contents December 2009 GRANDGRAND the maga zine for grandpar ents The mAG AziNe f oR GRA NDpARe NTS grand mag azine P E T E R YA R R O W: j u lY-A u g usT TEENAGERS ! How We Can Give feBRUARY 2009 for “I’m bored…” What They Really Need GRAND ents grandpar zine for the maga Why We’re Responsible for our G’kids Lifelong health WhAT’S IN ThE CookIE JAR ? Unforgettable Presents for the New G’baby “Thanks for the ugly gift” Do We Teach Them to Plus: 2008 GRANDparent of the Year – details inside grandmagazine.Co m JULY–aUgUst 2008 $3.95 Us $3.95 Canada Lie? PETER YARROW “Puff, the Magi c Dragon” Meet s a new generation grandfather How One Grand Got a Teen off the Couch & into Business The nighTmar e of grandkid s hidden in iraq GET A JOB! LEFT BEHIND Changing the worl d for her granddau ghter and a million othe r children Susan L.T lor ay GRANDmoTh eR * Relocate to g’kids? * 10 dazzling Disney secrets * Telling the g’kids you’re gay + Plus 6 GRAND DECEMBER azine grand mag w w w. g r a n d m ag a z i n e. Co m Home for Dinner Sibling rivalry e rts: septemB nora roBer 08 o C to B e r 2 0 How supper at 6 combats obesity, drugs & depression g’kids constantly squabbling? We can help! Special Section: 2008 Winner! granDparent of the year * grandmother grand-proofing the house How safe are sippy cups? now! Heirloom gifts to make * * m grandmagazine.Co 2008 septemBer-oCtoBer $3.95 Us $3.95 Canada NORA ROBERTS : fAmily, er’s reAl loves A romAnce writ , community grAndchildren + Plus 28 CYBER-SAVVY GRAND 11 GRAND CENTRAL Unique—and easy—gifts from your photos and a little Web magic. By Shayne Packer Dazzle ’Em with Digital w w w. g r a n d m ag a z i n e. Co m Champions for the world’s kids; making the holidays less spendy-trendy; looking for literate teens. 32 “They Call Me Mom” 34 GRAND RIDE 18 On the Cover: Grand guardians get their day in court. By Suzanne Finley Happy holidays from the GRAND team and five years of cover celebs. GRAND Shout-Outs 22 No More Holiday 10 tips for peaceful celebrations. By Carolyn Campbell Families choose the best of the year. From Disney FamilyFun magazine COVER PHOTO: Corbis Pack up some safety in your new kit bag. By Cathy Droz Peace of Mind in a Kit Meltdowns 43 RESOURCES 44 GRAND FINALE 24 Top 10 Toys of 2009 Toyland By Glen MacDonough and Victor Herbert