More Than Grand website. DeeDee More's contact information is available on her website located at: https://www.morethangrand.com/
You can learn more about Dr. Kerry Byrne's work on behalf of grandparents at The Long Distance Grandparent and join me in The Long Distance Grandparent Society (LDGS). You might also like to sign up for the Ideas Club. Regardless, the way to connect with Kerry is to start with this link: https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/
To connect with Lori and possibly grab a gift card for your wife, daughter, or daughter-in-law, check out Lori's website at https://www.fashionwithflair.com/
You can check out this episode on YouTube by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/81SLxCyeLCw
One of the great books mentioned in our conversation is The Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations, https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Questions-Interview-Uncover-Generations/dp/0593420926/ref=asc_df_0593420926/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693313423915&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=6306226522772353603&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1015313&hvtargid=pla-1643658361638&psc=1&mcid=146d2c0d7e103f8ca15a885e4797003f.
Amanda mentioned this excellent parenting book, Parenting: A House United: Changing Children's Hearts and Behaviors by Teaching Self-Government. https://www.amazon.com/Parenting-Changing-Childrens-Behaviors-Self-Government/dp/1892131331
You can check out Lori's father-in-law's YouTube channel by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/@thehorseandi (Be sure to 'Like and Subscribe' to the channel)
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Neil Taft joins our conversation this week to talk about being a Caring Grandparent. Specifically, we learn how Neil, a great-grandfather, is leading the charge to help all grandparents build and maintain incredible relationships with their grandchildren.
Neil's mission is to enhance Grandparents' bonds with their Grandchildren by building solid and meaningful connections. Neil believes that stories and shared experiences can strengthen the grandparent/ grandchild bond.
You are going to love how Neil has worked hard to develop and maintain his relationships with his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. Neil shares with us a remarkable story of how he has been able to create and maintain a relationship with his ex-daughter-in-law. Neil's work in that relationship now enables him to remain an active grandfather in his nineteen-year-old granddaughter's life.
We also talk about one of Neil's philosophies: to be a GOOD SEER and a GOOD SAYER. Simply put, this philosophy is centered on the principle that when you see something good in the world, say something about it. The good could be a great piece of street art or, as Neil shares, seeing a person with a charming piece of clothing. Neil belives that everyone from our youngest grandchild to older people we run into each wants and seeks out approval and complements. As a grandfather, Neil finds this a natural state for him to be in that doesn't cost anything but produces enormous returns for the person receiving the compliment.
LinksUse this link to visit Neil's webpage and check out the great work that he is doing over there: https://www.caringgrandparents.com/
You can use this link to purchase Neil's book, Good to Great Grandparenting: https://www.amazon.com/GOOD-GREAT-GRANDPARENTING-Meaningful-Connections/dp/B0CZDH1JTC/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
This link will take you to Neil's new book, Caring Grandparents: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFV97S8Z
You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link:
Here is the link to check out our good friend Dr. Kerry Byrne's The Long Distance Grandparent. I hope you join her group if it suits you and your needs. I like to hang out with this group when I can. https://thelongdistancegrandparent.com/
This link will take you to Grandparent's Academy, a great resource for all grandparents. Neil and I are presenters/ faculty and enjoy connecting with grandparents over at that site as well. https://www.grandparentsacademy.com/
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In this episode, I am taking a victory lap with my good buddy, Steve Ownes, from the Fascination Street Podcast. In this fun conversation, Steve interviews me on my podcast. We discussed my motivations for starting this podcast and why I have kept this project going for over four years.
Steve also talks to me about my children's book and where the heck the follow-up books are. We have a blast discussing the journies we have both been on, and we include some fascinating accounts of folks we have interviewed.
I hope you enjoy this conversation. Please like and subscribe to the podcast if you haven't already done so. You can also check out both of us on YouTube.
LinksHere is the link to my first episode, my introduction to The Cool Grandpa Podcast: https://cool-grandpa.us/2020/05/02/episode-1-introduction/
This is the link to my first interview with Cool Grandpa Dean Nielson: https://cool-grandpa.us/2020/05/02/episode-2-dean-nielson/
Use this link to watch this conversation over on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HNbP4JjmV4U
You can listen to my interview on Fascination Street with Steve Ownes using this link: https://fascinationstreetpod.com/2023/10/greg-payne/
Check out Steve's Podcast, Fascination Street, wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also check out his site by clicking on this link: https://fascinationstreetpod.com/
Check out my Bookstore/Shop page for some cool merchandise that is perfect for the Cool Grandpa in your life: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/
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This week, our guest is Patrick Brady. Patrick is passionate about gathering his family history and stories. As Patrick started to look at the marketplace, he recognized that there wasn't a service or platform that would allow building a central location to preserve that unique family history and enable the family to make it their own truly.
