To Grandma’s House we Stay
I just wanted to write and let you know how the book "To grandma's
house we stay" has made such an impact here. Thank you so much.
We still have a limited number of these for you as a caregiver for
free (1 per person), email/snail us with all postal details and
postcode.
NEW: GRG support group in New Plymouth
Kathryn is a grandmother who is caring for 2 grandchildren and she
has offered to facilitate a group in her area, thank you Kathryn.
Ph 06 7579200 Email: kathrynkanara@slingshot.co.nz
Wanganui GRG Support Group
We are reconvening monthly meetings. ALL Grandparents raising Grandchildren
welcome.
DATE: First (1st) Wednesday of each month. TIME: 10am to 12pm.VENUE:
Hillcrest Studio.16 Fitzherbet Avenue. Springvale. Phone Mary: (06)
3438242 Email: kauika@xtra.co.nz
Northland GRG Field worker appointed
It is with the greatest of pleasure the Trust Board announces the
appointment of our very first Field Officer in NZ for the Northland
Region. Robyn Corrigan’s job will be to work with our Northland
Co-ordinators to strengthen and promote the organisation and spread
the word about the GRG Trust. We have asked Robyn to tell you a
little about herself.
Ko Mamaru te waka
Ko Maungataniwha te maunga
Ko Tokerau te moana
Ko Ngati Tara te hapu
Ko Ngati Kahu te iwi
Tihei mauri ora.
My name is Robyn Corrigan. I am of Ngati Kahu descent, reside in
my ancestral area of Doubtless Bay in the Far North, and am the
mother of four adult children and nanna of four mokopuna aged 17,
14, 8 and 2. The two younger ones and their parents, my daughter
and son-in-law, share our (busy) family home.
My journey to the position of Field Officer for the Northland Region
has been wonderful and varied. I have an extensive background in
the social services sector and have met many special people along
the way, including kaumatua, kuia and whanau whose lives have changed
through circumstances that have resulted in their having to care
for their tamariki/mokopuna. I look forward to being part of this
wonderful organisation, supporting its kaupapa.
Na reira, ma te Atua koutou e manaaki, i arataki.
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Labour News
Ruth Dyson becomes Minister of Social Development and Employment,
Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and retains Senior
Citizens and Disability Issues responsibilities.
Most of us fit into every one of her portfolios
TV Show you will relate to
Next of Kin on UK TV Saturday at 4 .45 pm Channel 6 on Sky TV: They
are raising 3 children after their parents have died. We are sure
you will relate! Staring: Penelope Keith.
Congratulation’s W & I Porirua
Our grand who had raised the children for many years did not know
about UCB. After contacting us she made an appointment at W &
I (after a considerable amount of time gathering the courage to
phone). Unbelievably she got an appointment the very next day, she
gathered all her paperwork and with her stomach in knots she waited
for her appointment. As she looked around at the staff, her gaze
fell upon a male staff member with a beautiful smile. He called
her name and she went to his desk. Tears fell as she talked and
explained her story, he was caring, kind and sympathized at her
plight.
His parting word were, “there needs to be more people like
you, in what you are doing” The very next morning she had
a phone call from him to say her UCB was all in place and she would
be paid the following Wednesday. A very stressful and painful situation
was eased by his kindness and understanding, and the icing on the
cake were the Bon-bon, sweets he gave the child and low and behold
he even had Black-ball sweets. Remember those folks.
We all too often hear horrid stories about our grand’s and
UCB with Work & Income staff, but this time we are MOST happy
to say “Thank you ‘Tripp’ from W & I Porirua”
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Parenting Inc Tips
• Children love to interrupt parent’s phone calls. So
prepare them before you make a call;
“Do you want me to read you a story before I make some phone
calls?” or “I need to make a phone call. Is there anything
you need or want to tell me now” This gives them a chance
to connect with you or have some one on one attention. You could
set up an activity box which is reserved for when you are on a prolonged
call. This way you will find your children will seldom need to interrupt
you when on the phone.
• Have you ever found your child unable to answer your question
or apologise for something they did wrong? There are times when
children get stuck because they are embarrassed, fearful, stubborn
or just uncertain about what to do. You can ease them out of this
position by coaching them with the appropriate response –
“I am sorry Mummy for accidentally pulling your hair.”
And you can break the tension by offering a cuddle. “Come
and sit with me while you get ready with your answer.”
