Conference to discuss intentional grandparenting

Conference to discuss intentional grandparenting

There are more grandparents living today than at any other time in U.S. history, and they are very different than the stereotypes.

“The average age of today’s … [first-time] grandparent is 48,” says Cynthia Moss, GrandLife director at Shades Mountain Baptist Church, Vestavia Hills.

“Today’s grandparents are more health conscious, physically fit and intellectually curious than grandparents of the past,” Moss said. “We are fairly tech savvy, have more time, resources and discretionary income than any generation of grandparents before now.”

Nearly three-quarters of American grandparents also are directly involved in caring for grandchildren, either as regular caregivers or as legal guardians. The joys and challenges are real, but engaging with grandchildren is “worthy work,” Moss said. And that idea will be the focus of Grandparenting Matters, a conference for grandparents to be held Oct. 5–6 at Shades Mountain.

The two-day event will feature six workshops addressing topics of concern and interest for grandparents.

Friday evening sessions will focus on the “Amazing Influence of a Grandparent” and “What the Bible Says About Grandparenting.”

Saturday morning sessions will focus on best practices of Christian grandparents, including being intentional and overcoming distance.

The conference will be led by Larry Fowler, founder of Legacy Coalition, a ministry whose aim is to equip the church to help grandparents and grandchildren connect in ways that have Kingdom impact.

The Grandparenting Matters conference will run 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 5, and 9 a.m to 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 6.

Visit shades.org/grandconf for cost and registration. (TAB)

Registration is open online at shades.org/grandconf, via phone at 205-822-1670 or by email at sblackwood@shades.org.