Evangelicals Now
<< May 2002 >>

The Parentalk Guide to being a Grandparent

Nanny state

THE PARENTALK GUIDE TO BEING A GRANDPARENT
By Jim Harding
Hodder and Stoughton. 182 pages. £5.99
ISBN 0 340 78542 X

This is one of the 'Parentalk' series of books of practical resources for parents. Jim Harding draws on his experience as former Chief Executive of the NSPCC and as grandfather of four. The aim of the book is 'How to survive and enjoy being a grandparent in the 21st century'. He begins by stressing the importance and joy of being a grandparent, reminding us that this includes not only biological offspring but inherited step-grandchildren in our increasingly complex society.

Chapters range from preparing for grandparenthood through to relating to teenagers, changing relationships with our children as they enter parenthood, and coping with child abuse.

An appendix lists helpful organisations.

It is easy-to-read, dotted with cartoons and a 'Top Tip' boxed summary on almost every page which is helpful for the busy reader or those with short memory span!
It is a useful general read for prospective or present grandparents, Christian or not, but I was very disappointed at the lack of spiritual input. Spiritual issues are only briefly touched on, with no mention of Jesus and a rather vague approach. I would like to have seen a robust attitude to our responsibilities to pass on the gospel to succeeding generations and some practical ways of doing this.

Having said this, I found the book positive and enjoyable and it left me with new thoughts and a fresh desire to be a better grandparent.

Margaret Baker, Hove