By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
Schoolchildren learn early that good laws are made by good people voted into public office. Those folks make promises to make life better. And if they don't follow through on those promises we "throw the bums out!" That's how democracy works, right? Why then, one might ponder, do the laws on grandparents rights not favor the rights of grandchildren to maintain a loving relationship their grandparents...where are the people who are looking after their interests?
The reality - until recently - is that such laws have not been necessary. Not all that long ago it would have been unthinkable to keep a grandparent and grandchild apart. Sadly, with the advent of social isolationism, skyrocketing divorce rates and drugs & alcohol addiction, the family unit has been blown to bits, leaving children as collateral damage.
We've all read or watched as a tragic story unfolds regarding a grandchild snatched from the arms of loving grandparents. These human interest stories most often show the struggle by a grandparent to have access to their grandchild after the parent dies or divorces. The media publish photos or video of loving grandparents looking down at an empty swing, or holding a well-worn picture of young grandchildren. These kinds of stories are heartbreaking to viewers.
More to the delight of media, these "human interest" stories send sales of newspapers and TV news ratings through the roof. The power of the media to make & change laws on grandparents rights cannot be overstated.
Public opinion gets attention - massive attention makes law.
A shining example in this regard is that of Patricia Slorah, a Floridan grandmother who found herself locked out of the life of her granddaughter. This desperate grandmother searched in vain for support - others who could listen, understand and give direction. Finding none, Slorah decided to form a support group and placed an ad in the local paper. When local media outlets saw the ad in December of 1989, Slorah was invited to appear on television, and interviewed by newspapers. Her story spread like wildfire cross the entire state of Florida.
By May, 1990 - just six short months after forming that support group - legislation passed allowing concessions in Florida's law. Grandparents won the rights to petition the court for grandparents rights in certain circumstances - giving grandparents a much stronger position in advocating on behalf of their grandchildren.
And it all started with a single, heartbroken grandmother...
There is much to be done before laws on grandparents rights guarantee Grandchildren rights to a loving relationship with Grandparents. But - as any school child can tell you - with enough votes, it can be done.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/the-law-of-grandparents-rights/]laws on grandparents rights visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Laws-On-Grandparents-Rights---Publicity-Is-Power!&id=6442449] Laws On Grandparents Rights - Publicity Is Power!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Grandparent Legal Rights - Help Is On The Way!
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
Today in the United States, politics is largely a series of negotiations between various groups with special interests. Special interest groups get a bad name, but the fact of the matter is this: when you're dealing with important issues, such as grandparents legal rights, it helps to bond together with others in your situation. The American Association of Retired Persons is one organization you can turn to.
In fact, this organization is perhaps the most reliable and proven one to you can turn when it comes to grandparent legal rights. This organization has over 40 million elder Americans as members. This makes it one of the largest lobbying groups in the land.
This powerful lobby has worked for more than 50 years to help improve the quality of life for older Americans. They have been at the forefront of advocating for positive social change, and for making sure that grandparent legal rights are protected.
Here are some of the ways this hard-working organization is working hard for you:
Taking the lead on grandparents legal rights. The American Association of Retired Persons has worked at the state and federal levels to try to see legislation passed that favors grandparents. They have struggled to insure that grandparents have visitation rights to grandchildren, as an example.
Advocating for social change in other areas that matter to you. Issues like Social Security and affordable health care are important to you; thus, they are at the forefront of this organization, as well.
Providing outreach programs, giving you a way to make your voice heard through its volunteer opportunities.
Voter education. The organization puts together summaries of how various politicians vote on key legislation that faces you as an older American. They make researching where your elected officials stand on the issues a relatively easy and painless process.
Providing other benefits. The association isn't only interested in advocacy and politics. While advocating for grandparents legal rights is one part of what they do, it isn't the only thing. For example, the organization offers its members a variety of financial and insurance-related products, often at a significant discount.
If you're concerned about grandparents legal rights, this powerful organization is one you need to know more about. Joining is simple, and it's probably the easiest way to make sure that your voice is heard. Add in all of the other benefits, and you can begin to see that the organization really is dedicated to improving your quality of life, and that of other older Americans.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparents-legal-rights/]grandparents legal rights visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparent-Legal-Rights---Help-Is-On-The-Way!&id=6447701] Grandparent Legal Rights - Help Is On The Way!
Today in the United States, politics is largely a series of negotiations between various groups with special interests. Special interest groups get a bad name, but the fact of the matter is this: when you're dealing with important issues, such as grandparents legal rights, it helps to bond together with others in your situation. The American Association of Retired Persons is one organization you can turn to.
In fact, this organization is perhaps the most reliable and proven one to you can turn when it comes to grandparent legal rights. This organization has over 40 million elder Americans as members. This makes it one of the largest lobbying groups in the land.
This powerful lobby has worked for more than 50 years to help improve the quality of life for older Americans. They have been at the forefront of advocating for positive social change, and for making sure that grandparent legal rights are protected.
Here are some of the ways this hard-working organization is working hard for you:
Taking the lead on grandparents legal rights. The American Association of Retired Persons has worked at the state and federal levels to try to see legislation passed that favors grandparents. They have struggled to insure that grandparents have visitation rights to grandchildren, as an example.
Advocating for social change in other areas that matter to you. Issues like Social Security and affordable health care are important to you; thus, they are at the forefront of this organization, as well.
Providing outreach programs, giving you a way to make your voice heard through its volunteer opportunities.
Voter education. The organization puts together summaries of how various politicians vote on key legislation that faces you as an older American. They make researching where your elected officials stand on the issues a relatively easy and painless process.
Providing other benefits. The association isn't only interested in advocacy and politics. While advocating for grandparents legal rights is one part of what they do, it isn't the only thing. For example, the organization offers its members a variety of financial and insurance-related products, often at a significant discount.
If you're concerned about grandparents legal rights, this powerful organization is one you need to know more about. Joining is simple, and it's probably the easiest way to make sure that your voice is heard. Add in all of the other benefits, and you can begin to see that the organization really is dedicated to improving your quality of life, and that of other older Americans.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparents-legal-rights/]grandparents legal rights visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparent-Legal-Rights---Help-Is-On-The-Way!&id=6447701] Grandparent Legal Rights - Help Is On The Way!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Family: Things to Prepare Before Going to an Outing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Linda_Hancock]Linda Hancock
This week is our city's Stampede and I have been blessed to have my daughter and her family stay with me in order to attend. There were several things that I did in order to prepare so that we could truly enjoy our time together and you might want to do the same when your family arrives.
1. Schedule time off - It is important that you have time to enjoy the activities when you have a chance to do so. I decided to work hard for the days before they arrived, taking extra client appointments, so that I would meet my business goals and not fall behind.
2. Set aside some slush money - Every once in awhile you just need to enjoy luxuries. The Stampede not only offers interesting concerts but also special treats such as mini-donuts and lemonade. You don't need to go overboard, but it is fun to enjoy a few extras.
3. Look for bargains - The tickets for rides are extremely expensive and the wristbands do save time and money, however, there are times that you can actually buy wristbands from sponsors at a lower price. This year, for example, I was able to buy them at a savings of $11.00 each just because I went a little out of my way and got them before the deadline.
4. Rest - Sun and fun can cause fatigue. Make sure that you get enough rest before, during and after the visit.
5. Have proper supplies - Ensure that you have enough toilet paper, laundry detergent and beverages for the crowd. You will also want to take bottled water with you for the hot days so that you do not dehydrate and do not have to pay more than necessary at the grounds. Also, remember to take along hats and suntan lotion.
Inviting family to visit you can be a wonderful experience and help you to build memories that will last for a lifetime. With a little planning and organization, you will be able to not only have fun but also save money and make the whole adventure a positive and value-packed time. This can be done by scheduling time off from your career, setting aside some "slush money", looking for bargains, resting and having the proper supplies on hand.
Once you have everything in place, all you will need to do is enjoy, enjoy and enjoy!
By the way, do you want to learn more about building your medical practice and improving your life situation?
If so, download my brand new mini-book "7 Things Doctors Can Do Immediately To Get More Free Time and Sanity Their Practices" here: http://openforbusinesssuccess.com/?page_id=69
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Family:-Things-to-Prepare-Before-Going-to-an-Outing&id=6459177] Family: Things to Prepare Before Going to an Outing
This week is our city's Stampede and I have been blessed to have my daughter and her family stay with me in order to attend. There were several things that I did in order to prepare so that we could truly enjoy our time together and you might want to do the same when your family arrives.
1. Schedule time off - It is important that you have time to enjoy the activities when you have a chance to do so. I decided to work hard for the days before they arrived, taking extra client appointments, so that I would meet my business goals and not fall behind.
2. Set aside some slush money - Every once in awhile you just need to enjoy luxuries. The Stampede not only offers interesting concerts but also special treats such as mini-donuts and lemonade. You don't need to go overboard, but it is fun to enjoy a few extras.
3. Look for bargains - The tickets for rides are extremely expensive and the wristbands do save time and money, however, there are times that you can actually buy wristbands from sponsors at a lower price. This year, for example, I was able to buy them at a savings of $11.00 each just because I went a little out of my way and got them before the deadline.
4. Rest - Sun and fun can cause fatigue. Make sure that you get enough rest before, during and after the visit.
5. Have proper supplies - Ensure that you have enough toilet paper, laundry detergent and beverages for the crowd. You will also want to take bottled water with you for the hot days so that you do not dehydrate and do not have to pay more than necessary at the grounds. Also, remember to take along hats and suntan lotion.
Inviting family to visit you can be a wonderful experience and help you to build memories that will last for a lifetime. With a little planning and organization, you will be able to not only have fun but also save money and make the whole adventure a positive and value-packed time. This can be done by scheduling time off from your career, setting aside some "slush money", looking for bargains, resting and having the proper supplies on hand.
Once you have everything in place, all you will need to do is enjoy, enjoy and enjoy!
By the way, do you want to learn more about building your medical practice and improving your life situation?
If so, download my brand new mini-book "7 Things Doctors Can Do Immediately To Get More Free Time and Sanity Their Practices" here: http://openforbusinesssuccess.com/?page_id=69
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Family:-Things-to-Prepare-Before-Going-to-an-Outing&id=6459177] Family: Things to Prepare Before Going to an Outing
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Grandparents Rights to Grandchildren and the Power of 40 Million Voices
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
For good or bad, when it comes to championing a just cause for life or liberty, our country is comprised of special interest groups, each desperately vying for 15 minutes of undivided attention from lawmakers. Until the last decade or so, it would have been unthinkable to believe that such a group would be needed for a grandparents seeking visitation rights to grandchildren
But that was then...in the before time.
