Summer Vacation With Grandchildren

Vacations with grandparents can be rewarding for everyone, according to Dr. Marlene Coleman, author of "Safe and Sound - Healthy Travel With Children." Her advice includes making the planning part of the journey, prepare for the unexpected, and:

"Consider taking one grandchild at a time. A trip alone with Grandma is a special treat. A trip with all the siblings is likely to be a lot like every other day, just moved to a new location."

But Dr. Marlene, is this really necessary?

"Parents should provide a written (and notarized) document that clearly gives their permission for the grandparent(s) to travel with, care for, and secure medical treatment for their child."

Have we become so afraid of lawsuits that we now need written (and notarized!) permission from our children to take our grandchildren on a trip?