It was only after I was married and had three children of my own that I discovered how valuable grandparents could be. My mother-in-law loved our children to pieces. Grandma Marso came to visit often and partook in all our family experiences. She was there to share in each childhood experience, from new teeth to learning to walk to riding a bike. Unfortunately, she died young when our oldest son was nine years old. 

I will never forget how much she taught me. The time was indeed too short, but her effect was great. I was able to observe and be a part of something special. For a brief moment, I witnessed how vital grandparents could be for not only the grandchildren, but the parents as well.

It is my hope that other grandparents will be motivated by my work with Grandkidsandme to become more involved in the lives of their children and grandchildren. Grandparenting is a true opportunity to forage a wonderful relationship in your descendant’s lives.

Today, millions of Boomer Grandparents are looking for a way to get more involved in their children and grandchildren lives. Boomers have spent much of their lives working. Now they are looking for a way to re-establish themselves with their children. They are the first generation to have both mother and father directly involved in the raising of their children.  They have more to share as a result of their experiences.

I am a family historian who especially values my family’s past. It is my hope that our stories and values will never be forgotten and that our ancestors will live on in our grandchildren's lives. 

A friend of mine, Kay Harvey said it perfectly. “My grandmother used to tell me stories, and now I realize her voice is my voice and the two of us have become one.”

Don Schmitz is a popular speaker and writer on parenting and grandparenting. He is the author of The New Face of Grandparenting…Why Parents Need Their Own Parents and founder of The Grandkidsandme Foundation and Grandparent Camps. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration and Human Development. He is the father to three sons and nine grandchildren. Contact Don@grandkidsandme.com