While special interest groups tend to get a bad name, the fact of the matter that they are the way to "make it so" on national, state and local levels. When it comes to elder care & rights - whether they be grandparents visitation rights to grandchildren, healthcare or the right to be treated with dignity in the workplace - one group stands alone. That powerful force is, of course, the American Association of Retired Persons.
Membership in the non-profit group, according to the latest number crunchers, is well over 40 million. This puts it in the top three most powerful lobbying groups (especially given the financial stability and reserves of its' retired members!) in the United States. Founded more than half a century ago, headquarters are based in Washington where law is made.
The mission of the American Association of Retired Persons is to "enhance the quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change, and delivering value to members through information, advocacy, and service."
When it comes to getting help for grandparents rights to grandchildren & understanding the plight of a heartbroken and desperate grandmother who's been denied access to her grandchildren, there just isn't anyone bigger or stronger to lean on.
How does the American Association of Retired Persons work to enhance grandparent visitation rights? There are a number of activities that the organization participates in at any given time, including:
Lobbying. These tireless advocates work with members of the House and Senate, as well as politicians on a state and local level, to bring about positive change for seniors.
Volunteer programs. The group gives its members the chance to be involved in many volunteer efforts, some of which help to bring about instrumental change in the area of grandparent visitation and custody rights.
Educational materials. Expert and quality publications on a wide range of topics of concerns to seniors ranging from mental health, personal care, legal resources, financial advice, physical welfare and more.
Voter education. The organization works to educate all voters, not just seniors, about the important issues facing elder Americans...including the rights of grandparents to a loving & nurturing relationship with their grandchildren.
By joining this powerful group - and actively participating in the discussions & decision-making - you can make a real difference for grandparents who must due battle for visitation rights to grandchildren. Network with other seniors who are as concerned as you about the well-being of our country...and that of our country's children.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights, and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparents-rights-to-grandchildren//]grandparents rights to grandchildren and how the powerful American Association of Retired Persons can help, visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparents-Rights-to-Grandchildren-and-the-Power-of-40-Million-Voices&id=6425183] Grandparents Rights to Grandchildren and the Power of 40 Million Voices
For good or bad, when it comes to championing a just cause for life or liberty, our country is comprised of special interest groups, each desperately vying for 15 minutes of undivided attention from lawmakers. Until the last decade or so, it would have been unthinkable to believe that such a group would be needed for a grandparents seeking visitation rights to grandchildren
But that was then...in the before time.
While special interest groups tend to get a bad name, the fact of the matter that they are the way to "make it so" on national, state and local levels. When it comes to elder care & rights - whether they be grandparents visitation rights to grandchildren, healthcare or the right to be treated with dignity in the workplace - one group stands alone. That powerful force is, of course, the American Association of Retired Persons.
Membership in the non-profit group, according to the latest number crunchers, is well over 40 million. This puts it in the top three most powerful lobbying groups (especially given the financial stability and reserves of its' retired members!) in the United States. Founded more than half a century ago, headquarters are based in Washington where law is made.
The mission of the American Association of Retired Persons is to "enhance the quality of life for all as we age, leading positive social change, and delivering value to members through information, advocacy, and service."
When it comes to getting help for grandparents rights to grandchildren & understanding the plight of a heartbroken and desperate grandmother who's been denied access to her grandchildren, there just isn't anyone bigger or stronger to lean on.
How does the American Association of Retired Persons work to enhance grandparent visitation rights? There are a number of activities that the organization participates in at any given time, including:
Lobbying. These tireless advocates work with members of the House and Senate, as well as politicians on a state and local level, to bring about positive change for seniors.
Volunteer programs. The group gives its members the chance to be involved in many volunteer efforts, some of which help to bring about instrumental change in the area of grandparent visitation and custody rights.
Educational materials. Expert and quality publications on a wide range of topics of concerns to seniors ranging from mental health, personal care, legal resources, financial advice, physical welfare and more.
Voter education. The organization works to educate all voters, not just seniors, about the important issues facing elder Americans...including the rights of grandparents to a loving & nurturing relationship with their grandchildren.
By joining this powerful group - and actively participating in the discussions & decision-making - you can make a real difference for grandparents who must due battle for visitation rights to grandchildren. Network with other seniors who are as concerned as you about the well-being of our country...and that of our country's children.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights, and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparents-rights-to-grandchildren//]grandparents rights to grandchildren and how the powerful American Association of Retired Persons can help, visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparents-Rights-to-Grandchildren-and-the-Power-of-40-Million-Voices&id=6425183] Grandparents Rights to Grandchildren and the Power of 40 Million Voices
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Grandmother Rights to Grandchildren - The Law of Birthright
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of Birthright is "Any right or privilege to which a person is entitled by birth". So when "grandmother rights to grandchildren" is EVER an issue, we must demand the presses be stopped until two burning questions are satisfactorily answered:
"How could it possibly be in the best interest of this child to take away his birthright?"
"What can be done to minimize the devastating effects of Grandparent Alienation Syndrome?"
These questions should be so far off our radar as to shock & dismay us - and move us to act in a way that will courageously speak for those who cannot...thousands upon thousands of innocent grandchildren, who have no legal rights.
Do we not fondly remember grandmothers who gave us many of our treasured, joyful memories...wise, elderly women who loved us unconditionally? The comfort of her lap as she gently rocked our tears away after a scolding from mommy or daddy... trips to the lake, hiking the trails, building sandcastles on the beach...ice cream cones and root beer floats.
Sadly, until recently these have not been the leading questions when grandmother rights to grandchildren are brought to light. Instead, mostly in whispers and back-alley gossip, the nay-Sayers have cared only to hear the low-down on "what she did to deserve it".
Then there are the legal eagles - the "experts" who flail their arms and pound their iron fists on the table all the while espousing the 'sanctity of marriage' clause. Alright. In case anyone in the back row has missed my position on this issue, let me state it with clarity and finality here:
The presumption that two people with a marital decree - regardless of age, experience, sense of entitlement, family background, mental stability or intent - will in every case put "the best interest of the child" first, is ludicrous on its face.
Over three-quarters of a million children are physically abused and neglected each year. Untold millions suffer the consequences of broken homes, verbal & emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment..trust is shattered, nothing is safe.
Tragically, when a child needs his grandmother the most - as a stable, comforting port in the violent storm - she disappears without a trace from his life and he is told she no longer matters, no longer cares.
The American family is under attack like never before. Perhaps it is time turn our backs on the political correctness which has gotten us into this gargantuan mess and just use some good ol' common sense. Let's reverse the Troxel v. Granville Supreme Court decision which struck down a federal law granting grandparents rights to their grandchildren.
If a child is to be surgically removed from a life in which he was assured of unconditional love, passionate protection & undying loyalty, then let it be incumbent upon the parent/guardian to prove why it must be done. In enforcing laws for grandmother rights to grandchildren, we guarantee every Grand Child their birthright. Anything less is unacceptable.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/what-about-grandchildren-rights/]grandmother rights to grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandmother-Rights-to-Grandchildren---The-Law-of-Birthright&id=6477760] Grandmother Rights to Grandchildren - The Law of Birthright
According to Dictionary.com, the definition of Birthright is "Any right or privilege to which a person is entitled by birth". So when "grandmother rights to grandchildren" is EVER an issue, we must demand the presses be stopped until two burning questions are satisfactorily answered:
"How could it possibly be in the best interest of this child to take away his birthright?"
"What can be done to minimize the devastating effects of Grandparent Alienation Syndrome?"
These questions should be so far off our radar as to shock & dismay us - and move us to act in a way that will courageously speak for those who cannot...thousands upon thousands of innocent grandchildren, who have no legal rights.
Do we not fondly remember grandmothers who gave us many of our treasured, joyful memories...wise, elderly women who loved us unconditionally? The comfort of her lap as she gently rocked our tears away after a scolding from mommy or daddy... trips to the lake, hiking the trails, building sandcastles on the beach...ice cream cones and root beer floats.
Sadly, until recently these have not been the leading questions when grandmother rights to grandchildren are brought to light. Instead, mostly in whispers and back-alley gossip, the nay-Sayers have cared only to hear the low-down on "what she did to deserve it".
Then there are the legal eagles - the "experts" who flail their arms and pound their iron fists on the table all the while espousing the 'sanctity of marriage' clause. Alright. In case anyone in the back row has missed my position on this issue, let me state it with clarity and finality here:
The presumption that two people with a marital decree - regardless of age, experience, sense of entitlement, family background, mental stability or intent - will in every case put "the best interest of the child" first, is ludicrous on its face.
Over three-quarters of a million children are physically abused and neglected each year. Untold millions suffer the consequences of broken homes, verbal & emotional abuse, neglect and abandonment..trust is shattered, nothing is safe.
Tragically, when a child needs his grandmother the most - as a stable, comforting port in the violent storm - she disappears without a trace from his life and he is told she no longer matters, no longer cares.
The American family is under attack like never before. Perhaps it is time turn our backs on the political correctness which has gotten us into this gargantuan mess and just use some good ol' common sense. Let's reverse the Troxel v. Granville Supreme Court decision which struck down a federal law granting grandparents rights to their grandchildren.
If a child is to be surgically removed from a life in which he was assured of unconditional love, passionate protection & undying loyalty, then let it be incumbent upon the parent/guardian to prove why it must be done. In enforcing laws for grandmother rights to grandchildren, we guarantee every Grand Child their birthright. Anything less is unacceptable.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/what-about-grandchildren-rights/]grandmother rights to grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandmother-Rights-to-Grandchildren---The-Law-of-Birthright&id=6477760] Grandmother Rights to Grandchildren - The Law of Birthright
Friday, January 20, 2012
Grandparent Rights to See Grandchildren: Solidarity Truly Is Power
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
If you've found yourself in the position of questioning your grandparent rights to see grandchildren, you're going to need all the help you can get. If you're very lucky, there's an amicable divorce and you have a child willing to make your visitation rights part of the divorce decree. If you're very unlucky, the parents never married and you are the paternal grandparents.
Each year many thousands of grandparents and their grandchildren find themselves just much collateral damage in the war of spite, revenge, drugs and/or alcohol addiction, or simply the desire to wipe the slate clean and start a new "nest". Where before there was genuine goodwill or respectable civility for the sake of the children, now there is ugliness and disdain.
When a parent denies a grandparent rights to see grandchildren - where long-term familial bonding has taken root - the effects are nothing short of earth-shattering. Grandparent Alienation Syndrome has been proven to have emotionally crippling and long-term, devastating effects on grandchildren.
