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SmartTips is a totally free weekly eMail newsletter featuring expert advise and tips on the topics that matter to you, such as:
- Tempated by new car deals? Check here first to avoid over-paying.
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| Get SmartTips Newsletters by Email |
 |
SmartTips is a totally free weekly eMail newsletter featuring expert advise and tips on the topics that matter to you, such as:
- Tempated by new car deals? Check here first to avoid over-paying.
- End of the year anticipation? Did something change this year that will affect your taxes?
- 529 College Savings Plans. Your children are never too young—or too old—for you to get started.
Save money with FREE tips on everything from budgeting, managing debt, buying insurance, and planning for retirement.

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Provide Childcare
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Getting Organized for Childcare
A plumber wouldn’t show up for work without a wrench in his toolkit. And a carpenter couldn’t do her job without a good hammer. Professionals need tools. And so do grandparents who provide childcare for grandchildren. It doesn’t matter how often or for how long you look after grandkids. You’ll do your best if you bring along some basic gear.
Some grandparents bring books or a craft project to entertain grandchildren during an evening of babysitting. Others pack favorite recipes if they’re staying for a week or more. A grandparent who provides daily childcare may rely on a comfortable pair of shoes to chase after toddlers. These tools are nice to have. But they aren’t the most important items in a grandparent’s toolkit.
Information—and lots of it—is what grandparent childcare providers need most. Having this information makes grandparents feel more confident. It helps grandchildren feel more secure. And it lets parents relax!
© 1995-2007, AARP. All rights reserved
Getting Organized for Childcare
A plumber wouldn’t show up for work without a wrench in his toolkit. And a carpenter couldn’t do her job without a good hammer. Professionals need tools. And so do grandparents who provide childcare for grandchildren. It doesn’t matter how often or for how long you look after grandkids. You’ll do your best if you bring along some basic gear.
Some grandparents bring books or a craft project to entertain grandchildren during an evening of babysitting. Others pack favorite recipes if they’re staying for a week or more. A grandparent who provides daily childcare may rely on a comfortable pair of shoes to chase after toddlers. These tools are nice to have. But they aren’t the most important items in a grandparent’s toolkit.
Information—and lots of it—is what grandparent childcare providers need most. Having this information makes grandparents feel more confident. It helps grandchildren feel more secure. And it lets parents relax!
© 1995-2007, AARP. All rights reserved
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Notice
By clicking any of the link(s) on this page you will be transferring from this Marsh site to a site comprised of third party content. You hereby agree that Marsh is not responsible or liable in any manner for such third party content hosted on the linked site.
Notice
By clicking any of the link(s) on this page you will be transferring from this Marsh site to a site comprised of third party content. You hereby agree that Marsh is not responsible or liable in any manner for such third party content hosted on the linked site.
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Organizing your Childcare Toolkit
Planning on caring for your grandchidren? Better get your toolkit ready!
It doesn’t matter how often or for how long you look after grandkids. You’ll do your best if you bring along some basic gear.
Some grandparents bring books or a craft project to entertain grandchildren during an evening of babysitting. Others pack favorite recipes if they’re staying for a week or more. A grandparent who provides daily childcare may rely on a comfortable pair of shoes to chase after toddlers.
These tools are nice to have. But they aren’t the most important items in a grandparent’s toolkit.

Source: AARP
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Organizing your Childcare Toolkit
Planning on caring for your grandchidren? Better get your toolkit ready!
It doesn’t matter how often or for how long you look after grandkids. You’ll do your best if you bring along some basic gear.
Some grandparents bring books or a craft project to entertain grandchildren during an evening of babysitting. Others pack favorite recipes if they’re staying for a week or more. A grandparent who provides daily childcare may rely on a comfortable pair of shoes to chase after toddlers.
These tools are nice to have. But they aren’t the most important items in a grandparent’s toolkit.

Source: AARP
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Create a Family Childcare Agreement
Many grandparents who provide daily childcare for grandchildren say they get a lot more from the arrangement than they give. They’re able to enjoy a strong relationship with their grandchildren and to become an important part of their lives. They’re able to help their adult children—and to feel appreciated for the important role they play in the family. Some grandparents even find that caring for grandkids for a portion of each day makes them feel younger than they’ve felt in years.
Sound like a job made in heaven? It often starts out that way. But even the most ideal childcare arrangement can go sour if grandparents and parents aren’t careful.

Source: AARP
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Create a Family Childcare Agreement
Many grandparents who provide daily childcare for grandchildren say they get a lot more from the arrangement than they give. They’re able to enjoy a strong relationship with their grandchildren and to become an important part of their lives. They’re able to help their adult children—and to feel appreciated for the important role they play in the family. Some grandparents even find that caring for grandkids for a portion of each day makes them feel younger than they’ve felt in years.
Sound like a job made in heaven? It often starts out that way. But even the most ideal childcare arrangement can go sour if grandparents and parents aren’t careful.

