Latest news with #DeeDeeMoore
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
If You Want To Get To Know Your Grandkids Better, Ask Them These 50 Eye-Opening Questions
There's something special about the connection between a grandparent and a grandchild. While this bond goes deeper than words, conversation is a great way to get to know your grandkid and help keep that connection strong. But getting a conversation started, or keeping one going, isn't always easy. Maybe your grandchild is on the shy side, you haven't seen one another in a while or you're connecting on a video call instead of in person. A juicy question — the kind that leads them to see something in a new light, or inspires them to tell a story — can get a conversation started, or get it rolling again if you hit a lull. 'The point of asking questions should be to get to know your grandchildren better,' DeeDee Moore, a grandmother who blogs at More Than Grand, told HuffPost. Asking kids to elaborate with follow-up questions and open-ended prompts like 'What makes you say that?' are also a good way to keep kids talking. 'If you ask what their favorite color is, ask why they like it or how that color makes them feel,' Moore suggested. Part of the joy of asking kids questions is the surprise that their answers may bring, leading your conversation to take an unexpected turn. 'When I asked my four-year-old granddaughter if she had talked to any of her friends at school today, she initially said no,' Moore recounted. 'But then she explained, 'I just meowed because I was a kitty.' Instead of finding out more about her school day, we ended up having a conversation about how animals talk.' Here are some questions you can use to start a conversation with a grandkid or to keep one going. What's something you're really good at? 'A great follow up is to ask them to teach you how to do it,' Moore added. If you could invite anyone in the whole world to dinner, who would you invite? If you could walk into any book or movie, which one would you choose? If you could be any animal, which one would you be? Would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish? If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Would you rather be able to tell the future or read other people's minds? What was the last thing that happened that made you laugh? What is something kind that someone has done for you? What is something about you that I don't already know? What do you think you'll be doing ten years from now? Where in the world would you most like to visit? Would you rather travel back to the past or into the future? What is something you want to learn how to do? What is your favorite thing about yourself? Would you rather travel underwater or in outer space? If your toy could talk, what would it say? What is your favorite time of the year? What is something about you that is unique? What kind of mom or dad do you think you would be? What do you think your pet is thinking right now? What would you do with a thousand dollars? What would you like to be famous for? What makes somebody a good friend? Would you rather be tiny like an insect or as tall as a giraffe? What do you think is the best smell on earth? What was the last dream that you remember? When you get bored in school, what do you start thinking about? Would you rather be the star of a movie, or the director? What is a job that you wouldn't want to do? Do you think it's ever a good idea to tell a lie? How do you show someone that you love them? What was your favorite part of the day? Who is your favorite person right now? Would you want to live forever? What would a perfect day look like for you? Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn? If you could have any kind of store, what would you want to sell? What is the silliest thing you've ever done? What do you think is the most important rule for people to follow? Would you rather dance or paint what you are feeling? If you had to eat the same thing for every meal, what food would you choose? What is the weirdest thing you've ever tasted? How can you tell if somebody is smart? What is something brave that you have done? If you wrote a book, what would the title be? If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? What is something that used to scare you but doesn't anymore? How do you think the world will be different by the time you are a grown up? What is something you've done that you would like to do again? More important that the question that gets them talking is how well you listen once you get them started. 'Listening carefully to your grandchildren is the greatest gift you can give them,' Moore said. Remembering details like their friends' names shows that you're paying attention and that you care. 'It builds a true connection when you show that you are interested in their lives.' And while there are advantages to having a conversation face-to-face, like being able to read someone's body language or decipher their tone, you don't have to be physically present with your grandchild to make a connection. Moore explained: 'Showing a curiosity for who they are can be done just as easily over video chat or in a letter as it can be over ice cream.'This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Buzz Feed
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
50 Eye-Opening Questions To Ask Your Grandchildren