At Heritage HQ, each family gets its unique domain to upload and create files that can be shared and edited. The family website or domain will contain a family tree and records of birthdates, genealogy, and essential documents. Each family will have a Heritage Helper to assist family members with the technology used and create an individualized family newsletter.
Heritage HQ helps to build bridges between generations in several ways, including helping family members record in-person, video, and audio interviews. This is an excellent way for young family members to discover the stories of their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others and learn about the challenges and triumphs of those family members and close family friends.
Some of the other services that a family can use with their Heritage HQ account are:
Photo Organizer Social Media Hub/ Integration Digitization services - copying those printed photos into an electronic formatYou will enjoy learning more about Heritage HQ, Patrick's experience working as a professor in China, and how that experience helped shape his thoughts about capturing family stories.
LinksYou can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/Nl8N6AzaHrY
Here is the link to Heritage HQ: https://www.heritagehq.co/
If you would like to book a 30-minute call with Patrick, use this link to Book a HeritageHuddle Call: https://calendly.com/patrick-heritagehq/30min?month=2024-09
Check out this example of a HeritageHQ Family Website: https://heritagehqexample.com/.
Please email us: [email protected]
Call us: (512) 887-2726
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This is our monthly one-on-one conversation. This week, I am discussing my impressions of DeeDee More's great blog post, "A Grandparent's Response to the Surgeon General's Advisory on Parents' Mental Health."
Some of the data collected over the last few years concerning parents and their mental health might be surprising to you. I was surprised to learn about some of the challenges that young parents face beyond dealing with picky eaters, colicky infants, and potty training, to name a few.
As Grandfathers, I think we can help our grandchildren's parents by doing the following:
Educate ourselves on what is causing stress among young parents and be sensitive to the fact that their stresses are not the same as what caused us stress 20+ years ago. Check-in on the parents, both your son or daughter and son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Do this by taking just them out to eat or even by using your phone or texting, depending on how they communicate. Ask about THEM and not the grandkids. I know this is a tough one, but do it anyway. When you visit or talk to them, be aware of their behavior, situation, and what is happening around their home. Notice what is different or "not them," as this could be a sign that they could use additional support or TLC. Remember to be a good listener. Pick up on whether the person you are talking to wants your input or just needs a friendly ear so they can vent. DO NOT get into a comparison or contest about how rough you had it as a parent and how rough they have it today. YOU went through your struggles and have experience and hindsight. THEY are in the middle of their challenges and need support from their father or father-in-law.Once you have listened to this podcast, please remember to subscribe, like, and share this conversation with other people who would enjoy the show AND could use the information and support I try to put into every episode.
LinksI invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/0rOVrNrtMFg.
Here is the link to DeeDee's fantastic blog post: https://www.morethangrand.com/blog/grandparents-response-to-the-surgeon-generals-advisory-on-parents-mental-health
Here is the direct link to download your copy of the Surgeon General's Parental Mental Health & Wellness report: https://www.hhs.gov/surgeongeneral/priorities/parents/index.html.
You can listen to the podcast episode DeeDee and I had together and learned about More Than Grand using this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/?s=DeeDee+More.
Here is my buddy Steve Ownes' website for his podcast, Fascination Street: https://fascinationstreetpod.com/.
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Doug Sohn from Success After Sixty is joining the podcast to discuss his experience living in a multi-generational home. If Doug's name sounds familiar, that is because he is a returning guest. Doug is joining us again to talk about living in a multi-generational home.
We learn that Doug and his wife have always had a full home, regardless of whether it contained six children or other people coming to live with them. As our discussion continues, we learn that Doug and his wife had moved into a retirement community, expecting they would be mostly just themselves.
Doug shares with us that his oldest son was discharged from the military while he was getting divorced. The result was that their son Brian and their three-year-old grandson, Ben, came to live with them, creating a multi-generational home.
We talk about how everyone had to work to adjust to having three generations under one roof. Some of the topics we talk about are how they have successfully created separation between Grandma/Mom - Grandpa/Dad - Son/Dad - Grandson/Son. Some of the separation of roles has created boundaries where input and advice can be shared, but that input might not be implemented with their Brain and his son Ben.
You will enjoy learning from Doug and his fantastic experience and insights about living and getting along inside a multi-generational home. This conversation is full of great advice for grandfathers and grandparents who are finding themselves living in a multi-generational situation, whether it is temporary or permanent.