Auckland Communal Clothing Room: Elizabeth
emails
I would like to thank Diane Vivian, helpers and donators who gave
their time and items for this wonderful...wonderful day also meeting
and chatting with others like myself.
I have never seen so many free goods, it was an eye opener. It
came in handy as I now have Christmas presents already wrapped for
my 4 mokos as I was starting to worry how I was going to provide
for them.
I am proud of them as they never complain on Christmas day, they
think the $2 shop is like going to the most expensive store you
could think of, but I know they will enjoy and love what they get
this year.
Once again I would like thank everyone and wish you all a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year
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Congratulations to our Grand-daughter Hannah:
Proud Grandmother & Grandfather email.
Our 18 year old grand-daughter has excelled:
1. Dux of Western Springs College
2. Senior mathematics Cup
3. Board of Trustees award
4. University of Auckland Vice Chancellors Scholarship
5. Achievement in History
6. Application in French
7. ASB Scholarship
We are very proud of her. Congratulations Hannah! And also to her
grandparents! FANTASTIC
A Simple pack of playing Cards
Teach your pre-schooler or young schooler numbers, shapes and colours.
We play the game of snap with a difference. Sometimes snap is played
the normal way, or with shapes that match: snap: Colours that match:
snap: We also encourage the recognising of numbers/letters by calling
the number/letter out for each card played.
Census 2006
Sad to say that census 2006 unlike 2001 did not ask the direct question
about numbers of grandparents raising grandchildren. But never the
less we have managed to find out information about the number of
children who are not living in the following family nucleus under
the dwellings form. This information does not count the following
children:
• Foster Care children
• Adopted children
• Natural children
• Step children
Therefore:
It does appear that there are 15,879 children in NZ who are living
with carers other than the above. This mix could be:
• Grandparent/s
• Great Grandparent/s
• Aunts/Uncles etc
• Extended kin Family
• Permanent placement carers
• Friends/Godparent/s
The female children number 7683, and male children 8193. This data
has been randomly rounded.
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Variety Search for Talented Kiwi Kids with Big
Dreams!
Variety – The Children’s Charity is calling for applicants
for its 2008 Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Programme with the closing
date of Friday 8 February 2008.
Launched in February this year, the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship
Programme is dedicated to fostering the talents of New Zealand children,
who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged, to help them achieve life
goals in a broad range of areas including music, the arts, education
or sport.
The Variety Grants Committee will review all applications and scholarships
will be granted to applicants who demonstrate a passion and commitment
to a long term life or career aspiration. Applicants must also fit
within Variety’s existing grant ‘special needs’
criteria i.e. children challenged physically or intellectually due
to illness or disability; or disadvantaged due to socio-economic
conditions or geographic isolation , and be aged up to 18 years.
For more information about the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Fund,
or to apply please contact Heather Stevens at Variety on 09 520
4111, email helpkids@variety.org.nz or visit www.variety.org.nz
for an application form and full details. Lorraine Taylor Chief
Executive Variety - the children's charity 290 Great South Rd Greenlane
Auckland (09) 522 3744
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ADD/ADHD: Attention Deficit Disorder - Making
a Difference for Families
The ADD Assessment and Family Support Centre has been established
by the ADD NZ Trust to provide medical care, support and assistance
to children, teenage adolescents and adults with the neurological
disorders ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), and often associated
disorders Aspergers, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Touretts; their
families, and associated professionals, to help assist them reach
their health, educational, social and employment potentials.
These conditions are usually associated with significant learning
needs. Three main characteristics are difficulties with: Sustaining
attention, effort and persistence; Organisation; Controlling of
emotions, impulses to act and delaying responses.
About 5% of the population including about 4% of adults are affected
by ADD/ADHD. This makes it a common condition. It can be treated,
but early diagnosis is especially vital for children as without
proper treatment they may never reach their potential.
People can live happily and successfully with ADD, by building
on what they are good at and developing support systems. Phone:
04 383 5061 Fax: 04 383 5063 Email: addtrust@xtra.co.nz www.addnz.org.nz
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THE TRUTH ABOUT MIRRORS: by Margaret Cunningham
What do you see when you look in the mirror? I know what I see.