There's something special about the connection between a grandparent and a grandchild. While this bond goes deeper than words, conversation is a great way to get to know your grandkid and help keep that connection strong. But getting a conversation started, or keeping one going, isn't always easy. Maybe your grandchild is on the shy side, you haven't seen one another in a while or you're connecting on a video call instead of in person. A juicy question — the kind that leads them to see something in a new light, or inspires them to tell a story — can get a conversation started, or get it rolling again if you hit a lull. 'The point of asking questions should be to get to know your grandchildren better,' DeeDee Moore, a grandmother who blogs at More Than Grand, told HuffPost. Asking kids to elaborate with follow-up questions and open-ended prompts like 'What makes you say that?' are also a good way to keep kids talking. 'If you ask what their favorite color is, ask why they like it or how that color makes them feel,' Moore suggested. Part of the joy of asking kids questions is the surprise that their answers may bring, leading your conversation to take an unexpected turn. 'When I asked my four-year-old granddaughter if she had talked to any of her friends at school today, she initially said no,' Moore recounted. 'But then she explained, 'I just meowed because I was a kitty.' Instead of finding out more about her school day, we ended up having a conversation about how animals talk.' Here are some questions you can use to start a conversation with a grandkid or to keep one going. What's something you're really good at? 'A great follow up is to ask them to teach you how to do it,' Moore added. If you could invite anyone in the whole world to dinner, who would you invite? If you could walk into any book or movie, which one would you choose? If you could be any animal, which one would you be? Would you rather be able to fly like a bird or swim like a fish? If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Would you rather be able to tell the future or read other people's minds? What was the last thing that happened that made you laugh? What is something kind that someone has done for you? What is something about you that I don't already know? What do you think you'll be doing ten years from now? Where in the world would you most like to visit? Would you rather travel back to the past or into the future? What is something you want to learn how to do? What is your favorite thing about yourself? Would you rather travel underwater or in outer space? If your toy could talk, what would it say? What is your favorite time of the year? What is something about you that is unique? What kind of mom or dad do you think you would be? What do you think your pet is thinking right now? What would you do with a thousand dollars? What would you like to be famous for? What makes somebody a good friend? Would you rather be tiny like an insect or as tall as a giraffe? What do you think is the best smell on earth? What was the last dream that you remember? When you get bored in school, what do you start thinking about? Would you rather be the star of a movie, or the director? What is a job that you wouldn't want to do? Do you think it's ever a good idea to tell a lie? How do you show someone that you love them? What was your favorite part of the day? Who is your favorite person right now? Would you want to live forever? What would a perfect day look like for you? Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn? If you could have any kind of store, what would you want to sell? What is the silliest thing you've ever done? What do you think is the most important rule for people to follow? Would you rather dance or paint what you are feeling? If you had to eat the same thing for every meal, what food would you choose? What is the weirdest thing you've ever tasted? How can you tell if somebody is smart? What is something brave that you have done? If you wrote a book, what would the title be? If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be? What is something that used to scare you but doesn't anymore? How do you think the world will be different by the time you are a grown up? What is something you've done that you would like to do again? More important that the question that gets them talking is how well you listen once you get them started. 'Listening carefully to your grandchildren is the greatest gift you can give them,' Moore said. Remembering details like their friends' names shows that you're paying attention and that you care. 'It builds a true connection when you show that you are interested in their lives.' And while there are advantages to having a conversation face-to-face, like being able to read someone's body language or decipher their tone, you don't have to be physically present with your grandchild to make a connection. Moore explained: 'Showing a curiosity for who they are can be done just as easily over video chat or in a letter as it can be over ice cream.'
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Are grandma baby showers a sweet new tradition—or just too much?
It starts with something sweet: a friend or coworker becomes a first-time grandmother. Maybe someone brings cupcakes to the office. Maybe there's a card and a small gift. But somewhere along the way, a new trend was born—one that's got parents talking. They're called grandmother showers, or 'grandma baby showers', and they're exactly what they sound like: a celebration for the soon-to-be grandma in honor of the baby on the way. But depending on who you ask, they're either a lovely show of support—or a line that shouldn't be crossed. DeeDee Moore, who shares grandparenting insights on her TikTok and website More Than Grand, recently sparked conversation with her take on this growing trend. 'There are definitely two opinions about grandmother showers,' says Moore, 'Opinion one: grandmother showers are a lovely way to welcome a friend or coworker into their new role. Opinion two: granny showers are inappropriate and tacky gift grabs.' So, which is it? 'Well, like anything, so much of it depends on the circumstances,' Moore explains. 