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When I conducted research for my masters and Being a Distance Grandparent I found a sprinkling of academic commentary discussing the nature of distance grandparent’s relationships with their geographically separated grandchildren. |
Distance Grandchildren can be 1 day old, 1 year old and 51 years old.
Some left their ‘home country’ as children, teenagers or adults.
Others were born overseas and have never lived in the country of their grandparents. Sometimes they speak different languages.
While others used to be a distance grandchild but have since returned ‘home’, or their grandparents have passed.
Each set of circumstances is different.
What is YOUR Distance Grandchild story?
Distance Grandchildren can be 1 day old, 1 year old and 51 years old.
Some left their ‘home country’ as children, teenagers or adults.
Others were born overseas and have never lived in the country of their grandparents. Sometimes they speak different languages.
While others used to be a distance grandchild but have since returned ‘home’, or their grandparents have passed.
Each set of circumstances is different.
What is YOUR Distance Grandchild story?
I'd love to hear from Distance Grandchildren (past & present) of all ages.
Let's connect. Please email me. HE
"Thinking and reflecting as an adult on a few simple questions about 'how it was' being a distance grandchild was an enlightening and rewarding exercise. I am delighted Helen is writing her book and it was a pleasure to be involved." |
Having been both a distance grandchild and a ‘home’ grandchild, I feel all of those relationships are very unique. Helen has a great way of articulating how personal and yet relevant to many these experiences are. |
Your research questions about 'Being a Distance Grandchild' were helpful, Helen. They helped me to get thinking. I was reading them, making notes and getting the juices flowing for our interview chat. 
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I was in my thirties when I first moved abroad, and one of my grandmothers was still alive. The different time zones and dissimilar seasons fascinated her while living in South East Asia. She loved tropical flowers originally from countries afar, so I would specifically offer her those types of flowers for her birthday. With my children, I carry on my grandmother's tradition of handmade ravioli and tomato passata. A couple of staples in the Italian home cooked dishes. My grandmother's way of looking at the world, and Helen’s approach to Distance families relationships, helps me consider different perspectives now that I try to foster the relationship between my children and my parents. I am a distance grandparent and a sociologist. I loved your grandparent book [...] I'm also looking forward to your book about the grandchildren, as the teen years are so hard to maintain connections with from a distance, and so much changes for them in those years. All the best. I loved your Buffet of Questions. There were things I hadn't thought about for years. |
FREE AUTOGRAPHED COPY TO BE WON
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Please register here.
Looking ahead to 2024... would you like to receive a one-off email when the book is published and go into a draw to receive a FREE PAPERBACK COPY?
Please register here.
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THANKS
Copyright Licensing New Zealand via their Partnership Fund partners with sector groups and individuals that are connecting to, or working with, diverse voices and communities on projects which align with their CLNZ Cultural Fund objectives. Helen Ellis's book project, Being a Distance Grandchild, has been awarded a grant. Click here for more information. |
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