Don't Cheat The Children: Connecting Generations Through GrandFriendships

WHAT ARE GRANDFRIENDSHIPS? They are comfortable two-way interactions between children and safe, available seniors -- family or non-family -- who live near one another. These connections help re-create the village concept when parents make them happen. These true intergenerational stories describe how youngsters at every age grew stronger, smarter, and more compassionate. You will see how GrandFriendships in families, neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, and other settings can enrich the lives of both children and seniors. This guidebook contains: * Reasons why GrandFriendships are needed in today's stressed-out society. * The story of elementary school kids bonding with the frail elderly. * Powerful feedback from those same kids, 20 years later! * Action Steps for parents to jump-start GrandFriendships. What others say: With compassion, joy and wisdom, Helene Block Fields captures the unique impact that GrandFriendships between young and old have on one another. The time is now...for parents to prioritize time to help connect the generations...after reading this amazing guidebook, how could you not? - GAIL REICHLIN, Executive Director of The Parents Resource Network, and Author of The Pocket Parent This book is inspirational, informative, and highly practical. It especially highlights the natural affinity between youngsters and seniors who have been seasoned by life. It is also must reading for seniors who wish to give back to their communities. As a former Child Development instructor at the college level and Head Start pioneer, I urge both parents and professionals to read this book. - LUCIA CAPACCHIONE, Ph.D, Art Therapist, and Author of Recovery of Your Inner Child

Helene Block Fields is an intergenerational pioneer and grandparenting specialist. Her 30 year career includes teaching and consulting from pre-school through college. Helene and her husband happily share 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.