So what can be done?
One of the strongest advocates for grandparents rights to see grandchildren is the American Association of Retired Persons. This powerful lobby boasts more than 40 million members. With many millions of baby-boomers retiring in record numbers, no organization in the country speaks with more authority on matters of elder issues.
Following are some of the ways this wise & powerful coalition makes a difference:
Advocating for legal change. This is where the organization has proven itself over time. It has taken the lead in getting laws at the state level, favoring grandparent rights to see grandchildren.
Strengthening social change for older Americans. The association advocates on matters pertaining to Social Security, access to affordable and reliable health care and laws protecting the aged in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
Voter education. The group provides information to voters about how politicians are voting, as well as positions taken on various issues. They are a marvelous resource for determining where your state and federal politicians stand on issues like grandparents rights to see grandchildren.
Granted, joining a lobby group isn't the most glamorous of ideas. When a grandparent is in the throes of hopelessness and despair over lost grandchildren, this kind of advice is seems sterile and cold. Get involved anyway. Keep your mind busy. Make a difference. There are others out there who feel as you do. You can chat with them in online forums, or start a grandparent rights to see grandchildren support group in your own hometown. Do something. Take action.
Because your grandchildren - and their legacy - matters.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparent-rights/]grandparent rights to see grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparent-Rights-to-See-Grandchildren:-Solidarity-Truly-Is-Power&id=6477992] Grandparent Rights to See Grandchildren: Solidarity Truly Is Power
If you've found yourself in the position of questioning your grandparent rights to see grandchildren, you're going to need all the help you can get. If you're very lucky, there's an amicable divorce and you have a child willing to make your visitation rights part of the divorce decree. If you're very unlucky, the parents never married and you are the paternal grandparents.
Each year many thousands of grandparents and their grandchildren find themselves just much collateral damage in the war of spite, revenge, drugs and/or alcohol addiction, or simply the desire to wipe the slate clean and start a new "nest". Where before there was genuine goodwill or respectable civility for the sake of the children, now there is ugliness and disdain.
When a parent denies a grandparent rights to see grandchildren - where long-term familial bonding has taken root - the effects are nothing short of earth-shattering. Grandparent Alienation Syndrome has been proven to have emotionally crippling and long-term, devastating effects on grandchildren.
So what can be done?
One of the strongest advocates for grandparents rights to see grandchildren is the American Association of Retired Persons. This powerful lobby boasts more than 40 million members. With many millions of baby-boomers retiring in record numbers, no organization in the country speaks with more authority on matters of elder issues.
Following are some of the ways this wise & powerful coalition makes a difference:
Advocating for legal change. This is where the organization has proven itself over time. It has taken the lead in getting laws at the state level, favoring grandparent rights to see grandchildren.
Strengthening social change for older Americans. The association advocates on matters pertaining to Social Security, access to affordable and reliable health care and laws protecting the aged in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities.
Voter education. The group provides information to voters about how politicians are voting, as well as positions taken on various issues. They are a marvelous resource for determining where your state and federal politicians stand on issues like grandparents rights to see grandchildren.
Granted, joining a lobby group isn't the most glamorous of ideas. When a grandparent is in the throes of hopelessness and despair over lost grandchildren, this kind of advice is seems sterile and cold. Get involved anyway. Keep your mind busy. Make a difference. There are others out there who feel as you do. You can chat with them in online forums, or start a grandparent rights to see grandchildren support group in your own hometown. Do something. Take action.
Because your grandchildren - and their legacy - matters.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparent-rights/]grandparent rights to see grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparent-Rights-to-See-Grandchildren:-Solidarity-Truly-Is-Power&id=6477992] Grandparent Rights to See Grandchildren: Solidarity Truly Is Power
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Rights of Grandparents to See Grandchildren - Because Legacy Matters
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
We live in a world where our rights are constantly under assault by the current political "flavor of the month". As older Americans, many of us face discrimination in the workplace, increased sickness & disease, fixed incomes, difficulty with adult children, and even problems with the rights of grandparents to see grandchildren.
Though we must pick & choose our battles ever so carefully, we can never allow ourselves to falter when it comes to our innocent children. Their birthright - family roots, traditions & legacy - is at stake. Their rights to the unconditional love of an earthly elder...a direct bloodline.
Yes, emotion runs high..how could it possibly be otherwise?
When children are used as weapons of mass destruction and unconditional love is denied a child, when everything he knows becomes unknown and and his grandmother disappears without warning - never to be spoken of again? When the psychological rug is pulled out from under this innocent child, immeasurable damage is takes a heavy toll on his heart and soul. And, like a stone thrown into a pond, the ripple effect goes on and on and on...
The world in which many of us grew up has morphed to the point of being almost unrecognizable. What was once a natural law - rights of grandparents to see grandchildren - no longer applies. What would have been unthinkable just fifty or so years ago, now happens thousands of times each year.
Much of the current situation is due to massive, structural changes in the American culture as a whole. A much higher percentage of children than ever are being born outside of marriage. The percentage of adults who don't marry at all is also at record levels. Single parent households are becoming almost as common as intact families.
Divorce rates are high, and custody battles are becoming the norm. As baby boomers have begun to experience the backlash of entitled children hellbent on proving a point, drugs/alcohol addiction, the desire to "start fresh" or just plain outright meanness, the legal question regarding the rights of grandparents to see grandchildren increasingly plays out many hundreds of times monthly in courtrooms across the land.
Perhaps we've been addressing the wrong question all along.
Instead of attempting to resolve the issue of whether or not we should pass a federal law granting Grand Parents rights to their Grand Children, let us ask ourselves instead why we haven't yet passed The Grandchildren Bill of Rights guaranteeing every child her birthright...her legacy.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/do-grandparents-have-rights/]rights of grandparents to see grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rights-of-Grandparents-to-See-Grandchildren---Because-Legacy-Matters&id=6478959] The Rights of Grandparents to See Grandchildren - Because Legacy Matters
We live in a world where our rights are constantly under assault by the current political "flavor of the month". As older Americans, many of us face discrimination in the workplace, increased sickness & disease, fixed incomes, difficulty with adult children, and even problems with the rights of grandparents to see grandchildren.
Though we must pick & choose our battles ever so carefully, we can never allow ourselves to falter when it comes to our innocent children. Their birthright - family roots, traditions & legacy - is at stake. Their rights to the unconditional love of an earthly elder...a direct bloodline.
Yes, emotion runs high..how could it possibly be otherwise?
When children are used as weapons of mass destruction and unconditional love is denied a child, when everything he knows becomes unknown and and his grandmother disappears without warning - never to be spoken of again? When the psychological rug is pulled out from under this innocent child, immeasurable damage is takes a heavy toll on his heart and soul. And, like a stone thrown into a pond, the ripple effect goes on and on and on...
The world in which many of us grew up has morphed to the point of being almost unrecognizable. What was once a natural law - rights of grandparents to see grandchildren - no longer applies. What would have been unthinkable just fifty or so years ago, now happens thousands of times each year.
Much of the current situation is due to massive, structural changes in the American culture as a whole. A much higher percentage of children than ever are being born outside of marriage. The percentage of adults who don't marry at all is also at record levels. Single parent households are becoming almost as common as intact families.
Divorce rates are high, and custody battles are becoming the norm. As baby boomers have begun to experience the backlash of entitled children hellbent on proving a point, drugs/alcohol addiction, the desire to "start fresh" or just plain outright meanness, the legal question regarding the rights of grandparents to see grandchildren increasingly plays out many hundreds of times monthly in courtrooms across the land.
Perhaps we've been addressing the wrong question all along.
Instead of attempting to resolve the issue of whether or not we should pass a federal law granting Grand Parents rights to their Grand Children, let us ask ourselves instead why we haven't yet passed The Grandchildren Bill of Rights guaranteeing every child her birthright...her legacy.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/do-grandparents-have-rights/]rights of grandparents to see grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Rights-of-Grandparents-to-See-Grandchildren---Because-Legacy-Matters&id=6478959] The Rights of Grandparents to See Grandchildren - Because Legacy Matters
Monday, January 16, 2012
Grandpa's Pocket Watch
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Janie_Kern]Janie Kern
Sometimes a past childhood brings back a flood of memories about times spent with a special grandparent. You may or may not have had a lot of years to spend with them to hear their stories of their lives and to learn about their wisdom. But some things may stand out in your mind like the gold pocket watch Grandpa carried everyday that you knew him.
Not too long ago I was going through my mom's cedar chest. I found a lot of childhood memories. I found old pictures, baby cloths and some of my mom and dad's old square dance cloths. But then I found a black box lined with black felt. I didn't remember seeing it before but when I opened it I found two gold pocket watches, one a little smaller than the other and both had fancy edging around them. They both had chains on them, one a little different than the other. As I looked closer at each watch, I realized that I recognized them as belonging to my Grandfather. Finding these old and unique timepieces brought back sweet memories of days gone by and the times I spent with a Grandfather. He was one of the most important people in my life.
When I was a little girl, my we lived on a farm and my grandparents lived only a mile away from us. We shared a lot of special times together and would see each other every day. My Grandpa would come to our house every evening around the time. We always knew when he was there because we could hear him whistle. He came into the kitchen pulled his pocket watch out and would say, I'm here at the same time I was yesterday. There were also times that Grandpa and I would plant garden. When we were done we would sit under the old oak tree in the back yard. He would tell me about his hopes for me being successful some day and having a family. Grandpa carried his pocket watch in his right pants pocket and in the left pocket he carried a box of Sun Maid raisins and a pack of Dentyne gum. I guess he thought we might get hungry sitting under that tree.
This old timepiece that he carried became a conversation piece among his grandchildren. Each one of us would sit on his lap and he would let us hold this gold treasurer. In fact, that is how I learned to tell time and also learned how to wind it because it would run down. Back then watches would have to be rewound because the time would be slower and inaccurate. One year at Christmas, my mom and dad gave Grandpa a new gold engraved pocket watch. He was just as proud of that watch as he was the first one. The old watch was neatly put away in a felt lined box to be kept, I'm sure as a keepsake. This new timepiece had an even more ornate design around the edge of it. It also had a long chain on it, just like the first one. He put this new watch in his right pants pocket just like the one before. As time went by, Grandpa continued to carry his treasurer in his pants pocket, still going about his day-to-day activities and telling his grandchildren stories of his childhood. When I look back on those special times with him it warms my heart to know that he played such a huge part in my upbringing.
