Conversation Starters for Every Grandparent: Tips for Talking to (and with) Your Grandchildren, Your Children, and Other Grandparents

by Kim Chamberlain

Overview

Grandparents often find themselves in awkward positions when it comes to having conversations with their family. Once children become “little people,” they develop likes and dislikes and discover their own interests, all of which may often be at odds with the grandparent’s. Even the most innocent attempt at chatting can produce such conversation-stoppers as “I dunno,” “whatever!” or “who cares!” Similarly, when a grandparent tries to initiate a talk to his or her own children about grandkids’ behavior or activities, it is usually met with a stony disapproving silence or a curt “mind your own business.” And when sets of grandparents get together, the opportunities to criticize each other for spoiling or favoring one of the grandchildren—or the parent whom your child married—can become a prescription for disaster.

Fortunately for the growing population of intergenerational family members, help is here in this very practical handbook for seniors who babysit, visit or vacation with, or otherwise spend time with youngsters. Among the topics included are creating safe and friendly environments in which to initiate a chat, selecting age-appropriate conversation openers, avoiding sensitive issues, and developing listening as well as speaking skills. Subjects for conversations include family history, favorite activities, uncritical advice, and hopes and dreams for the future.

Although aimed at grandparents, this latest volume in the author’s Conversation Starters series is an essential guide for parents and children as well.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632205193
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	05/12/2015
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Kim Chamberlain is a speaker, writer, and seminar facilitator. She holds the National Speakers Association Accredited Professional Speaker level of certification, was the founding president of the Wellington (New Zealand) National Speakers Association, and has won many speaking awards. In 2000 she was voted as one of the world’s top newsletter writers. Chamberlain is the author of Five-Minute Brain Workout, Woman to Woman, and Conversation Starters. She resides in Wellington, New Zealand.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Using the Book 1

How the book is organized 1

Suggestions for using the starters 3

Speaking Skills 7

Conversation techniques 8

Conversations with grandchildren 16

Communicating with children 19

1000 Questions and Conversation Starters 31

Section 1 For grandchildren to ask their grandparents 31

Section 2 For grandparents to ask their grandchildren 54

Section 3 For grandparents to ask their adult children 82

Section 4 For grandparent couples to ask each other 84

Section 5 For grandparents in general conversation 95

Keepsake Memories 131