Remember to like and subscribe to this conversation on your favorite podcast application. You can also subscribe to my YouTube channel.
LinksI invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/slDUgzAwJ5Y
Here is the link to the conversation that Doug and I had about his work with Success After Sixty: https://cool-grandpa.us/?s=Success+After+Sixty.
Doug is providing a fantastic giveaway for the listeners of our conversation. The giveaway is Doug's "Win Your Morning Guide." This guide offers some useful tools and is also a great entrée into Doug's world: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:5710ef63-adb2-3e9b-88ea-528aa8afe264
Click on this link to view the Success After Sixty website: https://successaftersixty.org/
To join the Success After Sixty Facebook group, click this link: https://www.facebook.com/successaftersixty.org.
You can follow Doug on 'X' by clicking this link: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fsohn_douglas.
You can follow Doug on LinkedIn by clicking on this link: linkedin.com/in/dcsohn
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Karen Stillman from Baby Making Genius is back on the podcast to discuss her relationship with her grandfathers and share her thoughts about her father as a grandpa. We are introduced to George (Granddad) and Henry (Grandpa Daddy)and their relationship with Karen and her siblings.
Continuing our discussion, we hear how Granddad was a scary grandfather and Grandpa Daddy was a fun-loving card-playing grandfather. Grandpa Daddy introduced the kids to the game Crib or Cribbage. We learn that the grandkids were brought up playing by 'grandpa's rules,' meaning grandpa typically won the game. Grandpa Daddy would also let the grandchildren drive/ steer the car down to the country store for treats.
Granddad, who was scary, owned a garage and loved his fish tanks. He didn't talk very much, and Karen remembers him smelling of grease, tobacco, and sweat. As Karen remembers it, Grandad had a particular way of talking to them that made the kids uneasy. We continue discussing how men can sometimes give off a scary vibe. As this energy is most likely unintentional, grandfathers can do a few things to be a bit more welcoming and fun-loving with their grandchildren.
You are going to enjoy these memories that Karen shares with us. She does a great job of sharing fun memories and great advice from both a granddaughter's and a mother's point of view. Once you have listened to this program, please remember to like, subscribe to the podcast, and share it with a friend.
LinksYou can use the following link to visit Dr. Karen'swebsite: https://babymakinggenius.com/
Here is the link to Dr. Karen's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BabyMakingGenius.
Dr. Karen would enjoy connecting with you on LinkedIn. You can do so by using this link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-stillman-md-7078b410/
Here is the link to my previous conversation with Karen: https://cool-grandpa.us/2024/07/ep-191-baby-making-genius/
I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
Karen's phone number is (+1) 613-314-9802
You can watch this conversation on YouTube by clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/EZ6EEAqxtRY.
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This week's guest is Jim Tracy, or as he is better known, The Grampion. Jim and I dive right in and talk about the challenges and fun of being younger grandfathers. Jim shares with us how he is building connections with his grandchildren of all ages. We learn how The Grampion is staying active and working out with his grandson, who is a Division 1 level football recruit, and his five-year-old grandson, who wants to sling on a ruck pack and go hike the mountains around Eagle(Boise), Idaho. We also learned how Jim would sit down with the granddaughter, who was learning music, and how he encouraged her to keep practicing and getting better.
You will love this conversation with Jim as we learn his insights about living in a multi-generational home. We will also learn how his grandson, Wes, gave him the gift of the title "The Grampion." It was great to learn about how Jim got his pilot's license and earned another title, that of a call sign of 'CHaos.' Jim also shares with us the impact that his grandfather made on him while at fish and hunt camps and how Jim learned to interact with other men his grandfather's age.
This is just a fun conversation that Jim and I have. You are going to enjoy joining us for our virtual cup of coffee. After you listen to this conversation, please do me a favor and share this episode with someone else who would enjoy learning from Jim on how to build meaningful and lasting connections with grandchildren.
LinksHere is the link to Jim's "Grampion" website: https://thegrampion.com/
Check out Jim's YouTube Channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@jimtracygrampion
Check out the Tower Family Foundation's website: https://towerfamilyfoundation.org/
I invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
Should you want to take advantage of 35% off my award-winning children's book, you may do so at this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/
If you would like to watch this conversation on YouTube, you can use this link: https://youtu.be/Em9qtmuGKCQ
Here is the link to the conversation that I had with Cynthia Covey Hollar about the book Live Life In Crescendo: https://cool-grandpa.us/2024/03/ep-172-live-life-in-crescendo/
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This week's conversation is with Aaron Larsen, the founder of Grandparents Academy. In our discussion, Aaron and I discuss the incredible growth of Grandparents Weeks from its first year to the present day. It has been incredible to be associated with Grandparents Academy and watch this amazing community's growth focused on strengthening grandparents and grandchildren.
