Welcome to the 25 November 2008 enewsletter
What sort of memories do you have of your grandparents? My father’s parents died before I had a chance to know them, but my mother’s mother was called Gladys. She used to take me down the street as she shopped for bread and vegetables and meat, and would stop and chat to nearly every second soul. This was in the days when people knew everyone in the local community. They would all pinch my cheek and say, “So this is Betty’s little girl?” and I would smile, and feel secure.
What memories will your grandchildren have of you? Times have changed and many grandparents are still working, while nearly 22,500 are full time carers for little ones when their own sons and daughters can no longer cope. Saddest of all are the stories we hear when grandparents are denied access after a bitter divorce.
This week the AboutSeniors enewsletter focuses on all the information and resources grandparents need to understand their rights – as well as to celebrate their place in the world. For it is often the older generation who still take the time to share their stories - and the values – that really matter. Read Kaye’s blog on the importance of stories, and our reviews of great books to share with your grandchild. Check out Centrelink options if you are a carer for a grandchild, teach them how to handle their money, and read Drew’s techie tips on how to keep the young ones safer online. And don’t forget to share fun time in the kitchen making some healthy Slurpy Noodles together. It’s also your last chance to enter our $9000 Indian travel competition. Or answer a question to win a 5-pack DVD set. And finally, we salute the marvelous octogenarian up top – M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!! Happy 80th Mickey, and may you enjoy your next eight decades…

Have a grand week!
David & Kaye Fallick

Win a DVD pack
Answer our poll on the Government’s pre-Christmas bonus for a chance to win a DVD pack.

Medicare claims
When looking after grandchildren, whether for a short or extended period of time, there’s a good chance you may incur some medical costs.

Separation – your rights
What happens if your child separates from a spouse or partner? Does this mean you may not see your grandchildren again? Or at best once or twice a year? What does the family law act say?

Grandparenting benefits
No matter how much you love them, being responsible for a grandchild can have a disastrous effect on your lifestyle and income.

Playing safe or censorship?
Is the Government’s plan to force ISPs to block “inappropriate material” censorship going too far?

Protecting children online
Protecting children online from stumbling across pornographic material, being sexually solicited over the internet or playing violent and inappropriate video games is easier to control than you may think?

Keeping up
Looking after grandchildren will keep you on your toes, and you’ll need plenty of energy to keep up with the little darlings! So how best do you look after the wellbeing of your charges, and yourself?.

Grandparents’ support
Caring for a child will mean many changes to your life, socially and financially. Often, the circumstances that see you being responsible for a child’s care are less than ideal. So where do you turn for help and support?

Seniors discount at Sydney Harbour Marriott
Discount Crikey membership

Heart Smart Slurpy Noodles
Getting children to eat can sometimes be a challenge - and cooking two meals can become the norm. Thanks to the Heart Foundation, these tasty and healthy Slurpy Noodles are a meal everyone will enjoy.

A story a day

Kids go free
Travelling to Papua New Guinea may be considered more of an adventure than a holiday. Now children can travel on this adventure free.

Friday fare madness
Christmas is on its way and people are watching their pennies, which may be good news for those with a few extra dollars to spend on travel.

Travelling with children
Travelling with children is a whole new ball game, no longer can you just pack a bag and head off into the far blue yonder.

Child friendly holidays
There’s a good chance that your idea of a good holiday and your grandchild’s will be completely different. So how do you make sure compromise is something understood by an eight year old?

Pure magic

Reading with grandchildren is one of life’s simplest, but most enjoyable pleasures. Seeing their faces register joy and amazement at wonderful tales is well worth the time spent reading. As their tastes “mature” what do children like to read?

Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven't thought of yet.
- Gene Perret
Read more quotes here.