1. Grand-Parenting By Balbir Ladhar Lib15: Electronic Research and the Internet Class December 7, 2003

2. Agenda Introduction Summary Bibliography

3. Grand-Parenting “There is a famous Norman Rockwell painting, circa 1940, depicting Thanksgiving dinner; a plump, apple- cheeked, gray-haired Grandma and a balding, bespectacled Grand pa presiding over the family feast, with children and grandchildren gathered together to savor not just the turkey and the pumpkin pie but the feeling of continuity and safety and belonging. The message is clear and comforting: This is our family. These are our elders. This is how we do things. This is where we get strength and self-esteem and pride we need to carry on.” (Kornhaber 15)

4. Introduction Being an immigrant from India, and also a grand-parent of six smart grandchildren (four US born children and two Australian born children), I had been thinking of differences in Grand-parenting between different countries. My research papers lead me to realize that the language of love, affection, and parenthood is the same all over the world, and advancement in technology is further strengthening the family values irrespective of the physical distance between the families.

5. Synopsis My research starts with a family Thanksgiving dinner during 1940. Families stayed together for three to four generations occupying the same house and enjoying family values together. With the passage of time, after World War II, and with Industrial revolutions, education and employment opportunities changed the earlier concepts, and both parents started working to meet family needs and cost of living. Distances increased between families and Grand-parents, resulting in isolation causing psychological and emotional problems.

6. Synopsis(cont.) Negative media changed the concept of family unity and its value with “Geography of No-Where” and “American Dream of split-level on a half an acre”. Single family living style, in the form of independence and freedom was promoted heavily by Media, and the gap between the families increased. Technology assisted by reducing family gaps, thus, concept of “Global Village” helped and Internet became the center of audio as well as video chatting, reducing the family distances. Technology also opened new avenues of learning, jobs, and business around the globe.

7. Synopsis(cont) Abundance of free Information available on the cyberspace is a great blessing to both i.e. grand parents and grand children, to share their thoughts in real time, and to communicate as needed. Information literate grand parents can help their grand children to use the internet effectively to achieve their educational goals. This class has benefited me as a grand parent to enhance my information literacy. Now there is a need for “Information Literacy”. Thereby, we need to grasp newer technology by being a life-long learner.

8. Synopsis(cont) Due to the medical miracles and research Grand-parents are living longer and are likely to surpass earlier records, and pass on their years of wisdom to younger generations. We foresee decades ahead of Grand-parents helping their family traditions, bonds, and values. And the family feeling the charisma of continuity, safety and belonging. Hopefully, Grand-parents will keep their Grand spirits high just like Olympic flame burning for ever.

9. Bibliography Chopra, Deepak, Ageless Body Timeless Mind NY: 1993 Random House, Inc., Girard Nancy Renewal of the spirit Aaron Journal March 2003, November 11, 2003 http://www.findarticles.com/cf_o/m0FSL/3_77/99237591/print.jhtml “Grand-boomers’ play a growing role. (By the numbers, population figures on Grand- parents)” Home Textile Today Jan, 2003 November11, 2003 http://www.findarticles.com/cf_o/m0BCU/1_18/97894220/print.jhtml “KidsEdge.com Partners with Leading Authority on Grand-parenting; New Individualized Online Learning Network Encourages Grand-parent Involvement in Child Development” Business Wire June 29, 2000 November 11, 2003 http://www.findarticles.com/cf_0/m0EIN/2000_June_29/63032884/print.jhtml Kornhaber, Arthur Grand~parent Power! NY: 1994 Crown Publishers, Inc., Parents and grandparents now are targets in Internet music-sharing subpoenas Associated Press LexisNexic Academic July 25, 2003 December 4, 2003 <http://0-web.lexis- nexis,com.library.sjeccd.org/universe/printdochttp://0-web.lexis- nexis,com.library.sjeccd.org/universe/printdoc

10. Special Note My special thanks to Prof. Joy Chase for her guidance and timely advise. I am thankful to my class fellows for contributing to my knowledge. Wishing you All Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!!!