'If a group of coworkers gets together and has a lunch where they celebrate someone becoming a new grandmother—giving her a card and a cake and a book about grandparenting or some things to keep at her house for the baby—it's a lovely way to welcome somebody to this new stage of life.' 'But,' she continues, 'when the grandmother's shower rivals the shower for the actual parents, that's where it crosses a line.' Moore reminds us that baby showers were traditionally created to help young families with the essentials. 'It's harder to justify a shower for a grandmother who can likely afford most of the things she needs and probably won't need that many things to begin with,' she says. 'Keep in mind too, to make sure that the parents have all the things they need before you start outfitting grandmother's house,' she adds. Her take? Consider context. Small celebrations? Lovely. Full-blown registry events? Probably not. Related: Moms are divided over a new party trend called 'grandma showers' TikTok commenters were deeply divided: @Jennifer Soderstrom: 'I think I would ask the new mothers how they feel about them. I'm a grandma of three, and I would rather my friends celebrate my daughters/DIL.' @Caitlin: 'My MIL's friends threw her a small one & she was very happy, sent pics, got gifts for the baby. All good with me. It's weird to plan ur own in my opinion.' @Lucy Seay: 'My MIL MADE her coworkers throw a baby shower for her…a full-on shower for HER. Not my baby or me.' @channing'swife: 'Nah, granny showers are tacky. The granny already had her showers when she was pregnant with her kids, and this is just taking away from the new parents' spotlight.' Just like any modern parenting moment, people have thoughts—and lots of them. So, what's the middle ground? If you're looking to honor an excited new grandmother, Moore suggests a casual gathering with friends or coworkers—emphasis on light and low-pressure. Or consider a practical twist: a meal-prep party to support the new parents. You can toast grandma's new chapter while stocking the freezer for postpartum meals. It's heartfelt, helpful, and still centered on the growing family. Becoming a grandmother is a milestone—and it's OK to honor that. But let's keep the focus where it's most needed: the new parents who are entering uncharted territory, often with fewer resources and more pressure than ever. A card, a lunch, even a heartfelt book on grandparenting? Beautiful. A gift registry and Pinterest-worthy event? Maybe skip it. As Moore puts it, 'So what do you think: Are grandmother showers a good trend or one that we should say goodbye to?' Related: 13 useful baby products to leave at grandma's house
New York Post
06-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
New trend ‘grandma showers' are another way for family to celebrate newborns — but are they ‘lovely' or just ‘peak narcissism'?
Is this a not-so-grand plan? In recent years, a new kind of baby shower has taken root — not for the parents-to-be, but for the grandparents. 'Grandma showers' or 'grandbaby showers' aim to celebrate growing lineage, especially those about to welcome their child's first offspring. While some view it as a heartwarming way to honor a new chapter in life, others criticize it as an inappropriate — even narcissistic — trend that shifts focus away from the growing family. Advertisement 'It's a big deal to become a new grandparent and it deserves to be celebrated, but it's not the same as becoming a parent,' seasoned grandmom-of-three DeeDee Moore told TODAY. 6 'Grandma showers' are the latest parenting trend to take hold, but they've stirred up debate about whether they're appropriate or just a distraction. New Africa – Advertisement In a recent TikTok video, Moore posed the divisive question 'What do you think about granny showers?' and offered two positions: 'Opinion one: Grandmother showers are a lovely way to welcome a friend or co-worker into their new role. Opinion two: Granny showers are inappropriate and tacky gift grabs. So, which is it?' And it's that last part, especially — the gift expectations — that has people talking. Traditionally, baby showers were created to support new parents, often younger couples who needed help setting up a nursery. As Moore points out, that doesn't always translate well to grandparents, who often are more financially stable and don't necessarily need as much. Advertisement 'It's harder to justify a shower for a grandmother who can likely afford most of the things she needs and probably won't need that many things to begin with,' said Moore, who runs the advice site More Than Grand. 6 Grandmother-of-three DeeDee Moore (above) relayed details of the debate, including highlighting that some thought it could be a 'lovely' way to celebrate a newborn. @morethangrand/TikTok 6 Moore also noted that the celebrations could be seen as 'inappropriate and tacky gift grabs' for grandparents. @morethangrand/TikTok The conversation exploded on TikTok, where responses ranged from supportive to scathing. Advertisement Some called the idea 'peak narcissism,' while others were puzzled by the notion of a 'new role' deserving gifts. 'Inappropriate and tacky. If the person is becoming a grandparent, they've already had their own children,' one person wrote. 'The grandchild isn't a 'do-over' for them.' 6 Traditionally, baby showers were created to support new parents. elnariz – Still, not everyone is against the idea. 'I've never heard of it, but I think it's great,' one commenter wrote. Others suggested smaller, more intimate gatherings: 'A cute lunch with some goodies would be great.' For some, the showers are deeply meaningful. Alexandra Rugh shared the touching story of her great-grandmother's surprise 'grandma shower' organized by her sewing group. Advertisement The celebration, held shortly before heart surgery, gave her a sense of joy and purpose during a difficult time. 'At 73 years old, my Nannie didn't know if she would make it through the surgery,' Rugh told HuffPost. 