I cannot take care of both my mom and my 1½-year-old grandson at the same time. Perhaps this is an obvious observation, but it became apparent when my son and daughter-in-law left for a long weekend—and left their precious cargo with us. I was thrilled to babysit, though I had forgotten how much intensive energy is involved in watching a small child. I was alone with them both for half an hour. We were in the safe confines of my house and Mom was enjoying watching Roi’s antic

I am writing to you from sunny Kiryat Atta, home to my son and daughter-in-law, and of course, our sweet 8-month-old grandson Roi. My husband Jeff and I are three days into a four-day babysitting gig while the young couple enjoys some alone time abroad. What a privilege it is to enjoy our grandson's company and see the shape of his young life. But I would be lying if I told you it was easy. Nights are especially tiring as warmed up breast milk (or Materna) is just not the sam

“Do you think we made Savta happy?” I asked my daughter, Liora, as we were returning from Netanya. (Savta is the Hebrew word for grandmother.) Liora came with me today ostensibly to shop but rain washed out those plans. Instead, she spent time talking with her grandparents. “It’s hard to say,” she replied. “Savta’s moods change so quickly. One minute she’s singing in the middle of the street—just like the movies. Then she says something that doesn’t make sense or she gets ang