Grandparenting has changed dramatically over the past century. Longer life expectancy, smaller families, geographic mobility, blended families, changing cultural expectations, and digital communication have transformed what it means to be a grandparent. This engaging lecture/workshop, with speaker Linda Berg-Cross, Ph.D, traces the evolution of the grandparent role from traditional family structures to today's complex, multigenerational relationships. Participants will explore the unique emotional rewards of grandparenting, the profound influence grandparents can have across generations, and the common challenges that arise as families adapt to changing social norms and life circumstances.

A special focus will be placed on relationships with adult grandchildren—a stage of grandparenting that receives surprisingly little attention yet offers some of the richest opportunities for connection. 

Through research findings, real-life examples, and interactive discussion, participants will gain practical strategies for strengthening these important relationships, managing conflicts and expectations, and creating a meaningful legacy of love, wisdom, and connection that endures throughout adulthood.

About our speaker: Dr. Linda Berg-Cross is a Professor Emerita from Howard University’s Psychology Department.  She received her Ph.D. from Columbia University and is board certified in clinical psychology and behavioral sleep medicine.  She has written 5 books, with the most recent (2013) Zombie Parents:  A Parent’s Handbook on Sleep  Deprivation and Family Dynamics, and over 70 scientific articles.   She was on the Maryland Board of Psychologists for many years and has been a Fulbright specialist in both Portugal and Poland. She has lectured internationally on diversity issues, behavioral health, and behavioral sleep medicine.   Her research has focused on family interactions, sleep research and other areas of family  dynamics.  She lives in Potomac and has a small private practice.  Her passions include reading short stories, traveling, learning, and trying to infuse meaning and motion into every day!
 
Registration is  strongly suggested.  All are welcome to attend this free and open-to-all talk.  
 
Members who need transportation should indicate that they need a ride when they register by setting the ride field to "need a ride".  If you are able to offer a ride, please let us know that as well. 
 
A note on donations: Admission to this program is free, but we welcome your support of PCV with a donation at any level to help us continue to offer free programs and events to our wider community, and enable membership without regard to ability to pay.