Being a Grandparent: Just Like Being a Parent, Only Different

Ellen Gable Hrkach reviews a new resource for grandparents by Dr. Ray Guarendi.

Being a Grandparent: Just Like Being a Parent, Only Different 

By Dr. Ray Guarendi

Published by Sophia Institute Press

Dr. Ray Guarendi believes that parenting is too important to be taken seriously—and that goes double for grandparenting. As a father of ten, clinical psychologist, radio host, and author of many books about marriage and parenting, Dr. Ray has spent his career helping to strengthen families through a combination of Catholic theology, common-sense insights, and wry humor. Now, having become a new grandpa himself, Dr. Ray is turning his attention to the joyful, rejuvenating, and sometimes complicated subject of grandparenting. (From the publisher) 

I’ve read many of Dr. Ray’s books and have seen him give parenting presentations. Not only have I benefited from the information shared, but Dr. Ray always makes me laugh, especially when he uses witty examples and gives the kids funny-sounding names.

Laugh-Out-Loud Moments

While reading this book, there were many laugh-out-loud moments. Here are some of my favorites:

“I would watch my grandkids more, but my bedtime is earlier than theirs, and my afternoon nap is longer.”

“Three-year-olds can read their parents, even if they can’t read yet. They can look at the picture.”

When talking about “bragging about your grandkids,” he gives a sample Christmas letter: My granddaughter, Emmy, is now eleven and just completed her tenth consecutive year of ballet, gymnastics, competitive power lifting, and Grego Roman language scholarship. She’s gearing up for her Olympic try-outs. Hopefully, they won’t interfere with her selection of junior ambassador to NATO.”

Chapters Begin with Questions from a Grandparent

The book consists of chapters that begin with a question from a grandparent and Dr. Ray’s response. Some of the chapters include: “Dealing With Distance,” “My Grandchildren Are not easy For Me to Watch,” and “Grandma versus the Experts or I’ve Learned a Thing or Two about Raising Children,” “Silence is Golden or I’d Better Learn to keep my mouth shut,” “Religious Resistance,” “Tantrums,” “To Love, Not Condone,” “What Happened to Common Courtesy?” and “Good Spoiling.”

I highly recommend this book for grandparents and parents alike, not only for its excellent information but also for Dr. Ray’s humorous examples and wisdom.

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Copyright 2026 Ellen Gable Hrkach
Images: Canva