Source: AARP
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Learn About Child Development
Grandparents find it easy and fun to mark the happy milestones in a grandchild's life. A baby's first words are big news in any family. A child's first step is a great reason for a party! But how do grandparents greet the other, not-so-happy, milestones? How will you react, for example, when your loveable toddler suddenly greets you with frightened tears instead of a warm hug?
Don't let bad behaviors worry you or make you feel bad about yourself. All of them-the tears, the tantrums, are normal for grandchildren at certain ages. It's called "growing up," and it's not always pretty. This resource will allow you to know what to expect, making it easier for you to accompany grandchildren on their journey through life, while keeping your self-esteem intact.

Source: AARP
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Learn About Child Development
Grandparents find it easy and fun to mark the happy milestones in a grandchild's life. A baby's first words are big news in any family. A child's first step is a great reason for a party! But how do grandparents greet the other, not-so-happy, milestones? How will you react, for example, when your loveable toddler suddenly greets you with frightened tears instead of a warm hug?
Don't let bad behaviors worry you or make you feel bad about yourself. All of them-the tears, the tantrums, are normal for grandchildren at certain ages. It's called "growing up," and it's not always pretty. This resource will allow you to know what to expect, making it easier for you to accompany grandchildren on their journey through life, while keeping your self-esteem intact.

Source: AARP
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Note |
| The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Learn About Child Emotions Is it just a phase or a serious problem? Help your grandchild cope with life's ups and downs, from dealing with divorce to preparing for new siblings. Or find out how to understand your grandchild's behavior, whether it's toddler tantrums or teenage depression.  Source: Nemours Foundations, Kidshealth.org
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
Learn About Child Emotions Is it just a phase or a serious problem? Help your grandchild cope with life's ups and downs, from dealing with divorce to preparing for new siblings. Or find out how to understand your grandchild's behavior, whether it's toddler tantrums or teenage depression.  Source: Nemours Foundations, Kidshealth.org
| Note | | The products and services listed on this page are presented as a service to you. Neither L-3 nor Marsh recommends any product or service; there is no guarantee that any listing on this page will be suitable for a particular purpose. |
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Congratulations! You’re a grandparent or soon to become one. Although this transition is less challenging than becoming a parent, it does have its challenges—and joys. The checklist below will help you make the most of your grand-parenting years.
Hard to believe, but you’re a grandparent or will be soon. Get ready for some rollercoaster emotions—and the time of your life.How can your child be a parent? Weren’t you changing diapers just a few years ago? Welcome to the wonderful world of grandparenting, where you’ll forge new relationships with your children, your grandchildren, and the world around you. 
Grandchildren develop so fast it’s hard to keep pace. Your challenge: to understand them—and accept them—as they grow.You’ve probably forgotten how quickly kids change. But now that you’re a grandparent, getting reacquainted with these changes will be a big help. 
When your grandchild visits your home, your little one’s safety is in your hands. Are you ready?Imagine how you will feel if your grandchild gets hurt while visiting. Don’t let it happen. Inspect your home and eliminate all safety hazards now. 
Traveling with your grandchild by car is more dangerous than you think. Take special precautions to keep your little one safe.A lot has changed since you drove your kids around. Today, buying and installing a child safety seat almost takes an engineering degree. Get help here. 
Your child has primary responsibility for your grandchild’s healthcare. But you play an important supporting role.The more time your grandchild spends with you, the more you need to know about today’s child healthcare practices. Start learning now. 
Caring for your grandchild is rewarding. But make sure to set limits.Most grandparents enjoy caring for a grandchild while parents work. It’s a rare opportunity to build strong bonds with the next generation—and to have fun. Just make sure it works with your current lifestyle and future plans. 
If your child is unable to care for your grandchild, you may need to take over. Don’t worry . . . you’re not alone.Raising a grandchild is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. Say goodbye to retirement dreams of travel and leisure. But say hello to the rewards of love and commitment. 
A lesson grandparents often learn the hard way: Love has its limits.When your grandchild visits, it’s important to set limits—on behavior, snacks, and gifts. And don’t forget that you have your limits, too (of time, money, and energy). 
It’s natural to want to help your grandchild financially. Just make sure whatever you do is consistent with your financial goals and constraints.There are many options for gift giving and a variety of tax benefits available. Whatever you do, do what makes sense for your grandchild—and what makes sense for your current and future financial needs. 
Nothings warms a grandparent’s heart more than giving grandchildren gifts. But don’t let it burn your bank account.Giving gifts comes naturally to grandparents. Still, don’t feel you have to always give toys or spend a lot of money. Remember, it’s the thought—and the memories—that count. 
Giving gifts to your grandchildren while you’re alive is important. But also think about what to leave them when you’re gone.Providing money and other financial assets can open doors for your grandchildren later in life. To do this, make sure to update your will after a grandchild is born (or have one drawn up). And consider the advantages of life insurance. 
College is an expensive proposition these days. The good news: You can help your grandchildren by contributing to their college fund or by paying their tuition.Many grandparents gladly help their grandchildren with college finances. But be sure to consider all of your options before writing your first check. 
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