This book investigates the changing culture of grandparenting. Depending on the group, the period, and the family, grandparents have been powerful patriarchs and matriarchs, reliable second parents, dependents, burdens, or community figures. The book examines the history of grandparenting and the changing depiction of grandparent culture from “old” to “hip,” including the development of the celebrity grandparent, the emergence of media technologies that allow for new communication and relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren, new rituals associated with grandparenting, the growth of the marketing of grandparenting as a new stage of life, and the impact on our culture of the commodification of grandparenting. Prior to the twentieth century, within the United States the idea of the modern grandparent likely did not even exist. Many people did not live long enough to reach the grandparent stage of life. Today, people are living longer, and grandparenting is occupying a longer phase in one’s life. Grandparenting is becoming its own life stage, where new rituals exclusive to grandparents are emerging. Newer technologies, such as Skype, Google Hangout and FaceTime, allow grandparents who are far away to establish relationships with their children. Many grandparents also use social media and blogs to chronicle their experiences. Some grandparents have turned their grandparent lifestyle into a business. The representation of grandparenting in popular culture is shifting as well. Grandparents are becoming their own figures on television and film programs, including reality shows. Others have been thrust into the public eye across social media. Marketers have realized the power of this new consumer subgroup and have begun to direct marketing campaigns to grandparents. Yet, despite the pervasive images of grandparents, some of which present empowered figures, grandparent representation in popular media continues to mimic many of the stereotypes commonly associated with aging, encouraging people to laugh at versus laugh with these figures. The Third Act: Grandparenting in a Digital Age examines grandparenting through history, interviews, and popular culture to study the changing image of grandparents in society.

As featured on The Steve Wright Show on Radio 2. Equipping children to thrive and survive in the digital jungle Digital technology, social media, and online gaming are now a universal part of childhood. But are you worried about what your children might be doing online? What they might come across by accident? Or who might try to contact them through Facebook or Twitter? Whether you are a parent, grandparent, teacher, or youth leader, you will want children to get the most out of new technology. But how do you tread the tightrope of keeping them safe online, whilst enabling them to seize and benefit from the wealth of opportunities on offer? Bex Lewis, an expert in social media and digital innovation, has written a much-needed and timely book full of sound research, practical tips, and realistic advice on how to keep children safe online. She puts the Internet scare stories and distorted statistics into context and offers clear and sensible guidelines to help children thrive in the digital jungle. Media coverage includes: BBC Radio 2: The Steve Wright Show, BBC Radio Tees, BBC Radio Newcastle, ITV Tyne Tees television , Real Radio, Sun FM, The Durham Times, The Northern Echo, The Sunderland Echo, Premier Radio.

Grandparenting in the Digital Age Things aren’t what they once were. As younger generations become increasingly immersed in the endless presence of tech, older generations struggle finding common ground to relate.The gap between grandparent and grandchild may feel wider than ever. Grandparenting Screen Kids is a grandparent’s guide to start bridging this gap. Relationship expert Gary Chapman along with coauthor Arlene Pellicane will help you understand this different (and often troubling) world of iPads, YouTube and video games. They will offer activities to keep your grandkids occupied without screens and assist you in navigating differences with your adult children. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, under informed, and physically unable to meet the demands of active grandkids. That’s why this companion guide to the book Screen Kids has been written to connect you to information and encouragement. Technology isn’t going anywhere and your grandkids need you more than ever to guide them in ways that computer's can't.

This edited book focuses on affordances and limitations of e-books for early language and literacy, features and design of e-books for early language and literacy, print versus e-books in early language and literacy development, and uses of and guidelines for how to use e-books in school and home literacy practices. Uniquely, this book includes critical reviews of diverse aspects of e-books (e.g., features) and e-book uses (e.g., independent reading) for early literacy as well as multiple examinations of e-books in home and school contexts using a variety of research methods and/or theoretical frames. The studies of children’s engagement with diverse types of e-books in different social contexts provide readers with a contemporary and comprehensive understanding of this topic. Research has demonstrated that ever-increasing numbers of children use digital devices as part of their daily routine. Yet, despite children’s frequent use of e-books from an early age, there is a limited understanding regarding how those e-books are actually being used at home and school. As more e-books become available, it is important to examine the educational benefits and limitations of different types of e-books for children. So far, studies on the topic have presented inconsistent findings regarding potential benefits and limitations of e-books for early literacy activities (e.g., independent reading, shared reading). The studies in this book aim to fill such gaps in the literature.

