grandparents

"So when are you going to start a family?" The questions often start after wedding rings are exchanged. Whether a couple has decided to wait to have children or they're having difficulty conceiving, prying friends, family, and strangers can often put unwanted pressure on a husband and wife.

In the upcoming issue of AARP magazine, former President George W. Bush addressed the possibility of becoming a grandfather:

I'm a little disappointed it hasn't happened yet. But the more disappointment I show, the less likely it is things are going to happen on the time table I want.

Who hounded you the most about becoming pregnant?

Mommy Dearest –

My husband grew up in a very affectionate family where hugs and kisses were never spared on the children. When my kids were babies and toddlers, I thought nothing of my in-laws giving their grandchildren kisses – be it on the cheek, forehead or lips. But now that the kids are 5 and 8, I'm beginning to get a bit uncomfortable with the lip pecks. Though I have yet to discuss it with them, I don't think they love it either since they are always wiping them off and making fun of their grandfather for doing it. Is it appropriate for me to put an end to this practice? And if so, can it be done without offending the grandparents?

– Kiss and Tell Mommy

To see Mommy Dearest's response, read more

Lil Knox Jolie-Pitt and his grandma Jane took in the Venetian sites from the family's balcony today. The tot did the same with Brad's dad, Bill the other day. Some grandparents have trouble finding time to squeeze in visits with their grandchildren, but that doesn't seem the case for the Pitt clan. It doesn't seem like fame has affected their familial relationship except for adding more stamps to their passports!

Sixty-seven percent of LilSugar readers said that grandparents should provide a helping hand when it comes to raising lil ones. Are your children close to their grandparents? What role do the elders play?

This post was submitted by an anonymous member in our A Place to Vent group.

I love and adore my mother and she is my greatest ally as a mom, but whenever I share my experiences about parenting she over personalizes and identifies with them. She is a fantastic mother and a serious contender for the world's greatest grandma award, but she can't listen to my conundrums without reminding me (in exhausting and antiquated detail) what it was like when she was a mother to two little children. I'll call her scared about my son's fever and she'll go on about the time my brother had pneumonia and was hospitalized, or I'll tell her how I feel when my husband crosses my rules with the kids and she'll launch into stories about my dad. There's no doubt I require and appreciate her stories, knowledge and support, but I've told her numerous times I need her advice in the moment for my current situation. I need guidance for my life and yes, I want to learn from her experience, but I can't help but get frustrated when she over-identifies with my concerns instead of helping me with the problem at hand. How do I help her take off the mommy cap and put on the grandma cap where she can live in the moment with me and my family (and not seem completely insensitive)?

Overwhelmed by a crying baby, difficult parenting quandary, overbearing in-laws and competitive parents? Join our A Place to Vent group over in our LilSugar Community and share your stress with fellow moms who understand your plight. You can even post sensitive questions anonymously!

My grandparents are big bookworms, and I have so many special memories of reading with them while we snuggled up on a sofa together.

They're still avid readers, and while I can't always be there to share a book with them, I know that they appreciate a new book in the holiday season. I try to always pick out something special for them, and a book and a blanket is a perfect combination. See some of my favorite finds below.