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- ISBN: 9781583943625 | 1583943625
- Cover: Paperback
- Copyright: 3/27/2012
A Santa Cruz postpartum doula, a New Hampshire flute-maker, a Zen teacher, a dance therapist, a Sri Lankan film director-these are a few of the grandparents who share their stories in this bracing collection. The essays cover a wide range of experiences as they examine the marrow of this often undervalued relationship from both the grandparent and the grandchild point of view. A common thread running throughout is the special importance of these relationships, which are often as complex and rewarding as the parent-child connection. Wondrous Childis divided into four parts. In Part One, ;Settling In, ; new grandparents survey the territory and describe their expectations. Part Two, ;Balancing Reality and Hope, ; takes a deeper look at some of the heartbreak that can occur, as well as complexities: step-grandparenting, spanning geographical distance, the surprise of children living with grandparents. Part Three, ;Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, ; explores men and women parenting their grandchildren in the absence of parents. Part Four, ;Grandchildren Remember ; is written by grown grandchildren who catch the tone and feeling of this special person in their life. These vivid essays will appeal to both grandparents, as a celebration of their place in the family, and new parents curious about how grandparents can contribute to their children. From the Trade Paperback edition.