Memories like these can belong to you as well. The first thing you can do is spend more time with a special loved one in your life, talking to them about their past and learn about their childhood memories. The second thing that you can do is to find something special, like a piece of jewelry or an old picture that was taken with you and that person that brings back memories. And a third thing you could do is to video tape that person telling about past memories with you and special event that you both shared. These are all ways that you can begin to share your family experiences with your children to let them know about their past family history.
The black box with the felt lining protecting these two antique pocket watches has been put away in a safe place to be pasted down to my two sons. They have been told the stories of their Great Grandpa and what a special place he has in my heart. I'm sure there are stories and treasurers that have been pasted down from generation to generation by 100's of other families. This is what makes the past more treasured as time goes on.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandpas-Pocket-Watch&id=6441225] Grandpa's Pocket Watch
Sometimes a past childhood brings back a flood of memories about times spent with a special grandparent. You may or may not have had a lot of years to spend with them to hear their stories of their lives and to learn about their wisdom. But some things may stand out in your mind like the gold pocket watch Grandpa carried everyday that you knew him.
Not too long ago I was going through my mom's cedar chest. I found a lot of childhood memories. I found old pictures, baby cloths and some of my mom and dad's old square dance cloths. But then I found a black box lined with black felt. I didn't remember seeing it before but when I opened it I found two gold pocket watches, one a little smaller than the other and both had fancy edging around them. They both had chains on them, one a little different than the other. As I looked closer at each watch, I realized that I recognized them as belonging to my Grandfather. Finding these old and unique timepieces brought back sweet memories of days gone by and the times I spent with a Grandfather. He was one of the most important people in my life.
When I was a little girl, my we lived on a farm and my grandparents lived only a mile away from us. We shared a lot of special times together and would see each other every day. My Grandpa would come to our house every evening around the time. We always knew when he was there because we could hear him whistle. He came into the kitchen pulled his pocket watch out and would say, I'm here at the same time I was yesterday. There were also times that Grandpa and I would plant garden. When we were done we would sit under the old oak tree in the back yard. He would tell me about his hopes for me being successful some day and having a family. Grandpa carried his pocket watch in his right pants pocket and in the left pocket he carried a box of Sun Maid raisins and a pack of Dentyne gum. I guess he thought we might get hungry sitting under that tree.
This old timepiece that he carried became a conversation piece among his grandchildren. Each one of us would sit on his lap and he would let us hold this gold treasurer. In fact, that is how I learned to tell time and also learned how to wind it because it would run down. Back then watches would have to be rewound because the time would be slower and inaccurate. One year at Christmas, my mom and dad gave Grandpa a new gold engraved pocket watch. He was just as proud of that watch as he was the first one. The old watch was neatly put away in a felt lined box to be kept, I'm sure as a keepsake. This new timepiece had an even more ornate design around the edge of it. It also had a long chain on it, just like the first one. He put this new watch in his right pants pocket just like the one before. As time went by, Grandpa continued to carry his treasurer in his pants pocket, still going about his day-to-day activities and telling his grandchildren stories of his childhood. When I look back on those special times with him it warms my heart to know that he played such a huge part in my upbringing.
Memories like these can belong to you as well. The first thing you can do is spend more time with a special loved one in your life, talking to them about their past and learn about their childhood memories. The second thing that you can do is to find something special, like a piece of jewelry or an old picture that was taken with you and that person that brings back memories. And a third thing you could do is to video tape that person telling about past memories with you and special event that you both shared. These are all ways that you can begin to share your family experiences with your children to let them know about their past family history.
The black box with the felt lining protecting these two antique pocket watches has been put away in a safe place to be pasted down to my two sons. They have been told the stories of their Great Grandpa and what a special place he has in my heart. I'm sure there are stories and treasurers that have been pasted down from generation to generation by 100's of other families. This is what makes the past more treasured as time goes on.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandpas-Pocket-Watch&id=6441225] Grandpa's Pocket Watch
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Grandparents Rights With Grandchildren - Because It Takes A Village
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
Let's begin with the premise that laws are not for those who naturally live by them. Laws serve one purpose only...to protect those who live by them, from those who do not. It would follow then, that because we now live in a society where 800,000 children are abused and/or neglected each year, making grandparents rights with grandchildren into federal law is not just a good idea... it's an idea whose time has come.
According to Divorce.com, marriages have declined by 30% and divorces have increased by 40%. That means if you're a parent, you've got a one in two shot of having your child's marriage end in divorce. The dream is that they'll handle it with maturity and grace... always putting the children first. The reality - in far too many cases - is much, much darker.
In the worst situations, 1,800 children die each year from that abuse or neglect. Sadly, more than 75 percent of those victims are under the age of four years old. Child protective agencies get more than three million referrals and allegations. Statistics on child abuse and neglect are staggering, with 10.6 children in 1,000 being a victim of abuse or neglect.
Where there is an involved grandparent, statistics on child abuse/neglect do a vertical nosedive.
If you are the grandmother of a child whose been torn from your arms out of spite, misdirected anger, mental instability/illness, or a desire to start a "new" family and wipe the slate clean, statistics don't matter. Your grandparents rights with grandchildren are ALL that matter. Except they're almost impossible to get. For now.
If you are a grandparent blessed with loving and unfettered relationships with your children and grandchildren, get on your knees and thank your Higher Power. If you're a grandparent agonizing over the loss of a grandchild whose been taken from you, get on your knees and thank your Higher Power that as long as this child lives, hope remains.
In either case, get back up on your feet... there is work to be done.
Get involved. Learn more about child advocacy beyond just grandparents rights with grandchildren. Participate in online forums, or join local groups that discuss the issues facing children.
Take the conversation outside. Write letters to the editor talking about grandparents rights with grandchildren, and about abuse and neglect. Raise the topic in casual conversation. Many people will get behind you, they may just not have thought about the issue. Bringing it to light can help to recruit someone else to help the cause.
Be aware. Learn to know what the signs of child abuse and neglect are. When you see the signs, report them. Be willing to speak out for them.
Get involved in the legal process. Supporting various lobbying groups, such as those that work for child abuse legislation or legislation dealing with grandparents rights can make a big difference.
With enough advocacy and awareness, we can put a federal law on the books stipulating to the wisdom of Grandparents rights with grandchildren... because it takes a village.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/what-about-grandchildren-rights/]grandparents rights with grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparents-Rights-With-Grandchildren---Because-It-Takes-A-Village&id=6476606] Grandparents Rights With Grandchildren - Because It Takes A Village
Let's begin with the premise that laws are not for those who naturally live by them. Laws serve one purpose only...to protect those who live by them, from those who do not. It would follow then, that because we now live in a society where 800,000 children are abused and/or neglected each year, making grandparents rights with grandchildren into federal law is not just a good idea... it's an idea whose time has come.
According to Divorce.com, marriages have declined by 30% and divorces have increased by 40%. That means if you're a parent, you've got a one in two shot of having your child's marriage end in divorce. The dream is that they'll handle it with maturity and grace... always putting the children first. The reality - in far too many cases - is much, much darker.
In the worst situations, 1,800 children die each year from that abuse or neglect. Sadly, more than 75 percent of those victims are under the age of four years old. Child protective agencies get more than three million referrals and allegations. Statistics on child abuse and neglect are staggering, with 10.6 children in 1,000 being a victim of abuse or neglect.
Where there is an involved grandparent, statistics on child abuse/neglect do a vertical nosedive.
If you are the grandmother of a child whose been torn from your arms out of spite, misdirected anger, mental instability/illness, or a desire to start a "new" family and wipe the slate clean, statistics don't matter. Your grandparents rights with grandchildren are ALL that matter. Except they're almost impossible to get. For now.
If you are a grandparent blessed with loving and unfettered relationships with your children and grandchildren, get on your knees and thank your Higher Power. If you're a grandparent agonizing over the loss of a grandchild whose been taken from you, get on your knees and thank your Higher Power that as long as this child lives, hope remains.
In either case, get back up on your feet... there is work to be done.
Get involved. Learn more about child advocacy beyond just grandparents rights with grandchildren. Participate in online forums, or join local groups that discuss the issues facing children.
Take the conversation outside. Write letters to the editor talking about grandparents rights with grandchildren, and about abuse and neglect. Raise the topic in casual conversation. Many people will get behind you, they may just not have thought about the issue. Bringing it to light can help to recruit someone else to help the cause.
Be aware. Learn to know what the signs of child abuse and neglect are. When you see the signs, report them. Be willing to speak out for them.
Get involved in the legal process. Supporting various lobbying groups, such as those that work for child abuse legislation or legislation dealing with grandparents rights can make a big difference.
With enough advocacy and awareness, we can put a federal law on the books stipulating to the wisdom of Grandparents rights with grandchildren... because it takes a village.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/what-about-grandchildren-rights/]grandparents rights with grandchildren visit the site at [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/]http://www.grandparentsrights911.com.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandparents-Rights-With-Grandchildren---Because-It-Takes-A-Village&id=6476606] Grandparents Rights With Grandchildren - Because It Takes A Village
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Do Grandparents Have Rights To Keep Grandchildren When Neglect Is Suspected?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Angela_Montgomery]Angela Montgomery
Thousands upon thousands of grandparents each year are forced to agonize over this heart-wrenching, tragedy-inducing question. When it comes to our grandchildren & our unconditional love for them...words are woefully inadequate. Theirs' is a pure, sweet and innocent love...treasured in the deepest recesses of our world-weary hearts. How is it possible we find ourselves asking the unbearable, unthinkable question, "Do grandparents have rights to keep grandchildren from their own parent?"
If we are grandparents whose grandchildren are being physically or verbally assaulted, neglected or used as weapons in a war of attrition, the only answer we want to hear is, "Yes, you have every right to keep those precious babies safe in your arms and the law will stand behind your beliefs & judgment."
Without emotion or hesitancy, this is the answer we will hear...every...single...time:
"No. Parental custody and control is sacrosanct; criminal charges will be forthcoming against you for kidnapping and you will be thrown in jail unless you can produce solid proof of physical abuse, abandonment, or neglect."
So long as no legal paperwork exists terminating parental rights, if the parents have placement/custody - and you can provide no proof of abuse to the proper authorities - you MUST return the children immediately. (With the opinionated caveat of the author that nothing so physically/psychologically earth-shattering has occurred which would cause you to take them "underground"...in which case you'd better have big bucks for an extremely high-powered attorney & a mountain of evidence.)