An image of a middle aged woman complete with graying hair, sunspots
and the odd wrinkle or ten! My clothes never seem to hang the way
they used to and the terms ‘willowy’ and ‘lissome’
are no longer mentioned in neither my personal dictionary nor, I
have noticed, my husbands. Mirrors never lie so I’ve always
been told. That may be so but does this mean they ever tell the
truth? Richard Bach the author of Jonathan Livingston Seagull says,
“Look in a mirror and one thing’s sure, what we see
is not who we are.” Children naturally understand this and
with few words can shatter our mirror image.
In spite of my own opinion of my mirror image my granddaughter,
has over time, suggested I enter a beauty contest, enter NZ Idol
and last year miss nine-year-old recommended I try-out for Dancing
with The Stars. Whew!
Not long ago we visited the school playground; we were there to
rectify her twenty-three failed attempts at swinging from one high
platform to another by hanging on to a thick twisted knotted rope.
“You do it first,” she said.
Instantly my mirror image appeared in my head. “No way! I
can’t I’m too…” I mean couldn’t she
see that perhaps I would look a little out of place flying through
the air in front of hordes of school children?
Instead, not one child blinked an eyelid as I launched myself platform
to platform; even my maniacal screams were interpreted as happy
laughter. Thankfully my arms remained in their sockets and in spite
of the ungainly landing I completed the maneuver without major mishap.
More importantly, so did my granddaughter. Mirror images are unimportant
to children. Appearance is a façade, a social conditioning
that in reality reflects nothing of what lies in our hearts.
When my granddaughter suggests I enter these glamorous events what
does she see? Am I that fantastic I could woo the country with my
singing, dancing and gorgeous looks? Absolutely not! What my granddaughter
sees is what she feels in her heart – love. This love is pure
and fresh, a love that forgives gladly and trusts implicitly; love
too young to be contaminated by attachments of power, greed and
control. Such love shuns evil, forces our eyes off our mirror reflection
and onto the condition of the heart. As parents it is our job to
protect and nurture our children. At times though we have to sit
back and realize children have their own lessons to teach us.
One of the first homework assignments my granddaughter brought
home this year was to write a personal profile. After she had filled
in sheets of questions covering height, weight, likes and dislikes
she was asked to present two letters, one from herself applying
for the position of Top Person in her class and the other a letter
of reference from the parent caregiver with regard to this position.
Like most other parents I took my task seriously and in the language
required of a referee I wrote what I considered a glowing reference
and fiercely fought back, successfully I might add, the urge to
discuss messy bedrooms and household chores! As an after thought
I wrote how I was often aware my granddaughter had taught me more
about life than I felt I had taught her.
Innocence reeks of wisdom. We expect only the mature to be wise;
wisdom is the privilege of maturity, a ripeness cultivated from
a life time of experiences, both good and bad. The way our children
see the world, untouched by such experiences, is different.
Innocence asks the ‘why’ questions. “Why do people
want to kill their children?” or “Why is there war?”
or “Why do they still make cigarettes when they know it kills?”
How many parents failed to adequately answer their children’s
questions about the 911 attacks on America? “Why did those
men fly that aeroplane into a building?”
These are unnerving full of wisdom questions not just the juvenile
ramblings from children too young to understand. They are questions
that expose the condition of the human heart breaking into pieces
the images we have created for ourselves. Wise questions from wise
children. What a pity this stage is so fleeting and overlooked.
What do I see when I look in the mirror? No miracles I’m
afraid. I still look the same. But when I take my eyes off myself
and take a peek at the world through the eyes of a child I see a
whole new mirror image.
Mirrors never lie? You bet they do! END
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Aspergers and Aggressive
Behaviors: By Dave Angel
The 2 essential factors every par Parents needs to know to cope
with aggressive and violent behavior in their Asperger's child.
For many parents of children Children with Asperger's Syndrome;
coping with violent and aggressive behaviours can be a very difficult
and challenge.
Aggressive behavior in the child with Asperger's Syndrome occurs
for a reason, just as it would with any other child. No child ever
really just "acts out" for no apparent reason whatsoever.
The key is in the words "apparent reason" - there is ALWAYS
a reason but the major challenge for the parent is often working
out what that reason is.
Inappropriate behavior, whether mild or severe, generally occurs
in order to:
• Avoid something - for example a child may become aggressive
and shout before getting the school bus; as they want to avoid going
to school.
• Get something - for example a child may lash out at another
child because they want to get the toy that the other child is playing
with.
• Because of pain - for example a child may show a range of
challenging behaviors to their parents because they feel in physical
pain, such as having earache.
