PALO ALTO, Calif-- Kingsley Jack of Palo Alto knows a thing or two about successful parenting. After all, she’s already raised two grown, successful daughters. Now, as she happily prepares for the arrival of her first grandchild (a girl) in December, some anxiety is creeping in. “I fully expect to be involved in helping my daughter and son-in-law raise my granddaughter,” said Kingsley, “but so much has changed from the time I had my babies. That’s why I need a little education on how parenting is done these days.”
 
Expectant grandparents, new grandparents, step-grandparents, great-grandparents and perhaps a grandparent status no one’s ever heard of are attending the Bay Area’s only ‘Becoming Grandparents’ class, held quarterly at Packard Children’s Hospital. Kingsley will attend this Thursday’s session with eight other families, all looking forward to the discussion of labor and delivery and the demonstrations of proper infant care. “Things are so different now. We used to rest our babies on their stomachs. It’s totally the opposite these days.”
 
“Car seats, diapers, pacifiers, nutrition, baby-proofing, you name it, grandparents want info,” said Marilyn Swarts, RN, MS, childbirth educator and class leader since its inception in 2004. “They understand what was common when raising kids in the 70s and 80s may not reflect current thinking. Plus, grandparents want to support their children as they step into parenthood. Understanding how the rules of infant care have changed can really help.”
 
“When I’m with the new baby, I want my daughter to be at peace,” said Kingsley, who plans to take care of her new granddaughter one day a week. “My instincts are good, but that’s not enough. I know things are different now.” That’s an understatement. “When I brought my babies home in the 70s, they were on my lap in the front seat. How we all survived, I don’t know.” Another sign Kingsley plans to be a 21st century grandparent? “I’m also taking Packard’s CPR class and baby-proofing my house.”
 
Sounds like a bit of a brave new world. “Those coming to our class are learning how to create a safe and supportive environment, one that reflects our current day understanding,” said Nancy Sanchez, manager of community relations. “It’s all a part of this very special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. It’s totally unique, totally loving, and it comes across so very clearly in our class.”
 
Now that’s something that’ll never change.

Becoming Grandparents class & instruction
Thursday, 11/01/07
6p-8p, 1st floor
Packard Children’s Hospital
725 Welch Rd., Palo Alto, 94304