Image by ML Baxley
KSSN's Bob Robbins and his grandchildren are on the cover of the September edition of Little Rock Family.

When people ask me why we moved to Little Rock, the answer is typically reduced to one word: family. I was raised here, as most of you know. Both my parents still live here, as do my brother and his family and my stepsister and her family. "The lure of the grandparents was too strong," I usually say, laughing.

It's been wonderful raising our children with family so close by. But it's not been as easy as we thought it was going to be. Let's just say that after living back home for almost five years, I have a deeper understanding of the word "boundaries."

Mind you, it's not my parents that cross them most often. For the first few years, it was typically me. I tended to think that they should drop everything at a moment's notice to assist me or babysit my children in my hour of need. It's taken me awhile to remember that they have jobs and lives separate from mine, but now I think we've settled into a good routine and adjusted our expectations of each other.

In the September edition of Little Rock Family, we pay tribute to and tackle the subject of grand parenting. Our cover story features local radio legend Bob Robbins, who often regales his KSSN listeners with stories of his adventures with his grandchildren. We also examine the boundary issue, offering tips for parents and grandparents on how to navigate those often choppy waters.

With the 10th anniversary of 9/11 right around the corner, many parents are searching for ways to discuss the event with their children without causing too much worry. Local father and American Red Cross employee Darren Irby shares insight how to talk to children manmade and natural disasters.

Those of you with younger children don't want to miss our Brilliant Beginnings section, featuring profiles of central Arkansas's best early childhood education programs. Plus, we have a handy dandy childproofing checklist that you can pull out and post for easy reference. Other child development articles this month include tips for preventing and treating lice (eeuw!) and a guide for ensuring your child is getting enough sleep.

As always, our Family Fun section is packed with great activities, events and programs for you and your children. Don't forget to "like" us on Facebook and follow the Little Rock Family Blog for daily updates from the trenches of parenthood.