Neglect and abuse are unbelievably hard to prove in a court of law. Over 800,000 children each year are physically abused and/or neglected in the United States of America. As verbal abuse is rarely proven by legal definition - and therefore not counted as empirical data - many more thousands of children suffer in silence, and without hope. Perhaps your grandchildren are among this group...perhaps not. Even so, a lengthy paper trail of documentation is required before a judge will even consider removing a child from the guardianship of biological/custodial parents.
So that's the bad news. Take the time you need to sit on the pity pot...just be sure to flush when you've finished. And please don't take too long because there's work to be done. Someday, God willing, no one ever again need ask the question, "Do grandparents have rights to...?"
The good news is that you can - in time - prove a case, if one exists. Use your frustration, heartbreak, anger & worry and channel it into making a difference for your grandchildren as quickly - and methodically - as possible. Get involved. If there are school and/or Sunday-school teachers, coaches, day-care providers - introduce yourself. Once trust is established, share your concerns.
A word of warning here! There is a very fine line to be walked when acting on behalf of children who are being seriously harmed - whether it be emotional, physical, sexual, or verbal. Be dead certain of your information and be able to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that your actions take ONLY the best interests of your grandchildren into consideration. Examine your motives.
Just as the villagers finally refused to rescue the shepherd boy after falsely crying, "Wolf!" one too many times, every time a dispute escalates and a case is lost because a grandparent with a nose out of joint threw a temper tantrum - the question "Do grandparents have rights?" goes right out the window. Instead, we hear, "See?! It was just a meddling, old witch who doesn't have a life...that right THERE is the reason that grandparents shouldn't have rights!"
And another grandchild loses her legacy...
May your Higher Power's strength carry you through these terrible waters dear grandparents, and may your grandchildren be nestled safely on the Wings of Grace,
Angela
P.S.Very often when a grandparent begs the question "Do grandparents have rights?" they are being denied access to their grandchildren. In the resource section below, I have included a link to a page with ideas on what to do should find yourself in this terrible place of loneliness & despair. As one who has experienced the agony of lost grandchildren, I understand.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on the question [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/do-grandparents-have-rights/]Do Grandparents Have Rights or to discover what to do if your [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparents-visitation-rights-denied/]Grandparent Visitation Rights Are Denied be sure to visit the GrandparentsRights911.com website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-Grandparents-Have-Rights-To-Keep-Grandchildren-When-Neglect-Is-Suspected?&id=6502342] Do Grandparents Have Rights To Keep Grandchildren When Neglect Is Suspected?
Thousands upon thousands of grandparents each year are forced to agonize over this heart-wrenching, tragedy-inducing question. When it comes to our grandchildren & our unconditional love for them...words are woefully inadequate. Theirs' is a pure, sweet and innocent love...treasured in the deepest recesses of our world-weary hearts. How is it possible we find ourselves asking the unbearable, unthinkable question, "Do grandparents have rights to keep grandchildren from their own parent?"
If we are grandparents whose grandchildren are being physically or verbally assaulted, neglected or used as weapons in a war of attrition, the only answer we want to hear is, "Yes, you have every right to keep those precious babies safe in your arms and the law will stand behind your beliefs & judgment."
Without emotion or hesitancy, this is the answer we will hear...every...single...time:
"No. Parental custody and control is sacrosanct; criminal charges will be forthcoming against you for kidnapping and you will be thrown in jail unless you can produce solid proof of physical abuse, abandonment, or neglect."
So long as no legal paperwork exists terminating parental rights, if the parents have placement/custody - and you can provide no proof of abuse to the proper authorities - you MUST return the children immediately. (With the opinionated caveat of the author that nothing so physically/psychologically earth-shattering has occurred which would cause you to take them "underground"...in which case you'd better have big bucks for an extremely high-powered attorney & a mountain of evidence.)
Neglect and abuse are unbelievably hard to prove in a court of law. Over 800,000 children each year are physically abused and/or neglected in the United States of America. As verbal abuse is rarely proven by legal definition - and therefore not counted as empirical data - many more thousands of children suffer in silence, and without hope. Perhaps your grandchildren are among this group...perhaps not. Even so, a lengthy paper trail of documentation is required before a judge will even consider removing a child from the guardianship of biological/custodial parents.
So that's the bad news. Take the time you need to sit on the pity pot...just be sure to flush when you've finished. And please don't take too long because there's work to be done. Someday, God willing, no one ever again need ask the question, "Do grandparents have rights to...?"
The good news is that you can - in time - prove a case, if one exists. Use your frustration, heartbreak, anger & worry and channel it into making a difference for your grandchildren as quickly - and methodically - as possible. Get involved. If there are school and/or Sunday-school teachers, coaches, day-care providers - introduce yourself. Once trust is established, share your concerns.
A word of warning here! There is a very fine line to be walked when acting on behalf of children who are being seriously harmed - whether it be emotional, physical, sexual, or verbal. Be dead certain of your information and be able to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that your actions take ONLY the best interests of your grandchildren into consideration. Examine your motives.
Just as the villagers finally refused to rescue the shepherd boy after falsely crying, "Wolf!" one too many times, every time a dispute escalates and a case is lost because a grandparent with a nose out of joint threw a temper tantrum - the question "Do grandparents have rights?" goes right out the window. Instead, we hear, "See?! It was just a meddling, old witch who doesn't have a life...that right THERE is the reason that grandparents shouldn't have rights!"
And another grandchild loses her legacy...
May your Higher Power's strength carry you through these terrible waters dear grandparents, and may your grandchildren be nestled safely on the Wings of Grace,
Angela
P.S.Very often when a grandparent begs the question "Do grandparents have rights?" they are being denied access to their grandchildren. In the resource section below, I have included a link to a page with ideas on what to do should find yourself in this terrible place of loneliness & despair. As one who has experienced the agony of lost grandchildren, I understand.
Angela Montgomery is Chief Editor for GrandparentsRights911.com. She is a leading authority on grandparents rights and tirelessly advocates for laws granting the rights of children to have a loving relationship with their grandparents. For more information, resources & support on the question [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/do-grandparents-have-rights/]Do Grandparents Have Rights or to discover what to do if your [http://www.grandparentsrights911.com/grandparents-visitation-rights-denied/]Grandparent Visitation Rights Are Denied be sure to visit the GrandparentsRights911.com website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Do-Grandparents-Have-Rights-To-Keep-Grandchildren-When-Neglect-Is-Suspected?&id=6502342] Do Grandparents Have Rights To Keep Grandchildren When Neglect Is Suspected?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
The Boy Is The Joy Of My Life
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Connie_Wayne]Connie Wayne
In 1913, Henry van Dyke wrote a story in which he describes a boy as the joy of the journey. On a pilgrim journey, "The boy is the joy" and "a refreshing spring of water to the older pilgrims". That story resonates with me because I am an older pilgrim now, and my youngest grandson is the "Boy is the Joy in my current life's journey...
It was my 65th birthday, and my two-year old "Boy is the Joy" thought that he had climbed the stairs to my loft apartment without me knowing he had arrived. He snuck up the stairs and landed in my living room where I was sitting at my desk acting as if I did not know he was there. With great delight, he exclaimed, "It's me again!"
As always, Grandma acted surprised and questioned, "Who is me?" This was a ritual with us because he always takes great pride in telling me who he is. He loves to see my reaction and how excited that I am that "Me" has come to visit again. "Me" knows that he is Grandma's "Boy is the Joy".
Immediately upon telling me who he is, he always asks, "Where's my toys? Where's my books?" He knows that Grandma has special things for him to play with when he visits; but, more importantly, Grandma sits in the floor and plays with him. We play with cars, airplanes, and "diggers," which to him are any kind of construction equipment. We also build towers, roads, bridges, and garages out of large Lego blocks, and we read books together. His two-year-old intellect and verbal skills amaze me!
The "Boy is the Joy" arrived in my life at a time when I needed joy resurrected. My older brother, whom I dearly loved and who was my first "Boy is the Joy," died just two months before my grandson made his grand entrance to life.
Since she was very young, my youngest daughter always wanted a boy for her first child. Even though she had a difficult delivery, she was very excited he had finally arrived. I was there, standing near my daughter's hospital bed; when I saw "Boy is the Joy" emerge into this world. The doctor and the obstetrical nurses moved me away from my daughter's bedside and quickly began to work with her. Because those attending her surrounded her bed, she was unaware of what was happening with her newborn son. "Boy is the Joy" was a blue baby, and he was not breathing.
I moved aside and stood nearby trying to watch my daughter and "Boy is the Joy" at the same time. As I watched the pediatric nurses begin to work with my grandson, I saw their concern as they discussed how many minutes had passed since he was born. There I stood looking at a beautiful, healthy, strong baby boy whom my daughter had already named, and he still was not breathing. Aware that my daughter was well attended, I turned my full attention to him.
As the two nurses continued to work with him, I silently prayed. As seconds turned into minutes, I felt that prayer was not enough. I needed to do something else. That is when, without thinking, I called out his name and cried, "Come on!" At that exact moment, "Boy is the Joy" began to breathe; and, ever since that moment, I believe that my "Boy is the Joy" and I have had a special bond.
Sometimes I look at my "Boy is the Joy" and wonder if a little of my departed brother's essence somehow made its way into him. My "Boy is the Joy" grandson has the same joy for living my "Boy is the Joy," older brother had. When he looks at me and laughs, I wonder, "Brother, are you laughing at me again?
I feel that, in some small way, I had a part in my "Boy is the Joy" grandson coming into this world, and he came at such a wonderful time in my life, a time when I needed another "Boy is the Joy." I am an older pilgrim now, and the "Boy is the Joy" and a refreshing spring of water to me.
Connie Wayne is a (USA) Internet Author who writes articles for several blogs she has designed. Connie invites you connect to these blogs via her website at: http://enchantedmagazinepublications.weebly.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Boy-Is-The-Joy-Of-My-Life&id=6514209] The Boy Is The Joy Of My Life
In 1913, Henry van Dyke wrote a story in which he describes a boy as the joy of the journey. On a pilgrim journey, "The boy is the joy" and "a refreshing spring of water to the older pilgrims". That story resonates with me because I am an older pilgrim now, and my youngest grandson is the "Boy is the Joy in my current life's journey...
It was my 65th birthday, and my two-year old "Boy is the Joy" thought that he had climbed the stairs to my loft apartment without me knowing he had arrived. He snuck up the stairs and landed in my living room where I was sitting at my desk acting as if I did not know he was there. With great delight, he exclaimed, "It's me again!"
As always, Grandma acted surprised and questioned, "Who is me?" This was a ritual with us because he always takes great pride in telling me who he is. He loves to see my reaction and how excited that I am that "Me" has come to visit again. "Me" knows that he is Grandma's "Boy is the Joy".