'This is the most important - and fascinating - book yet written about how the digital age will affect our world' Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs From two leading thinkers, the widely anticipated book that describes a new, hugely connected world of the future, full of challenges and benefits which are ours to meet and harness. The New Digital Age is the product of an unparalleled collaboration: full of the brilliant insights of one of Silicon Valley's great innovators - what Bill Gates was to Microsoft and Steve Jobs was to Apple, Schmidt (along with Larry Page and Sergey Brin) was to Google - and the Director of Google Ideas, Jared Cohen, formerly an advisor to both Secretaries of State Condoleezza Rice and Hillary Clinton. Never before has the future been so vividly and transparently imagined. From technologies that will change lives (information systems that greatly increase productivity, safety and our quality of life, thought-controlled motion technology that can revolutionise medical procedures, and near-perfect translation technology that allows us to have more diversified interactions) to our most important future considerations (curating our online identity and fighting those who would do harm with it) to the widespread political change that will transform the globe (through transformations in conflict, increasingly active and global citizenries, a new wave of cyber-terrorism and states operating simultaneously in the physical and virtual realms) to the ever present threats to our privacy and security, Schmidt and Cohen outline in great detail and scope all the promise and peril awaiting us in the coming decades. A breakthrough book - pragmatic, inspirational and totally fascinating. Whether a government, a business or an individual, we must understand technology if we want to understand the future. 'A brilliant guidebook for the next century . . . Schmidt and Cohen offer a dazzling glimpse into how the new digital revolution is changing our lives' Richard Branson

In an ever-evolving world where traditional roles and dynamics are constantly being redefined, the grandparent's role has undergone a profound transformation. Gone are the days when grandparenting was a passive endeavor; today, it demands a proactive and adaptable approach, one that embraces the nuances of the digital age while still cherishing the timeless values that bind generations together. Enter "MODERN GRANDPARENTING," a comprehensive guide that empowers you to navigate this new era with confidence, wisdom, and a deep understanding of what it means to be a present and engaged grandparent in the 21st century. Chapter 1, "The Evolving Role of Grandparents in the Digital Age," sets the stage by exploring the shifting landscape of grandparenting, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that arise in a world where technology plays an ever-increasing role in our daily lives. In Chapter 2, "Bridging the Generation Gap," you'll discover practical strategies for fostering meaningful connections with your grandchildren, transcending the generational divide and cultivating a bond built on mutual understanding and respect. As you progress to Chapter 3, "Building Meaningful Connections through Shared Experiences," you'll learn how to create lasting memories and strengthen your relationship with your grandchildren through shared activities, adventures, and quality time together. Chapter 4, "Navigating the Digital Landscape," explores the intricacies of the digital world, providing you with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively communicate and engage with your tech-savvy grandchildren, ensuring that you remain an integral part of their lives. In Chapter 5, "Fostering Emotional Intelligence and Resilience," you'll delve into the art of nurturing your grandchildren's emotional well-being, equipping them with the skills and resilience to navigate life's challenges with grace and fortitude. Chapter 6, "Embracing Modern Parenting Styles," acknowledges the evolving landscape of parenting, offering insights into understanding and respecting the diverse approaches to child-rearing, enabling you to provide support and guidance while respecting boundaries. As you delve into Chapter 7, "Grandparenting from a Distance," you'll discover practical strategies for maintaining strong bonds and fostering meaningful connections with your grandchildren, even when physical distance separates you. In Chapter 8, "Passing on Family Traditions and Values," you'll learn how to preserve and share the rich tapestry of your family's heritage, instilling in your grandchildren a sense of pride and connection to their roots. Chapter 9, "Self-Care for Grandparents," emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your own well-being, providing you with invaluable strategies for maintaining physical, emotional, and mental health, ensuring that you can be the best possible grandparent for years to come. Finally, Chapter 10, "Creating a Lasting Legacy," encourages you to reflect on the profound impact you can have on your grandchildren's lives, offering guidance on how to create a lasting legacy that will inspire and enrich generations to come. With "MODERN GRANDPARENTING" as your guide, you'll embark on a transformative journey, one that will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to thrive as a contemporary grandparent. Embrace the ever-changing dynamics of the modern family, and discover the joy and fulfillment that comes with being an active, engaged, and influential presence in your grandchildren's lives.

A program for parents and professionals on how to raise kids who love to read, featuring interviews with childhood development experts, advice from librarians, tips from authors and children’s book publishers, and reading recommendations for kids from birth up to age five. Every parent wants to give his or her child a competitive advantage. In Born Reading, publishing insider (and new dad) Jason Boog explains how that can be as simple as opening a book. Studies have shown that interactive reading—a method that creates dialogue as you read together—can raise a child’s IQ by more than six points. In fact, interactive reading can have just as much of a determining factor on a child’s IQ as vitamins and a healthy diet. But there’s no book that takes the cutting-edge research on interactive reading and shows parents, teachers, and librarians how to apply it to their day-to-day lives with kids, until now. Born Reading provides step-by-step instructions on interactive reading and advice for developing your child’s interest in books from the time they are born. Boog has done the research, talked with the leading experts in child development, and worked with them to compile the “Born Reading Essential Books” lists, offering specific titles tailored to the interests and passions of kids from birth to age five. But reading can take many forms—print books as well as ebooks and apps—and Born Reading also includes tips on how to use technology the right way to help (not hinder) your child’s intellectual development. Parents will find advice on which educational apps best supplement their child’s development, when to start introducing digital reading to their child, and how to use tech to help create the readers of tomorrow. Born Reading will show anyone who loves kids how to make sure the children they care about are building a powerful foundation in literacy from the beginning of life.