• Fulfill a sensory need - for example a child may lash out
or shout in the classroom if it is too noisy, too busy, too bright,
too hot, or strong in a particular smell.
So the first step in reducing or eliminating this behavior is to
determine the need that it fulfills by looking at the four categories
above.
The second step is to teach them a replacement behavior, which
they can use to communicate what they want or don't want. It may
even involve using some of their obsessive or self-stimulating behaviors
(like hand-flapping, rocking, pacing) as a replacement behavior.
This is because it would be far less intrusive to others than aggressive
behaviors, but still serve the same purpose. It could also be about
encouraging the child to express their feelings or negotiate verbally.
For other children they may communicate through another method like
emotion cards, drawing, using symbols or "talking" through
a puppet. You know your child best so you need to determine this.
This process takes time and initially, depending on the behavior,
you may not have time. If the behavior is severe, then you need
to remove the child from whatever situation they are in at the time
immediately. Simply insisting that they stop the behavior and participate
in whatever is occurring will not benefit the child or you; unless
you remove them from the situation first.
Maintaining your child's routine will go a long way towards reducing
the need for inappropriate or aggressive behavior in the first place.
Because for children with Asperger's routine is a great source of
stability and comfort for them.
So just to recap the 2 critical factors for coping with your child's
aggressive and violent behaviors are:
• Identify the real cause of the behavior from the 4 main
categories above.
• Teach the child to communicate the real cause of the behavior
to you in a less harmful manner.
About the Author
Dave Angel is a social worker with families who have children on
the Autistic Spectrum and is the author of a new e-book that answers
the 46 most asked questions by parents of children with Asperger's.
To claim your free 7 day Mini-Course for parents of children with
Asperger's Syndrome visit http://www.parentingaspergers.com
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Hide and Sneak Veggies
I've gotten creative when it comes to veggies! After making chicken
or beef stock, I puree the veggies and add them to soups. I also
shred veggies and add them to ground meat for burgers or meat loaf.
• I tried to put carrots in the pasta sauce I made, but [my
husband] was standing next to me and told me, "Don't you dare!"
Well, little did he know that when he left the kitchen, I opened
up a [Gerber] baby stage 2 squash and added that to the sauce. He
couldn't even tell! My whole family ate the pasta sauce greedily.
Also, I mixed the baby's sweet potatoes into my nine-year-old daughter's
tomato sauce.
• A friend of mine gave me this idea for getting my kids to
eat spinach, so I tried it, and they gobbled it up and asked for
more! It's so simple: peel and core apples, put them in the food
processor with just a tiny bit of water and a heaping handful of
raw spinach leaves, and process until smooth. That's it! It's this
awesome bright green color that my kids think is cool and that tastes
just like fresh apples—no spinach flavor at all!
• I make syrup out of fresh blueberries for pancakes! All
I do is blend a handful of blueberries with a hint of honey. Sometimes,
instead of honey, I put in a banana slice just for sweetness. This
is the only way [my daughter] will eat fruits.
• I thicken gravies with pureed vegetables—this is very
tasty. Steam them first; baby carrots are so sweet when steamed.
Potty Training hints
If you’re like most parents, potty training your toddler feels
a lot like fighting an uphill battle. But sometimes, advice from
another parent who’s been there can be encouraging enough
to pull you through.
• "What works well for us is this: Instead of saying
"sit on the potty before we go to the library," I say,
"After you have gone to the potty, we'll go to the library."
Then I relax and do something else to make it seem like I have all
the time in the world to wait. I want to give her the message that
she knows her body best and that she has a choice. She can either
sit on potty now and go to library, or not sit on potty and find
something to do at home while waiting for that potty urge. Of course,
I always choose things she loves like going outside on the swing
or going to the library. I hope this works for you!"
• "Let your kid go naked around the house for a period
of time during the day. Have a small potty chair you can bring in
the family room with him. Have him sit often, read, watch a video,
or play on or near the potty. If you catch him watering on the floor,
be quick and get him on that potty! Be sure to reward him for potty
success -- we use two M&Ms. After he gets very good at this,
then transition him to cotton training pants and a potty schedule
that has him going every 2 hours. Also, take him to the potty; don't
ask. Take him every 2 hours, after meals, naps and snacks until
he initiates on his own."
