Hi,

It’s summer, a time to relax a bit and also become a bit introspective so I am going to take the time today to tell you a personal story.

“We need to accept the fact that we are not going to be grandparents.” These words, between my husband and I made it real. It wasn’t going to happen.

It was my daughter Chelsea’s birthday and the family was gathered for dinner. Chelsea got our attention, stood up and went to stand with her husband, John. “We have news,” she said. You guessed it, she was announcing her pregnancy and in that moment our lives changed, for the better.

We asked about her due date and she explained that is was August 10 but it would be earlier.  She went on the say that twins always come earlier. Oh, my goodness. We were floored, excited and so very, very happy.

When we settled down my son announced that Chelsea wasn’t the only one, his wife was also pregnant and due August 20. To say we were gobsmacked hardly touches our feelings.

So, you have looked at your calendars and realize these dates are fast approaching. And, I plan, from time to time to talk about the experience.

Along with this regularly published newsletter, I do blog. And I will be talking about Becoming Grandma in my blog. Keep an eye on my twitter posts if you want to follow my story as it unfolds.

Meanwhile, I would love to hear from you. What is the most important tip you can give this potential Grandma?

Bringing Parenting Today to Your Venue

Parenting Today is keen to work with you as part of your professional development event, parenting workshop or workplace wellness support program. I offer keynotes and workshops, have written books and have ongoing newspaper columns, books, blogs and newsletters. And, no matter what the actual topic, they all share a basic value that I call

 P.U.R.E. Parenting.

P — is a parenting plan

U — is unconditional love

R — is respect for your child as he is right now

E — is encouragement

These make up the framework of any resources that will come from Parenting Today. These four pillars are the essential ingredients for raising healthy children who will develop into capable young men and women.

I am based on the west coast but will be doing some traveling this Fall. I’ll be in Toronto September 8 to 10 and in Winnipeg from December 2 to 4. I am happy to extend these trips if you wish to book an event.