'Her biggest fear was dying and not being able to hold her first and only great-grandchild. I'm happy to say that Nannie survived the surgery and was able to hold my daughter in her arms when she was just 1 week old.' 6 Are 'grandma showers' a look-at-me trend — or a sincere appreciation for new grandkids? Dan Talson – 6 For some, 'grandbaby showers' can be a thoughtful experience. boryanam – Advertisement Others haven't had such positive experiences — but, according to etiquette experts, the key is balance. Lizzie Post of the Emily Post Institute believes small gatherings to acknowledge grandparents can be sweet, but cautions against anything that mimics the formality or scale of a traditional baby shower. 'It's really awesome to celebrate new grandparents,' she told HuffPost. Advertisement 'But we caution people against throwing parties like this and having them get out of control.' Moore suggests alternatives, like 'meal-prep showers,' where friends prepare food for the new parents while also celebrating the grandparents' new role. But, like many evolving traditions, granny showers walk a fine line between heartfelt and over-the-top. At their best, they're joyful celebrations of a new life stage. At their worst, they risk overshadowing the very people at the heart of the occasion: the parents and their baby. Advertisement Context is everything. A small get-together with close friends? Lovely. A full-blown registry and event that rivals the main baby shower? Maybe not. In the end, experts say the rule of thumb is simple: celebrate thoughtfully — and keep the baby, not the spotlight, at the center.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Do Grandmothers Deserve Baby Showers Too? New Trend Sparks Debate
Is it OK for grandmothers to have their own baby showers to celebrate the arrival of future grandchildren? 'It's a big deal to become a new grandparent and it deserves to be celebrated, but it's not the same as becoming a parent,' a grandmother of three, who uses the pseudonym DeeDee Moore on social media, tells Moore, who runs the TikTok account and website 'More Than Grand,' unpacked the topic in a video captioned, 'What do you think about granny showers?' 'OK, there are definitely two opinions about grandmother showers,' Moore said in the video. 'Opinion one: Grandmother showers are a lovely way to welcome a friend or co-worker into their new role. Opinion two: Granny showers are inappropriate and tacky gift grabs. So, which is it?' 'If a group of co-workers gets together and has a lunch where they celebrate someone becoming a new grandmother — giving her a card and a cake and a book about grandparenting or some things to keep at her house for the baby — it's a lovely way to welcome somebody to this new stage of life,' Moore said in the video. Moore added: 'When the grandmother shower rivals the shower for the actual parents, that's where it crosses a line.' 'Traditionally, a shower is thrown to help provide a young couple with the things that they can't afford themselves,' Moore pointed out in the video. 'It's harder to justify a shower for a grandmother who can likely afford most of the things she needs and probably won't need that many things to begin with.' Moore said gift-givers should think about what expecting parents need before they gift the grandparents. 'So, what do you think: Are grandmother showers a good trend or one that we should say goodbye to?' Moore asked in the video. The TikTok responses were heated: 'It's peak narcissism.' 'I don't understand the 'new role' comment. There is no 'role.' We're the parents. They get to observe and show love.' 'No grandmother shower. No circumstances support this.' 'A cute lunch with some goodies would be great, but wanting gifts like cribs and baby clothes is TOO much and puts an expectation that the baby will be sleeping over grandma's house a bunch.' 'Inappropriate and tacky. If the person is becoming a grandparent, they've already had their own children. The grandchild isn't a 'do-over' for them.' 'My friend is going to be a first-time grandmother. We are definitely having a get-together to celebrate her excitement.' 'I think the key is that grandma's shower should include a different set of guests, so the same people aren't getting hit up for gifts twice.' ''No' to the shower. But 'Yes' to a few friends celebrating new grandparents.' 'It's tacky as hell.' 'I can totally see how this would get out of hand. It's sweet for a few close friends to help you celebrate your new role but tread very lightly.' 'I've never heard of it, but I think it's great.' 'The absolute only time a grandparent shower should happen is if it's thrown by the parents of the baby. Or, possibly a small surprise party at work planned and attended by co-workers only.' Moore tells that she believes celebrating a future grandchild with close friends or co-workers is a nice way to mark a new life stage — but she has some reservations. First, she says, parents should preferably be the ones to suggest a 'grand shower.' When it's the grandparents' idea, they should get the parents' blessing. 'It's one thing if friends throw you a little shower — you don't need permission for that — but if you're planning a shower and have not consulted with the parents ... that's not OK,' says Moore. 'The prime focus needs to be on the new mom.' According to Moore, 'grand showers' are even less necessary for veteran grandparents, who have already experienced a change in the family dynamic. Moore says 'meal-prep showers' could be a replacement for grandparent showers. 'Get everyone in the kitchen to make meals for the new family,' says Moore. 'You can enjoy a glass of champagne and talk about how wonderful it is to become a new grandparent while providing something useful to the parents.' This article was originally published on