• "I think letting my son be naked in the house has worked
wonders for us. And we reward him for a job well done. Last night
he was starting to poop when he was naked and he got kind of worried
because he was not wearing the diaper. He put up a bit of a fight
but the poop was on its way so he gave in. He was so excited and
proud of himself for going on the big potty! To reward him, I lift
him in the air and say "hip-hip-hooray, hip-hip-hooray, hip-hip-hooray!
It’s a great potty day!" He loves that. Plus, I’ll
give him candy now and then, or once just last week, I got him a
little Matchbox car."
• "What we did was make a potty chart and every time
he goes potty in the toilet he gets a gold star. For a poop, he
gets two stars. He thinks this is very cool. Then every five stars
he gets a reward. After he gets 75 stars he gets an inflatable pool
to play with in the back yard. Hopefully after this many stars he'll
be close to done!"
• "Just remember to be patient! Some older kids learn
easily, but many kids lost interest in training at the very time
parents are ready to pull their hair out from changing all of the
diapers! It is a learning process for most that takes time and commitment."
• Use a ping pong ball in the toilet, and teach your child
to just aim for the middle. This has worked for my son! I was in
no hurry to have my son stand -- I thought it would be really messy
-- but he insisted after about two months of training that he wanted
to do it like Daddy. I'm happy to say I think he only missed his
aim about once or twice in the last six months."
Grandmother - a wonderful mother, with lots of practice. ~Author
Unknown
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How To Help Your Kids Cope
With Cyber Bullying. By Sue Atkins
The UK government's recent announcement of a crackdown on bullying
and cyber bullying in particular is a welcome response to a problem
that for far too long has slipped under the radar of public attention.
This is a subject that I feel passionately about because I have
experienced first hand the devastating effect that it can have on
any individual being targeted. I was bullied in my first year at
secondary school and developed alopecia (hair loss) as a result.
I dealt with the problem by believing that the bullying must be
my fault and didn't want to bother anyone with my 'little problem'.
Thus, I have vowed as a parent never to assume my child is not the
sort to get bullied.
Bullying comes in many forms and is easier than ever for the perpetrators
to achieve on a mass scale, given the advances that have occurred
in modern technology and the access all of our children have to
it within our homes.
Also as a mother I can vouch first hand for how upsetting the effects
of bullying can be both for the child and parent, as one of my own
children has also suffered briefly the same plight. When my child
first came to me with this problem, I wondered if I should have
spotted the signs earlier and punished myself for not being able
to help sooner. But by approaching his school and talking about
things openly the problem was soon sorted out and we all moved on
positively. Yet it is not just the parents of the victim that struggle
to deal with this problem. In my role as Parent Coach I see increasing
numbers of parents who come to me asking "what did we do wrong"
- when confronted with the truth their child is actually doing the
bullying themselves.
Bullying is an age-old problem that is still rife in its various
forms throughout schools today. Current figures show that as many
as one third of children aged 12 - 15 have been the victim of cyber
bullying. Children can become involved with cyber bullying to some
extent even without fully realising it by passively receiving bullying
messages by email or text and then by forwarding them on to others
-this has become known as "bystander bullying". My own
son didn't fully realise the implications of a fun video he made
with friends when he posted it up on utube and the whole incident
got out of hand when his school got involved. Children don't realise
it really is a world wide web and adverts appear on sites that have
nothing to do with the intention of the person posting that can
also cause offence.
Yet despite these figures, parents are still unsure as to what really
constitutes bullying and more worryingly many are just blissfully
unaware of the dangers.
Parents assume that once safely at home children are free from
the strife of the playground jungle and could not possibly be at
their most vulnerable. But in truth for many this is where the problems
begin. A bully need no longer run the risk of inflicting their callous
words upon their victim in public when it is just as easy to send
groups email, pictures and post comments on social networking sites
such as bebo, myspace and facebook. Parents need to react, be proactive,
keep up with the times and talk to their kids about what is and
what's not acceptable behaviour. They need to focus on the current
reality and not get hung-up on their own old preconceptions as to
what bullying entails - it's different nowadays.
As a result of cyber bullying children regularly avoid school,
experience depression, self harm and in worse cases attempt suicide.
It is a serious issue.