Immediately upon telling me who he is, he always asks, "Where's my toys? Where's my books?" He knows that Grandma has special things for him to play with when he visits; but, more importantly, Grandma sits in the floor and plays with him. We play with cars, airplanes, and "diggers," which to him are any kind of construction equipment. We also build towers, roads, bridges, and garages out of large Lego blocks, and we read books together. His two-year-old intellect and verbal skills amaze me!
The "Boy is the Joy" arrived in my life at a time when I needed joy resurrected. My older brother, whom I dearly loved and who was my first "Boy is the Joy," died just two months before my grandson made his grand entrance to life.
Since she was very young, my youngest daughter always wanted a boy for her first child. Even though she had a difficult delivery, she was very excited he had finally arrived. I was there, standing near my daughter's hospital bed; when I saw "Boy is the Joy" emerge into this world. The doctor and the obstetrical nurses moved me away from my daughter's bedside and quickly began to work with her. Because those attending her surrounded her bed, she was unaware of what was happening with her newborn son. "Boy is the Joy" was a blue baby, and he was not breathing.
I moved aside and stood nearby trying to watch my daughter and "Boy is the Joy" at the same time. As I watched the pediatric nurses begin to work with my grandson, I saw their concern as they discussed how many minutes had passed since he was born. There I stood looking at a beautiful, healthy, strong baby boy whom my daughter had already named, and he still was not breathing. Aware that my daughter was well attended, I turned my full attention to him.
As the two nurses continued to work with him, I silently prayed. As seconds turned into minutes, I felt that prayer was not enough. I needed to do something else. That is when, without thinking, I called out his name and cried, "Come on!" At that exact moment, "Boy is the Joy" began to breathe; and, ever since that moment, I believe that my "Boy is the Joy" and I have had a special bond.
Sometimes I look at my "Boy is the Joy" and wonder if a little of my departed brother's essence somehow made its way into him. My "Boy is the Joy" grandson has the same joy for living my "Boy is the Joy," older brother had. When he looks at me and laughs, I wonder, "Brother, are you laughing at me again?
I feel that, in some small way, I had a part in my "Boy is the Joy" grandson coming into this world, and he came at such a wonderful time in my life, a time when I needed another "Boy is the Joy." I am an older pilgrim now, and the "Boy is the Joy" and a refreshing spring of water to me.
Connie Wayne is a (USA) Internet Author who writes articles for several blogs she has designed. Connie invites you connect to these blogs via her website at: http://enchantedmagazinepublications.weebly.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Boy-Is-The-Joy-Of-My-Life&id=6514209] The Boy Is The Joy Of My Life
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Life in My Grandparents' Era
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Susie_Davids]Susie Davids
My grandparents always say to me how our lives are better now than when they were young, and that I should enjoy and cherish my life instead of complaining. Admittedly, in most senses, our lives are indeed much better than our grandparents' when they were young.
Back in the day, gifts for grandparents definitely wouldn't have been Plasma TVs or mobile phones. No siree. In the words of my Grandad, "in my day, we were lucky if we got a plate of baked beans on the table for dinner."
When my grandparents got married, they moved into a cramped one-room - and I repeat - one room flat, with a divan mattress in the corner it, and no running water or electricity. They cooked using a single gas hob and could hardly afford to feed themselves. And when their son was born, times got so tough that they often had to eat blackberries for dinner!
In my grandparents' era, you were lucky if you had a sink in your abode. Many folks collected water from either private wells or from public pumps. Washing machines and dishwashers would've, undoubtedly, come in extremely useful and made incredibly handy Birthday gifts for Grandmothers, or Birthday gifts for Grandad, so they would've spent more time resting and less time washing the dishes and clothes themselves!
As for debit and credit cards, my grandparents didn't use ATM cards until they were in their 60's - imagine that! Instead, they always went inside the bank and did business eye-to-eye with the bank clerk, who even knew them by name.
My grandparents often joke that they don't know why people refer to those times as "the good ol' days," because there wasn't much good about them. Grandad told me a story about a young lad who actually killed himself for lack of food and money.
Of course, I treasure these stories and the time I spend with my grandparents. When I find myself drooling over a new gadget, I think back to the stories of my Gran ransacking the cupboards for a missing "twopence" piece, which would've paid for a can of soup for her son's dinner. It puts life into perspective.
People managed to get by without today's mod-cons. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a criticism of today's modern conveniences, because frankly, many of them make life much more enjoyable. On the other hand, perhaps we should be reminded that the majority of these are luxuries, not necessities, even though media and peer pressure would have us believe otherwise.
These days, we can spend more time and money on our hobbies, which was unheard of in our grandparents' time. My Grandad would've given anything to immerse himself in his favourite book, but he just couldn't afford it, they were that strapped for cash.
When I was walking with my Gran down the local high street, we passed a tanning bed salon and spied a girl, her skin glowing a shade of orangey-red, strut out of the salon. Gran whispered to me: "Why pay the earth to cook your skin when the good Lord shines a sun over your head that does the same for free?" That did make me laugh.
I can safely say kindles, GPS devices, Xboxes, Wiis, and so on, certainly won't be on my gifts for grandfather or Birthday Gifts for Grandma shopping list. I believe there's definitely something to be said for personalised gifts for grandparents.
Very recently, I gave a personalised football book to my Grandad for his 80thbirthday. The front cover displayed his name in gold, and there was a personal message on the inside cover. This particular book contained newspaper reports on the history of Sunderland football team over the last century.
On visiting him a week later, Grandad was already half way through it. Not being much of a football lover myself, I couldn't really share in my Grandad's excitement as he went off at a tangent about all the things he'd read, like the famous League and Cup wins, the stars - past and present, etc. etc. etc. But what did excite me was when he said this was one of the best presents he'd received, ever. That made me so happy.
Go on; spoil your doting grandparents with personalised gifts; there's a whole host of [http://www.gonedigging.co.uk/gifts-for-grandparents/]personalised gifts for Grandparents available online, including original newspapers, diaries, mugs and more, which you can customise with ANY NAME and PERSONAL MESSAGE. Find an amazing range of [http://www.gonedigging.co.uk/birthday-gifts/birthday-gifts-for-grandma/]Birthday gifts for Grandma and Birthday gifts for Grandad, gifts guaranteed to put a smile on their face!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Life-in-My-Grandparents-Era&id=6521263] Life in My Grandparents' Era
My grandparents always say to me how our lives are better now than when they were young, and that I should enjoy and cherish my life instead of complaining. Admittedly, in most senses, our lives are indeed much better than our grandparents' when they were young.
Back in the day, gifts for grandparents definitely wouldn't have been Plasma TVs or mobile phones. No siree. In the words of my Grandad, "in my day, we were lucky if we got a plate of baked beans on the table for dinner."
When my grandparents got married, they moved into a cramped one-room - and I repeat - one room flat, with a divan mattress in the corner it, and no running water or electricity. They cooked using a single gas hob and could hardly afford to feed themselves. And when their son was born, times got so tough that they often had to eat blackberries for dinner!
In my grandparents' era, you were lucky if you had a sink in your abode. Many folks collected water from either private wells or from public pumps. Washing machines and dishwashers would've, undoubtedly, come in extremely useful and made incredibly handy Birthday gifts for Grandmothers, or Birthday gifts for Grandad, so they would've spent more time resting and less time washing the dishes and clothes themselves!
As for debit and credit cards, my grandparents didn't use ATM cards until they were in their 60's - imagine that! Instead, they always went inside the bank and did business eye-to-eye with the bank clerk, who even knew them by name.
My grandparents often joke that they don't know why people refer to those times as "the good ol' days," because there wasn't much good about them. Grandad told me a story about a young lad who actually killed himself for lack of food and money.
Of course, I treasure these stories and the time I spend with my grandparents. When I find myself drooling over a new gadget, I think back to the stories of my Gran ransacking the cupboards for a missing "twopence" piece, which would've paid for a can of soup for her son's dinner. It puts life into perspective.
People managed to get by without today's mod-cons. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a criticism of today's modern conveniences, because frankly, many of them make life much more enjoyable. On the other hand, perhaps we should be reminded that the majority of these are luxuries, not necessities, even though media and peer pressure would have us believe otherwise.
These days, we can spend more time and money on our hobbies, which was unheard of in our grandparents' time. My Grandad would've given anything to immerse himself in his favourite book, but he just couldn't afford it, they were that strapped for cash.
When I was walking with my Gran down the local high street, we passed a tanning bed salon and spied a girl, her skin glowing a shade of orangey-red, strut out of the salon. Gran whispered to me: "Why pay the earth to cook your skin when the good Lord shines a sun over your head that does the same for free?" That did make me laugh.
I can safely say kindles, GPS devices, Xboxes, Wiis, and so on, certainly won't be on my gifts for grandfather or Birthday Gifts for Grandma shopping list. I believe there's definitely something to be said for personalised gifts for grandparents.
Very recently, I gave a personalised football book to my Grandad for his 80thbirthday. The front cover displayed his name in gold, and there was a personal message on the inside cover. This particular book contained newspaper reports on the history of Sunderland football team over the last century.
On visiting him a week later, Grandad was already half way through it. Not being much of a football lover myself, I couldn't really share in my Grandad's excitement as he went off at a tangent about all the things he'd read, like the famous League and Cup wins, the stars - past and present, etc. etc. etc. But what did excite me was when he said this was one of the best presents he'd received, ever. That made me so happy.
Go on; spoil your doting grandparents with personalised gifts; there's a whole host of [http://www.gonedigging.co.uk/gifts-for-grandparents/]personalised gifts for Grandparents available online, including original newspapers, diaries, mugs and more, which you can customise with ANY NAME and PERSONAL MESSAGE. Find an amazing range of [http://www.gonedigging.co.uk/birthday-gifts/birthday-gifts-for-grandma/]Birthday gifts for Grandma and Birthday gifts for Grandad, gifts guaranteed to put a smile on their face!
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Life-in-My-Grandparents-Era&id=6521263] Life in My Grandparents' Era
Friday, January 6, 2012
Grandchildren Put the Gold in Your Golden Years
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Richard_Quindry]Richard Quindry
From the time they draw their first breath they will have stolen your heart. As I await the arrival of my fourth grandchild I remain as excited by this event as I was with the arrival of the first, some 16 years ago. This will be the firstborn of my youngest child and her husband, and I'm sure they are even more excited than I.
Though the blessed event is still several months off, I'm certain I'll be awed by how quickly the time has passed when he or she is off to their first day of school. As I can recall, the comment of how fast children grow was often made by the adults when my siblings and I were growing up. Even as the world changes, some things remain the same. The bond between parent and child is one of them.
