Description
Books
Our Grandfamily: A Flip-Sided Book About Grandchildren Being Raised By Grandparents
Our Grandfamily is an honest, yet reassuring look at the struggles and joys of living in a skip-generation family. Designed as a flip-sided book, dual stories allow readers to experience a unique type of family arrangement from the perspective of both grandparents and grandchildren. With humour, heart, and highlighted feeling words to inspire conversation, Our Grandfamily is both entertaining and educational.
The Grandfamily Guidebook: Wisdom and Support for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Are you one of nearly 3 million grandparents across North America raising your grandchildren as part of a grand family? You may have done all this parenting stuff before, but times have changed since you raised your own kids, and you likely never thought you’d be raising kids again.
Grandparents as Parents, Second Edition: A Survival Guide for Raising a Second Family
If you’re among the millions of grandparents raising grandchildren today, you need information, support, and practical guidance you can count on to keep your family strong. This is the book for you. Learn effective strategies to help you cope with the stresses of parenting the second time around, care for vulnerable grandkids and set boundaries with their often-troubled parents, and navigate the maze of government aid, court proceedings, and special education. Wise, honest, moving stories show how numerous other grandparents are surviving and thriving in their new roles. Updated throughout, and reflecting current laws and policies affecting families, the second edition features new discussions of kids’ technology use and other timely issues.
The Invisible String
Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.
Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights
All families change over time. Sometimes a baby is born, or a grown-up gets married. And sometimes a child gets a new foster parent or a new adopted mom or dad. Children need to know that when this happens, it’s not their fault. They need to understand that they can remember and value their birth family and love their new family, too. Straightforward words and full-color illustrations offer hope and support for children facing or experiencing change. Includes resources and information for birth parents, foster parents, social workers, counselors, and teachers.
Websites and Articles
Raising Your Grandchildren
A guide designed to help grandparents and other relatives (kinship parents) in their efforts to raise, parent, and educate these children and to find needed resources for the children as well as themselves.
Generations United
“Because We’re Stronger Together” A website to help improve the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs.
Raising Grandchildren
“Because We’re Stronger Together” A website to help improve the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
An AARP article of census data which shows an increase in children being raised by extended family.
Groups
Kinship Information Network
A public group dedicated to those grandparents and other relative caregivers who are raising their grandchildren, their nieces or nephews either by court order or voluntarily.
Daily Strength
This community is dedicated to grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren.
Magazines
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Tucker N –
This is an outstanding story that is both appropriate and timely. I find it to be a story of courage and acceptance in action.
doctorjwm –
The book begins with a quote from Carl Sagan “Deep down in the molecular heart of life the trees and we are essentially identical” Written for children who are being raised by person(s) other than their parents, this book, using the analogy of a beech tree, beautifully develops the theme that, over time, love and nurturing can become acceptable no matter where it comes from. The sadness of not being raised by a parent is presented but done in such a way as to make grief a natural feeling but a feeling that, in the end, can be overcome with feelings of self-worth and appreciation for those who stepped in to care for them. An important book for children from age 4 on as well as for their caregivers. Easy to read with lovely illustrations on each page. Helpful ideas for questions and considerations follow the story.
Dr.J. Meldau, Ed.D.
peggypollice –
The Magic of Roots and Stars is a beautifully written and illustrated book about grandparent(s) (or someone other than a parent) raising children. I could really relate to the story and I would recommend this book to anyone raising children that are not their own. Lovely Book!
Janie –
So I have to say, this book took me by surprise, it grabbed at my heartstrings because of how I related to this incredible story. I was raised by my grandmother and she made me see that I am special the way I am. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized that I can accept who I was meant to be. The magic of roots and stars just reminded me of the strength I have within to grow because I will not forget where my roots came from. No matter what obstacles I’ve been through I prevail. I am happy where I came from, even though it was tough sometimes. Thank you, Debra Alessandra, your book has inspired me to remember that I am important and deserve to be happy.
Nancy Baquet –
My heart opened up with every word I read and every page I turned. The illustrations are like music to the eyes. This beautifully written book will give hope to all who can relate, whether being in a similar situation or knowing people that are struggling with their situation.
Carole Eilenberg, LCSW –
A captivating and heartwarming tale for children of any age. Not only very well written but also beautifully illustrated. Both for the eyes and soul. I would say if you are a grandparent or raising a child that is not directly yours, this is a must-read. As a psychotherapist I see many blended families looking for guidance in helping to integrate the child into the “unexpected” family. This book speaks from both the child’s perception as well as the perspective of the “parent”
Jennifer –
Beautiful illustration!
Lynette –
This book was easy to read with vivid imagery. The illustrations are beautiful and I found the characters to be interesting and well developed.
Diane –
I am a licensed therapist working with children from all sorts of homes, being raised by loving family members. This book is an inspiration for those children and I look forward to sharing it with my clients. Bravo, Debra Alessandra!
Amazon Customer –
Wonderful story with a strong (really good) message. Loved the art work!
Amazon Customer –
WOW – BRAVO TO THE AUTHOR FOR TACKLING SUCH A SENSITIVE SUBJECT AND HANDLING IT SO WELL. Shows her experience with feelings and children – a great message for us all.
Judith A. Dykstra –
Such a well done & beautiful quick read. I think this should be on reading lists of folks whether they’re adopting or they are the adopted. It leaves the reader with strength & positivity!
Amazon Customer –
Great book, with a wonderful meaning. I loved the illustrations.
Amazon Customer –
Beautifully written and moving read. Highly recommend for children and adults alike!
Jayne D. Johnson –
Beautifully written. A must for children and adolescents who struggle with identity as a result of parents who have been unable to be there.
wetfeet –
This is a beautiful book in so many ways, colorful paintings/illustrations, a compassionate kind perspective, a journey into connection with the world which supports and nourishes us, a reminder calling us home. What a wonderful story to curl up with a child and read together and share the moment! We need more of this!