Cyber bullies can remain "virtually" anonymous with temporary
email accounts and pseudonyms in chat rooms, instant messaging programs,
and other Internet venues making it very difficult for individuals
to determine the identity of aggressors. Cyber bullies can hide
behind some measure of anonymity when using the text-message capabilities
of a cellular phone or their personal computer to bully another
individual, which frees them from the normal and usual social constraints
on their behaviour. What's more, your child is at the mercy of bullies
24 / 7 once it begins, mobile phones enable children to receive
abusive texts emails and phones any place, any time, anywhere.
So, it is great news that the industry has taken on some of the
moral compass over this issue and aided the government with their
campaign, providing practical tips including not responding to malicious
texts or emails, saving evidence and providing passwords, editing
and barring on different mediums. However, parents must actively
be aware and take part in helping to combat this problem at is source
- the children themselves. Parents need to be aware what to look
for in their children if they think they maybe being bullied and
just as worrying, how to put a stop to a child who has taken to
bullying others.
Parents need to teach their children to report bullying if they
see it happening to others because they can help put a stop to it.
Remind them that they needn't feel afraid of doing the right thing.
They are not being 'snitches' or 'grasses'. Explain that even though
just standing by may be easier, everyone needs a little help from
time to time. If your child does become the victim of bullying get
them to keep an accurate and detailed diary of events such as the
one available on my website (www.positive-parents.com) for reporting
to the proper authorities.
With all the risks and challenges that cyber bullying brings, parents
should look to set guidelines on their child's usage of their mobile
phones and talk to them about what is and isn't acceptable behaviour
when texting. Surprisingly, many parents overlook mobile phones
and never think to set any rules of use and just allow their children
carte blanch - failing to think about the access their child may
have via their personal mobile phone to the internet. Parents need
to set guidelines similar to those for a PC, including how much
time is spent on the phone, which applications are allowed, and
who the children are allowed to contact.
Although this may be difficult to monitor it is essential in making
children aware that their behaviour is being monitored and just
because it's the internet or mobile phone doesn't mean that anything
goes. This way parents are taking an interest and in the back of
their child's mind will be their parents warning, which should ensure
their usage patterns and behaviour will be more thought through
and consequences taken into consideration.
"Secondly, as a preventative measure to bullying parents should
look to block sites and numbers. Many mobile operators offer the
ability to limit access or block sites, numbers or access times
for the cell phone. Contacting service providers and asking what
options are available will help parents discover how best they can
combat any potential problems.
Furthermore, you can also find out how and when your child is using
their mobile phone. Reading their phone bill provides a great snapshot
of a child's activity, parents should review their bills carefully
for late night and other types of communication, looking at who
SMS messages are going to.
It is impossible to irradiate cyber bullying; however, we should
all be aware of the dangers and be ready to act when needed. Bullying
has profound affects on a child's development and we must ensure
we are doing all we can to conquer this age old disease.
Sue Atkins is a highly respected and professionally qualified Parent
Coach and Author of "Raising Happy Children for Dummies"
one in the famous black and yellow series published and available
worldwide. To find out more go to http://www.positive-parents.com return to top When I am an Old Lady:
When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid, And bring so much
happiness... just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues, And I'll bounce
on the furniture...wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout! (When I'm
an old lady and live with my kids)
When they're on the phone and just out of reach, I'll get into
things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head, (When
I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
When they cook dinner and call me to eat, I'll not eat my green
beans or salad or meat, I'll gag on my yoghurt, spill milk on the
table, And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able! (When I'm
an old lady and live with my kids)!
I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click, I'll
cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away, And play in the mud 'til
the end of the day! (When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh, I'll thank God in prayer
and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping!
And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping”.
Di
National Convenor and the team.
E te Atua, aroha mai..... O God shower us with love
Ka kite
* Please feel free to send this report on to others whom you think
may be interested:
* Please pass this on to other grandparents/kin carers you know
of.
* Views expressed in this newsletter may not be the views of the
GRG Trust.
* GRG Trust Head Office hours are 9am-3pm daily. (We raise grandchildren
too)
* We are totally a voluntary organisation.
* All donations to the GRG Trust are tax deductible.
Abbreviations:
• GRG – Grandparents Raising Grandchildren ™
• H/O – Head Office
• H/B – Handbook
• BOT – Board of Trustees
• CYF – Child Youth & Family Services
• Co’s – Co-ordinator/s
• UCB – Unsupported Child Benefit.
• WINZ – Work & Income NZ now DWI – Department
of Work & Income
• Grands – Grandparents
• G/c – grandchild/ren