There is another special bond important to the growth and development of children; the one between grandparents and their grandchildren. It is a significant relationship that can enhance the progress of a child's maturation. Though I was still young when they passed I can recall what a joy it was to travel half a day in the car to visit Dad's folks. They always made me feel special. I learned so many things from both of them that it had me thinking that they were so wise that I wanted to be just like them.
Since I became a grandparent myself I have learned that the river of knowledge and experience flows in both directions. We gain so much from the added perspective that these precious little [ insert term such as bundle of joy ] provide us with. They keep us thinking young, remembering that life is about more than work and the accumulation of material objects. They acquaint us with new things, helping us to keep up with progress in an ever-changing world. How many times have we heard the remark that, "my grandchild knows more about the computer than I do."
As much as I treasure the inspiration provided by the insights of these little darlings, it is the opportunity to pass down the knowledge and wisdom acquired during my lifetime that affords me the most gratification. My list of values to pass on to my grandchildren includes the following.
A belief in oneself and a belief in a higher power. There is much more to our world than what we can see, hear, smell or touch. Understanding this opens us to the possibility that all things are possible. There is magic in believing. To learn more on the subject you should pick up a copy of Claude M. Bristol's The Magic of Believing.
Put forth your best effort at what ever you endeavor to do and never give up. Half way just isn't good enough. You'll be able to take pride in yourself knowing that you gave it your all. Never say that you can't do something. This word was forbidden in our household. We were instilled with the idea that the attitude of "can't" ultimately leads to defeat. In fact it will prevent you from ever trying. Adults are often guilty of saying. "I could never do that!"
Know yourself and be true to who you are. Don't try to be something you are not. No one likes a phony This should not be confused with trying new things or developing new skills and interest. Look inside yourself when faced with situations and do what comes naturally. You won't be let down.
Be your own person. Do not fall prey to others who want to control and manipulate your life. Think for yourself. Don't simply follow others because they appear have a greater knowledge or experience. Develop your ability of critical thinking and analysis. Most answers can be worked out in your head if you apply this process. There was a time that we were taught this concept in school. Perhaps this is the greatest failure of the educational system today.
Pursue your dreams. Never lose sight of your aspirations. They raise our spirits to a higher level and are an important part of evolving our imagination. Even when you fail to succeed in your initial efforts it isn't the end. Step back, take a look at the circumstances objectively. Ask yourself how you might have done this differently. Look to others whom you can emulate. While it's true that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it is also true that nothing succeeds like success. Model yourself after those who have prevailed at what you want to accomplish. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or assistance. Life is a team sport.
The importance of education. It should never be underestimated. You will be judged by others for how you speak. Remember that each day will present new challenges and learning is a lifetime experience that takes place in and out of school. Those acquiring higher education not only earn a greater income during their careers, but they gain a greater appreciation for finer aspects of living. A god education will take you anywhere you choose to go. Read, study, work hard and you will have earned your education.
Have fun. The value of recreation is in what it returns to the body and spirit. It may appear to be a contradiction, but participation in sports and other forms of recreation are the best ways to rejuvenate yourself and build self-esteem. Winning isn't as important as trying. Participating in sport also teaches teamwork, self-discipline, commitment and the meaning and importance of good sportsmanship. It also helps build your confidence.
Honesty & integrity. When you interact with others always strive to be a person of his/her word. Reneging on a promise or obligation can damage a reputation quickly. Protect your reputation. It can take time to build a good reputation and only an instant to destroy it. Where often hear it said that "his or her reputation proceeds them." Be sure it is an honorable one.
Appreciation of Music and the Arts: Even though their participation may not extend beyond school or community productions, the value of early exposure to these aspects of the human condition will serve them for a lifetime. Music and art are an expression of the soul; our inner being. Learning to release the inner you in many forms will contribute to creating a personality that attracts positive outcomes.
The value of money and the value of friendship. Why it is important not to confuse the two. Few things can damage a relationship faster than a dispute over money. Abide by the adage of never a borrower nor a lender be. Don't lend money you aren't prepared to make a gift of. This can be especially true with family members.
The list can be almost endless, so I'll finish with this one. Find the good in others. We all are human and suffer the frailties of the human condition. Learn to love thy neighbor as thy self. To do so you must understand that it begins with loving yourself and maintaining your self-respect. That starts with forgiving yourself for your errors, striving to do better and not repeating your mistakes. Being a positive role model and practicing what you preach is one of the foremost examples of good parenting and good grand-parenting. The rewards of watching your little ones grow into happy productive adults will fill you with contentment in your "golden years."
Richard Quindry writes fiction and non-fiction on his website. He can be contacted via email at the email address shown below. He accepts free lance assignments and enjoys researching topics of every sort. He is an avid reader of many other Blogs and likes to share ideas with other writers.
His favorite books include mysteries, science-fiction and biographies. He also enjoys writing poetry, a talent he acquired from his grandfather. His recently published book [http://www.publishamerica.net/product42561.html]Marvelous Miriam's Magical Hawaiian Adventure is dedicated to his granddaughter. [http://hughcares.net/wordpress]Richard Quindry
[mailto:askhugh@hughcares.net]askhugh@hughcares.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandchildren-Put-the-Gold-in-Your-Golden-Years&id=6475988] Grandchildren Put the Gold in Your Golden Years
From the time they draw their first breath they will have stolen your heart. As I await the arrival of my fourth grandchild I remain as excited by this event as I was with the arrival of the first, some 16 years ago. This will be the firstborn of my youngest child and her husband, and I'm sure they are even more excited than I.
Though the blessed event is still several months off, I'm certain I'll be awed by how quickly the time has passed when he or she is off to their first day of school. As I can recall, the comment of how fast children grow was often made by the adults when my siblings and I were growing up. Even as the world changes, some things remain the same. The bond between parent and child is one of them.
There is another special bond important to the growth and development of children; the one between grandparents and their grandchildren. It is a significant relationship that can enhance the progress of a child's maturation. Though I was still young when they passed I can recall what a joy it was to travel half a day in the car to visit Dad's folks. They always made me feel special. I learned so many things from both of them that it had me thinking that they were so wise that I wanted to be just like them.
Since I became a grandparent myself I have learned that the river of knowledge and experience flows in both directions. We gain so much from the added perspective that these precious little [ insert term such as bundle of joy ] provide us with. They keep us thinking young, remembering that life is about more than work and the accumulation of material objects. They acquaint us with new things, helping us to keep up with progress in an ever-changing world. How many times have we heard the remark that, "my grandchild knows more about the computer than I do."
As much as I treasure the inspiration provided by the insights of these little darlings, it is the opportunity to pass down the knowledge and wisdom acquired during my lifetime that affords me the most gratification. My list of values to pass on to my grandchildren includes the following.
A belief in oneself and a belief in a higher power. There is much more to our world than what we can see, hear, smell or touch. Understanding this opens us to the possibility that all things are possible. There is magic in believing. To learn more on the subject you should pick up a copy of Claude M. Bristol's The Magic of Believing.
Put forth your best effort at what ever you endeavor to do and never give up. Half way just isn't good enough. You'll be able to take pride in yourself knowing that you gave it your all. Never say that you can't do something. This word was forbidden in our household. We were instilled with the idea that the attitude of "can't" ultimately leads to defeat. In fact it will prevent you from ever trying. Adults are often guilty of saying. "I could never do that!"
Know yourself and be true to who you are. Don't try to be something you are not. No one likes a phony This should not be confused with trying new things or developing new skills and interest. Look inside yourself when faced with situations and do what comes naturally. You won't be let down.
Be your own person. Do not fall prey to others who want to control and manipulate your life. Think for yourself. Don't simply follow others because they appear have a greater knowledge or experience. Develop your ability of critical thinking and analysis. Most answers can be worked out in your head if you apply this process. There was a time that we were taught this concept in school. Perhaps this is the greatest failure of the educational system today.
Pursue your dreams. Never lose sight of your aspirations. They raise our spirits to a higher level and are an important part of evolving our imagination. Even when you fail to succeed in your initial efforts it isn't the end. Step back, take a look at the circumstances objectively. Ask yourself how you might have done this differently. Look to others whom you can emulate. While it's true that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it is also true that nothing succeeds like success. Model yourself after those who have prevailed at what you want to accomplish. Don't be afraid to ask for advice or assistance. Life is a team sport.
The importance of education. It should never be underestimated. You will be judged by others for how you speak. Remember that each day will present new challenges and learning is a lifetime experience that takes place in and out of school. Those acquiring higher education not only earn a greater income during their careers, but they gain a greater appreciation for finer aspects of living. A god education will take you anywhere you choose to go. Read, study, work hard and you will have earned your education.
Have fun. The value of recreation is in what it returns to the body and spirit. It may appear to be a contradiction, but participation in sports and other forms of recreation are the best ways to rejuvenate yourself and build self-esteem. Winning isn't as important as trying. Participating in sport also teaches teamwork, self-discipline, commitment and the meaning and importance of good sportsmanship. It also helps build your confidence.
Honesty & integrity. When you interact with others always strive to be a person of his/her word. Reneging on a promise or obligation can damage a reputation quickly. Protect your reputation. It can take time to build a good reputation and only an instant to destroy it. Where often hear it said that "his or her reputation proceeds them." Be sure it is an honorable one.
Appreciation of Music and the Arts: Even though their participation may not extend beyond school or community productions, the value of early exposure to these aspects of the human condition will serve them for a lifetime. Music and art are an expression of the soul; our inner being. Learning to release the inner you in many forms will contribute to creating a personality that attracts positive outcomes.
The value of money and the value of friendship. Why it is important not to confuse the two. Few things can damage a relationship faster than a dispute over money. Abide by the adage of never a borrower nor a lender be. Don't lend money you aren't prepared to make a gift of. This can be especially true with family members.
The list can be almost endless, so I'll finish with this one. Find the good in others. We all are human and suffer the frailties of the human condition. Learn to love thy neighbor as thy self. To do so you must understand that it begins with loving yourself and maintaining your self-respect. That starts with forgiving yourself for your errors, striving to do better and not repeating your mistakes. Being a positive role model and practicing what you preach is one of the foremost examples of good parenting and good grand-parenting. The rewards of watching your little ones grow into happy productive adults will fill you with contentment in your "golden years."
Richard Quindry writes fiction and non-fiction on his website. He can be contacted via email at the email address shown below. He accepts free lance assignments and enjoys researching topics of every sort. He is an avid reader of many other Blogs and likes to share ideas with other writers.