Incase you don't know what Grandparents Week is all about, It has become the largest online gathering and celebration of grandparents. With your free sign-up, you will get to hear amazing presenters talking about topics such as:
Connect with Grandkids at Any Age and Distance Getting Along with The Parents of Your Grandchildren The Grandparent Evolution - Help Your Family Thrive in Today's World The T.E.A.M. Approach to Proactive Legacy Grandparenting Becoming Glamma - Mixing Fashion, Fitness & Fun Going from Good to Great Grandparenting The Keys to Multi-generational Harmony Resources for Raising Grandchildren And many moreBe sure to sign up for this free event using the link below.
LinksI invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
Should you want to take advantage of 35% off my award-winning children's book, you may do so at this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/
If you would like to watch this conversation on YouTube, you can use this link: https://youtu.be/TXi7epLkE2s
Here is a link to the first interview that I had with Aaron: https://cool-grandpa.us/2022/08/ep-93-grandparents-academy/
Here is another interview that I had with Aaron about Grandparents Week 2023: https://cool-grandpa.us/2023/03/ep-122-resources-for-grandparents/
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A few weeks back, I volunteered at the scout camp where I worked in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. It was a blast being with a group of energetic people who are really putting their hearts and souls into doing what they can to make the world a better place.
I was able to eat, sleep, work, and sweat with these great folks. Over the week, I made a few observations about Generation Z, or iGen, as they are sometimes called. To start out, let's define Gen Z as anyone born between 1995 and 2015.
Here are a few of the characteristics of iGen that I read about from Generational Kinetics (genhq.com).
Gen Z is better at multi-tasking than other generations before them. Gen Z has a desire to work. The iGen cohort is more Entrepreneurial than other generations. (I think this is a natural function of age vs. something particular about this generation) Gen Z thinks that Millennials are old. Social media affects iGen members' self-worth more than other generations. 47% of Gen Zers feel that social media directly impacts how they feel about themselves.After spending about ten days with a group of over 40 Gen Zers, here are a few of my observations.
Few seemed to be self-starters or felt they were not responsible for the area around them regarding upkeep or enhancements. Many seemed to have an exaggerated sense of risk or were risk-averse. There seemed to be a lack of creative problem-solving or creatively working with their constraints to create solutions to physical or non-physical challenges.I want to be clear that while I am sharing my opinions and insights into what I was seeing with a group of teenagers and people in their early 20s, this is not intended to be a negative discussion but rather an opportunity for us grandparents to work and coach up our grandchildren as well as those young people who we come into contact with to help them be more prepared for the challenges they will experience both personally and societally.
What Grandparents can do to help out GenZ:Here are some of my ideas about how we can help our grandchildren who are part of GenZ.
Help them identify tasks that need attention and then help them learn to take the initiative in owning and coming up with a solution. Encourage the taking of calculated risks. Many of our grandchildren live in a highly regulated, minimally risk-tolerant society. The result is that they don't take risks and only see downsides and hazards instead of potential opportunities for fun and gain. Help them be forward-focused. We can do this by encouraging discussions about the freedoms and responsibilities they will have as they age and achieve success in their lives. Work with grandchildren to come up with solutions, even temporary, using the tools and resources on hand. There is a great opportunity for accomplishment that I think younger people miss out on when coming up with a 'good enough' solution using only what is on hand until a better solution to a challenge can be put into place. ConclusionIt would be easy enough for us to join the chorus of doomsayers about the rising generation. After all, doesn't it seem like part of the reward for growing older to take up that mantel of 'the world is going to hell in a handbasket'?
What I am challenging myself and hopefully YOU to do, is to recognize that there might be some gaps that our grandchildren and their generation have BUT then find ways to become part of the solution and not just a crusty old cus sitting on the sidelines telling everyone how awesome it was when you were young. Like Billy Joel said in one of his songs, "You know the good ole days weren't always good. And tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems."
LinksI invite you to join me at Grandparents Week by clicking this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/a/2147832178/ikxv5HFd.
If you want to sign up for my course, Intentional Grandfathering, please use this link: https://training.grandparentsacademy.com/intentional-grandfathering-masterclass.
If you would like to watch this conversation on YouTube, you can use this link:
- Se mer
