Overview

When generations of a family are spread across countries and continents, it changes everything - relationships, roles, identity and connection. Being a Distance Grandchild explores what it means to grow up away from grandparents and extended family, giving voice to those who live between homes, cultures and time zones. Written with insight, warmth and purpose, this book is part of a series dedicated to building empathy across the generations of globally scattered families. It helps grandparents, parents and grandchildren understand each other's realities - sometimes obvious, often subtle and frequently unspoken. Educators, counsellors, HR professionals, military personnel, NGOs, diplomatic staff, missionary organisations, government agencies, and relocation experts - anyone working in global mobility - will also find a valuable perspective in these pages. Because behind every international move is a network of family ties that need care and understanding. With knowledge comes understanding... With understanding comes empathy... And empathy is a good thing for Distance Families. Being a Distance Grandchild - A Book for ALL Generations is the last of three in the insightful Distance Families Book Series.

Full Product Details

9780473760502

Table of Contents

Reviews

""As a long-distance grandchild, parent, and grandparent, this series is extremely relevant. My only living grandparent kept her presence alive for me during our long separations in pre-internet days by faithfully writing on a blue aerogram each week. I never doubted her love, and reconnection seemed natural when we did meet. This book will be a treasure for others seeking to find their way over the miles."" Ruth E. Van Reken, Co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds ""Being a Distance Grandchild is the book we've needed for a long time now. Helen captures the often-unspoken voice of grandchildren growing up far from their grandparents, and she does it with honesty, heart, and hope. This is essential reading for any family navigating life across miles - it proves that distance doesn't have to mean disconnection."" Greg Payne, Founder of The Cool Grandpa podcast ""Drawing from 25 deeply personal interviews with grandchildren around the world, Ellis reveals the profound power and lasting nature of these connections. In a time when loneliness afflicts both the young and the old, and when we all crave meaningful emotional ties, these intergenerational relationships emerge as a vital remedy. Even when family members live continents apart, overcoming the challenges of staying connected is not only possible but also deeply rewarding. A wonderful and timely feel-good read!"" Stephen Golant, PhD, University of Florida ""Helen's writing is both familiar and reassuring, skilfully blending academic theory with personal narratives drawn from her own experience and from those she has interviewed. Being a Distance Grandchild gives a much-needed voice to family members often overlooked in conversations about expatriate life. As the mother of a Distance Grandchild, I found the book offered valuable insight into how my daughter navigates her relationship with her grandparents and how she has been able to create a truly special bond with them - despite the miles between them."" Korinne Algie, Editor, International School Parent magazine ""In this beautifully written book, Helen Ellis captures the voices of grandchildren through touching and authentic stories. The narrative is warm, readable, and emotionally poignant. This is a truly valuable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of family and connection across miles."" Dr Tracey Walmsley, University of Technology Sydney

Author Information

Helen Ellis is a New Zealand-based researcher, writer, anthropologist, and a seasoned distance grandparent. With three of her four children, and six of her seven grandchildren (aged 2 to 26), living between 16 and 30 flight hours away in the United States, England, and Scotland, she lives the life she writes about.Helen is the founder of DistanceFamilies.com, a platform dedicated to supporting and understanding the unique dynamics of families spread across the globe. Her guiding research question - How is Distance Familying for you? - reflects her deep commitment to giving voice to each generation of Distance Families.She passionately believes that all members of Distance Families - grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren - deserve to be heard and understood. Through independent research and advocacy, Helen has taken on the mission of bridging the emotional and cultural gaps created by geography.""With understanding comes empathy,"" she says, ""and this can only do good as we all gingerly navigate the often-challenging social phenomenon of Distance Families.""Being a Distance Grandchild is the final book in her three-part series exploring Distance Families from each generational perspective - grandparents, sons and daughters, and now, grandchildren. Helen encourages readers from all generations to explore the full series to gain a richer, more compassionate understanding of the others' experiences.To learn more about the full series and stay updated, visit www.DistanceFamilies.com.

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