Today's Grandmother: Your Guide to the First Two Years: A lot has changed since you had your baby! The how-to book to become an active and engaged grandmother

Giving 3 stars because I bought to gift to my mother in law and will not be doing so because I don’t love all the advice given. While I like that she offers perspective and a grandmothers point of view, I also don’t think it’s entirely in the best interest of the baby and new parents to be. 1) Speaking of grandmother babysitting. Maybe it will be ok once the baby is at a certain age to be at the grandmothers house, but early on what is best for the baby is to be at home especially if it’s routine is already off because it’s with a new person. This is also easier on the parents who are probably very nervous leaving their baby for the first time. She talks about how much the grandmother can get done while the baby is napping if they are at the grandmothers house but misses the point that this is not about the grandmother and about the parents needing a night out and want to probably come home to their baby in their home. Her advice is clearly for when the kid is 9-24 months, but skips all information on babysitting at the new parents house and benefits of that for the parents and baby. 2) The opinion about the grandmothers being there in the first couple of days after the baby is born is again swayed by the perspective of the grandmother. A new mother is bleeding, dealing with hormone fluctuations, maybe trying to learn to breastfeed which is hard and not something they want to learn in the eyes of others, and trying to bond and do as much skin to skin contact with their baby in the first 1-2 weeks. So while yes, having someone to help clean sounds nice, it’s not in the best interest of the baby and new parents. Prepare meals before babies arrival and have food delivered and then when you come visit once invited by new parents help with cleaning and cooking and don’t just hold the baby. At first though give them time to bond and figure out how to be new parents on their own.

Gave this to my mother in law and my own mother! It’s a great update to all things child safety and respecting boundaries.

As a first-time grandmother, I was looking for a book that essentially says, "You were taught to parent a certain way 30 years ago, but this is what it's like now," and this is that book. Most grandparenting books seem to tout glitter and unicorns about how wonderful everything is and how it's all about YOU (the grandparent). It is wonderful, but let's get priorities straight.We were taught to always put a baby to sleep on its stomach, to use cribs with drop-down sides, to liberally apply baby powder, and so forth. Times have changed! You can adjust to the new changes and get to see your new grandchild, or you can cling to the past and be the grandparent that is not trusted with the baby. I know which one I want to be. Another big feature of this book is about setting boundaries and how to ask the new parents if they want help, and if so, what kind of help. Don't be the mother or mother-in-law from hell.I'd give this book five stars were it not for a lot of really bad editing errors. There are numerous misspellings (seem to be from relying on a spellchecker instead of human intelligence), omitted words, a repeated paragraph, and a typo that talks about weather being -400 degrees Celsius. Um, I don't think so. Also, this book seems to talk of a world in which grandfathers do not exist. I know many adults do not have a father "in the picture," but it struck me as odd and sad. And yes, I know the title does say "Grandmother" and not "Grandparents."

Very helpful reminders from a qualified author.

This is the best book I have found on grandparenting. It updates you on what has changed, both scientifically and with trends, and prepares you for what your children might plan to do--some of which might be very different than they were raised. Once you read this, you will be savvy and up with the trends. You'll still need to learn how to take a back seat--your children now have the RESPONSIBILITY and thus should have the authority of decision making. It's an adjustment, but with lack of authority can also come less stress. AND if we are cooperative and helpful, we might get more time with that adorable baby. I REMEMBER when bossy, unhelpful family members came to visit me. They were NOT invited frequently to visit. Some of them came to see "the baby" and caused me extra work, while I was trying to heal. NEVER AGAIN! They were OFF the list of invited early guests. Those who understood and helped with laundry, cleaning and watching the baby so I could enjoy a shower--THEY were invited back frequently. They got lots of time with the baby, as I grew to trust them. We have been warned! :-)

I'm about three chapters in and despite AWFUL editing (for example, one entire paragraph is repeated around page 10 -- and that's just one of many faux pas I've seen), I have to say I like this book. One of the big refrains that keeps coming up is (essentially), "keep your mouth shut" and don't try to impart all the wisdom you acquired while raising your own children. The author has quite a few children and is a nurse who has helped many moms and grandmothers. It's a joyous time and as I prepare for the arrival of my first grandchild, I want to make sure I don't unwittingly do something that might alienate my daughter and her husband. Things have definitely changed in the last 25 years and this book is helping me keep an open mind and to remember that my role is to provide unconditional love and support.

This is a great book, presented in a style that is easy to read with information easy to access - ideal for dipping in to and out of.The author shares her experience of working in a medical capacity with expectant and new mothers which provides a credible and sound basis for the book's contents, and also shares her revelations on becoming a grandmother herself, adding a beautiful personal touch to the book.A valuable guide and reference for grandmothers-to-be/grandmothers.

An interesting book, with plenty of good advice. As the author is Canadian a lot of the references are less applicable to UK. However, I am glad I've read it.

This is a great book! So much has changed and its good to get all the new information from someone as knowledgeable as Angela. I highly recommend this book to any first time grandmothers to be. Thank you.