Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting by Lesley Stahl (PDF)

Description

The New York Times BestsellerFrom one of the country’s most recognizable journalists: How becoming a grandmother transforms a woman’s life. After four decades as a reporter, Lesley Stahl’s most vivid and transformative experience of her life was not covering the White House, interviewing heads of state, or researching stories at 60 Minutes. It was becoming a grandmother. She was hit with a jolt of joy so intense and unexpected, she wanted to “investigate” it—as though it were a news flash. And so, using her 60 Minutes skills, she explored how grandmothering changes a woman’s life, interviewing friends like Whoopi Goldberg, colleagues like Diane Sawyer (and grandfathers, including Tom Brokaw), as well as the proverbial woman next door.Along with these personal accounts, Stahl speaks with scientists and doctors about physiological changes that occur in women when they have grandchildren; anthropologists about why there are grandmothers, in evolutionary terms; and psychiatrists about the therapeutic effects of grandchildren on both grandmothers and grandfathers.Throughout Becoming Grandma, Stahl shares stories about her own life with granddaughters Jordan and Chloe, about how her relationship with her daughter, Taylor, has changed, and about how being a grandfather has affected her husband, Aaron.In an era when baby boomers are becoming grandparents in droves and when young parents need all the help they can get raising their children, Stahl’s book is a timely and affecting read that redefines a cherished relationship.

User’s Reviews

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐Such interesting information! Leslie Stahl provides amazing insights and research into the blessings of becoming a grandparent!

⭐Grandchildren are given to us to make up for aging’, is something Lesley Stahl tells us, and it is so true. However, grandchildren are the life joy for the older crowd. My feelings about becoming a grandparent three times over is the most wonderful feeling in the world. Now, I understand why, grandmothers excrete a small amount of oxytocin when they pick up that little bundle of joy the first time. Like for the mothers oxytocin gives us a feeling of well being and overwhelming love. The importance of this book written by Lesley Stahl should not be understated. The science of grandparenthood is very important.Most grandmothers and grandfathers can relate to much of what is written. The love of the child that is an extension of your child, and your chance to love this little person with all your heart. We can relive the childhood experiences we may have missed because of our work lives or other issues when we were parents. We also learn that stepmothers and stepfathers are the fastest growing population in the senior ages. Some children have 4 sets of grandparents! Two sets of grandparents can cause jealousy and intimidation, and Lesley suggests new grandparents talk it out.The science behind our emotions, the research that has been done about grandparenting is so amazing. The new communities that have sprung up around the country for older people to grandparent children in need. And, the discussion of grandparents who now need to parent their grandchildren. Lesley gives us examples of her mother turning into a marshmallow with Lesley’s child. What happened to the mother Lesley knew? Yes, we are free to be marshmallows, to provide love and toys and whatever else our grandchildren need. People who do not have grandchildren have never met a perfect person!We can all tell tales, we can relate to the stories Lesley tells, and we can share our love and devotion for these precious children who come our way. There is nothing better than become a grandparent people tell you, and it is so very true.Recommended. prisrob 05-30-16

⭐This isn’t a bad book, but it’s not a great book either. The focus is very much on what it is like to be a white and very well-to-do grandmother, one who can afford to make multiple transcontinental air trips every year and who can afford to give her offspring and grandchildren considerable financial support.While BIPOC are discussed in the book, the only way in which they are mentioned is in the context of poverty, drug-abuse and lack of resources. There is an entire chapter devoted to describing a community in Illinois where a bunch of older white women “grandparent” BIPOC foster kids, with little or no discussion about recognizing and celebrating the children’s heritages as BIPOC. Other parts of the book talk about grandparents having to step in and raise their grandchildren, and guess what, the ones who are described are all BIPOC, too.Despite the claims on the cover, there is precious little actual science included, and it is mostly a memoir of the author’s own lived experiences as a privileged white woman becoming a grandmother. It is also a bit dated at this point, having been published in 2016, and it is pretty clear that the author expected the presidential election that year to go in a different way than it did.Not a bad book by any means; I do enjoy reading memoirs. It just should not be treated as a “guide” to becoming a grandmother, or not unless you are white and very well-off.

⭐We have one grandson, and he has the strings of our lives. He is the son of our son, therefore you hit my nerve big time with how it seems easier for access for our daughter in laws parents. We realized that our passion for time with him was going to be something to seize. So we travel by car 4 to 5 Times a year to Oregon.Wen they bought a TWO bedroom house, I cried for a week. When we would get there, we had added $$ for hotel. Our son was a very involved dad, both worked. He started to see that we were determined.Today we are the special grandparents. While maternal than fussed at him about his dirty face, wiping nose, I have emerged as is “existential” Grammy. We cuddle and talk. My husband and he are the pool bums, but pools is strict but plays hours on end. Then the chlorine smelly boy wants me to tell him a story, then discuss.When I arrive back home from the thousand mile, 18 hour drive, I smile and fill my eyes with our stories. Oxytocin lasts for weeks.I write letters to him. He isn’t much keen on the phone, so we write.Your book made me understand why I’d have had a completely different experience with my daughters child. But that isn’t going to happen.I have done my own survey of teen boys. They love their Grammys. It will be a blink of an eye when our guy is a teen. I bet we will be Zen buddies then too.Good job “Lolly”Grammy from Montana

⭐Now I see the reasons why I enjoy my grand children the way I do. Plus it gives me an insight on how I could nurture them more… more of my time, patience and resources.

⭐Leslie Stahl may not be known here in the UK but as an American, I remember her for as long as I can say. She’s terrific on the TV news show 60 Minutes. Now I see her in a totally different light as a loving grandmother. It’s a perfect book for future or current grandparents.

⭐Perfect gift for grandparent and this book has been so well received that it was the perfect choice.I would recommend this book as a thankyou to every Grandmother.

⭐This book is wonderful. My mother-in-law read it, let my mother read it (both gave it RAVE reviews) and my mom has been giving copies as gifts to her friends as they become new grandmothers.Lesley uses her own experiences combined with those of grandmothers all around the world. She has an easy writing style and makes this book a quick read.

⭐Excellent book. I gave it to my wife for Mother’s Day and she is thrilled with it.

⭐The reader learns a lot about political figures, social institutions, Lesley’s colleagues, and Lesley herself. This is a great book, which I would recommend not only to new grandmothers and grandfathers, but also to new parents and to the whole family nucleus as they welcome in the new miracle, the child of God.

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