His favorite books include mysteries, science-fiction and biographies. He also enjoys writing poetry, a talent he acquired from his grandfather. His recently published book [http://www.publishamerica.net/product42561.html]Marvelous Miriam's Magical Hawaiian Adventure is dedicated to his granddaughter. [http://hughcares.net/wordpress]Richard Quindry
[mailto:askhugh@hughcares.net]askhugh@hughcares.net
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Grandchildren-Put-the-Gold-in-Your-Golden-Years&id=6475988] Grandchildren Put the Gold in Your Golden Years
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
How Your Grandchildren Can Keep You Young
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lyn_J_Rayner]Lyn J Rayner
As we grow older and reach our senior years we suddenly take on a whole new interest of what is going to slow down the aging process. We start to take a close look at our lifestyle and we take a closer look at those fountain of youth products. All of a sudden eating better, getting proper rest and counting each day as a blessing becomes the priority. Yet for many of us we have possessed one of the best anti age commodities known to man and we don't realize it. This precious commodity is our grandchildren.
We often don't realize it but we can really escalate our aging process just by the way we think. Its not uncommon to all of a sudden when you hit the age of sixty five and society says you are a senior that you all of sudden begin to think old. Maybe being out in a field throwing a baseball is not such a good idea, or getting up at the crack of dawn to venture out on a fishing trip with the kids is going to cause too many aches and pains. You are what you think you are. If you think you are old then you are going to act this way. Sure you may not be able to run a relay race with the grandkids but I be if you think about it you can walk many miles right along beside them.
The key is to become involved with the grandkids on an active level. Its wonderful for the kids to come over and have a wonderfully cooked meal prepared by grandma, followed by her famous apple pie. But hey, how about spending the afternoon apple picking before this great event.
You are going to be actively involved, get some great exercise which you can bet is going to make you feel good. Instead of sitting by the swimming pool enjoying watching the kids play about, get in there with them. Again the benefits that you will derive from this are immense.
Let your grandchildren play an active role in keeping you young in mind, body and soul. By doing this you have the extra bonus of leaving your grandchildren with a legacy of memories that will last them a lifetime.
How many times do we as seniors make the comment that things aren't like the way they used to be. Yet we are often the culprits for allowing the modern world to rob us of the values and lifestyles that we were used to as kids, instead of passing these own. We are in fact contributors to the old fashioned family drifting apart.
For more great information on how to be a modern grandparent with old fashioned values be sure to visit http://www.sweetiepiebaby.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Your-Grandchildren-Can-Keep-You-Young&id=6555626] How Your Grandchildren Can Keep You Young
As we grow older and reach our senior years we suddenly take on a whole new interest of what is going to slow down the aging process. We start to take a close look at our lifestyle and we take a closer look at those fountain of youth products. All of a sudden eating better, getting proper rest and counting each day as a blessing becomes the priority. Yet for many of us we have possessed one of the best anti age commodities known to man and we don't realize it. This precious commodity is our grandchildren.
We often don't realize it but we can really escalate our aging process just by the way we think. Its not uncommon to all of a sudden when you hit the age of sixty five and society says you are a senior that you all of sudden begin to think old. Maybe being out in a field throwing a baseball is not such a good idea, or getting up at the crack of dawn to venture out on a fishing trip with the kids is going to cause too many aches and pains. You are what you think you are. If you think you are old then you are going to act this way. Sure you may not be able to run a relay race with the grandkids but I be if you think about it you can walk many miles right along beside them.
The key is to become involved with the grandkids on an active level. Its wonderful for the kids to come over and have a wonderfully cooked meal prepared by grandma, followed by her famous apple pie. But hey, how about spending the afternoon apple picking before this great event.
You are going to be actively involved, get some great exercise which you can bet is going to make you feel good. Instead of sitting by the swimming pool enjoying watching the kids play about, get in there with them. Again the benefits that you will derive from this are immense.
Let your grandchildren play an active role in keeping you young in mind, body and soul. By doing this you have the extra bonus of leaving your grandchildren with a legacy of memories that will last them a lifetime.
How many times do we as seniors make the comment that things aren't like the way they used to be. Yet we are often the culprits for allowing the modern world to rob us of the values and lifestyles that we were used to as kids, instead of passing these own. We are in fact contributors to the old fashioned family drifting apart.
For more great information on how to be a modern grandparent with old fashioned values be sure to visit http://www.sweetiepiebaby.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-Your-Grandchildren-Can-Keep-You-Young&id=6555626] How Your Grandchildren Can Keep You Young
Monday, January 2, 2012
Staying In Touch With Grandparents Who Live Far Away
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Autumn_Lockwood]Autumn Lockwood
Families are becoming increasingly dispersed as time goes on, living all throughout the country and sometimes even all across the world! Whether it's on account of work or something else, many families find themselves moving far away from many of their close loved ones, including important relatives such as grandma and grandpa. But thanks to modern technology, your kids aren't left with just the recollection of Grandma in the photo albums on your coffee table. Keeping in touch has never been more simple.
Using Technology To Keep In Touch
The improvements that have been made in electronic interaction open up the doors for staying in touch with far away grannies and grandfathers. The simplicity of email enables even a five-year-old to do it. This is wonderful because it means that even grandparents who always a very hard time with technology will be able to be taught how to use email to send and get messages. If a particular grandparent is notably unfamiliar with personal computers, you can surely opt for a simple laptop or computer and take around an hour to train them how to work it. There are also classes offered for exactly this type of need at most local community colleges and community centers - many of them for free or at a very low cost. Once Grandmother sees the first few pictures of the youngsters on her own computer, it's likely that she will want to learn what she needs to do to see some more.
Keeping Up Interaction From Far Away
Some other methods Grandmother can use to appreciate using technology and to stay in touch even from her own home miles away are:
• Printing digital photos without being required to leave home. Grandma will be able to fill up numerous photo albums a year without heading out to the photo store if she has the right printer and photo paper.
• Making use of phone services on the internet such as Skype. If Grandma and you both have Skype accounts, then it will be free for you both to talk Skype to Skype. There are additionally low-cost phone plans that allow you to call land lines and cellular phones.
• Getting what you can out of special features on your cell phone. Numerous cell phone plans allow you to have unlimited calling when it is after a certain time, one example is after six p.m. as well as on every weekend. This time that's free can be a great opportunity to talk with the family.
• Making accounts on some social networks. If they join up with a social network site like Facebook.com or perhaps Twitter.com then they can maintain contact with other members of the family as well as updating their status, sharing photographs, and so much more.
• Producing photo albums on the internet. Check out Flickr.com and some other photo-sharing sites to create online photo albums that can be shared with family and friends. This can be a fantastic method for sharing significant events with grandmother and other people, and you can upload and share your own pictures from school and vacation without the long wait that regular mail demands.
• Chat in real time with the help of a web cam. Talking face to face with your grandma or grandpa can be easy as well as free if you use a service like Yahoo Messenger! It's easy to use web cams, they are quite cost effective and a huge number of them can also take still photos that you can use to make prints.
These hints are just a few of the numerous methods that can be used for staying in touch with your family members even when they are many miles away - there are also more ways to help you to feel like your grandma and grandpa or other relatives are right around the corner.
Visit our website and check out our wide selection of [http://www.yourpictureframes.com/categories/Metal-Picture-Frames]silver metal picture frames and other frames in a variety of sizes and styles. Come see our [http://www.yourpictureframes.com/]quality photo frames at now or call us at 800-780-0699.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Staying-In-Touch-With-Grandparents-Who-Live-Far-Away&id=6626953] Staying In Touch With Grandparents Who Live Far Away
Families are becoming increasingly dispersed as time goes on, living all throughout the country and sometimes even all across the world! Whether it's on account of work or something else, many families find themselves moving far away from many of their close loved ones, including important relatives such as grandma and grandpa. But thanks to modern technology, your kids aren't left with just the recollection of Grandma in the photo albums on your coffee table. Keeping in touch has never been more simple.
Using Technology To Keep In Touch
The improvements that have been made in electronic interaction open up the doors for staying in touch with far away grannies and grandfathers. The simplicity of email enables even a five-year-old to do it. This is wonderful because it means that even grandparents who always a very hard time with technology will be able to be taught how to use email to send and get messages. If a particular grandparent is notably unfamiliar with personal computers, you can surely opt for a simple laptop or computer and take around an hour to train them how to work it. There are also classes offered for exactly this type of need at most local community colleges and community centers - many of them for free or at a very low cost. Once Grandmother sees the first few pictures of the youngsters on her own computer, it's likely that she will want to learn what she needs to do to see some more.
Keeping Up Interaction From Far Away
Some other methods Grandmother can use to appreciate using technology and to stay in touch even from her own home miles away are:
• Printing digital photos without being required to leave home. Grandma will be able to fill up numerous photo albums a year without heading out to the photo store if she has the right printer and photo paper.
• Making use of phone services on the internet such as Skype. If Grandma and you both have Skype accounts, then it will be free for you both to talk Skype to Skype. There are additionally low-cost phone plans that allow you to call land lines and cellular phones.
• Getting what you can out of special features on your cell phone. Numerous cell phone plans allow you to have unlimited calling when it is after a certain time, one example is after six p.m. as well as on every weekend. This time that's free can be a great opportunity to talk with the family.
• Making accounts on some social networks. If they join up with a social network site like Facebook.com or perhaps Twitter.com then they can maintain contact with other members of the family as well as updating their status, sharing photographs, and so much more.
• Producing photo albums on the internet. Check out Flickr.com and some other photo-sharing sites to create online photo albums that can be shared with family and friends. This can be a fantastic method for sharing significant events with grandmother and other people, and you can upload and share your own pictures from school and vacation without the long wait that regular mail demands.
• Chat in real time with the help of a web cam. Talking face to face with your grandma or grandpa can be easy as well as free if you use a service like Yahoo Messenger! It's easy to use web cams, they are quite cost effective and a huge number of them can also take still photos that you can use to make prints.
These hints are just a few of the numerous methods that can be used for staying in touch with your family members even when they are many miles away - there are also more ways to help you to feel like your grandma and grandpa or other relatives are right around the corner.
Visit our website and check out our wide selection of [http://www.yourpictureframes.com/categories/Metal-Picture-Frames]silver metal picture frames and other frames in a variety of sizes and styles. Come see our [http://www.yourpictureframes.com/]quality photo frames at now or call us at 800-780-0699.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Staying-In-Touch-With-Grandparents-Who-Live-Far-Away&id=6626953] Staying In Touch With Grandparents Who Live Far Away
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