Dr. Dale Atkins is a licensed family psychologist with more than 40 years of experience.
Her new book, The Turquoise Butterfly, a delightful story of a Grandmother and Granddaughter, celebrates the transformative bond between generations and acts as a resource to teach researched-backed anxiety coping skills while nurturing intergenerational relationships and creating a loving legacy.
Dr. Dale Atkins’ The Turquoise Butterfly reminds us of the importance of nurturing the bond with your grandchild or important young person in your life:
· IT’S ALL ABOUT CONNECTION
· Spending time together
· Ask meaningful questions
· Be patient
· Set aside distractions
· UNDERSTAND THE SPECIAL ROLE GRANDPARENTS PLAY— offering love, wisdom, and stability across generations.
· MAKE MEMORIES – create meaningful moments (like storytelling, shared activities, traditions and simple quality time) helps strengthen emotional bonds between grandparents and grandchildren.
· CAPTURE STORIES WHILE YOU CAN: There’s a focus on interviewing and recording grandparents’ stories — because these memories, once lost, can’t be recreated. Documenting them preserves family history and identity.
· EVERYDAY MOMENTS COUNT - you don’t need grand gestures — small, everyday experiences (meals, play, chats) become cherished memories as time goes on.
· LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS - By making and preserving these memories, families create a legacy that grandchildren can revisit, share with future children and treasured legacy after grandparents are gone
Your relationship with Grandchildren and younger relatives is A DYADIC RELATIONSHIP it’s not just about you- it’s not just about lecturing, there’s a back and forth between two people and you can’t always direct it –but you can cherish their perspectives and learn together.
Here are few other related links to get a sense of Dale:
NBC’s TODAY The Importance of Creating Lasting Memories With Grandparents
NY POST Helicopter grandparents are obsessing over grandkids — but don't accuse them of smothering: 'Nobody is stepping on anyone’s toes'
NYT How to Break Free From Guilt - The New York Times
BUSINESS INSIDER https://www.businessinsider.com/psychologist-grandmother-six-rules-building-relationships-with-grandkids-2026-1
USA TODAY https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2026/01/24/helicopter-grandparents-parenting-boundaries/88266532007/
PARADE 7 'Nice' Phrases That Create Anxiety in Kids, Psychs Warn - Parade
NTD-TV https://www.ntd.com/new-childrens-book-the-turquoise-butterfly-explores-power-of-family-love_1117497.html
NPR “SHELLEY IRWIN SHOW” The Shelley Irwin Show Podcast for 1-22-26 | WGVU NEWS
THE TURQUOISE BUTTERFLY
CELEBRATES THE TRANSFORMATIVE BOND
BETWEEN GENERATIONS
Dr. Dale Atkins, author, former “Today Show” expert and psychologist is best known for sharing guidance on how to navigate life’s complicated questions and uncomfortable feelings. Now, she has a new mission: to help generations connect and experience the joy of being present.
Her new book The Turquoise Butterfly (Mascot Books; January 6, 2026), inspired by her mother, is a tender and uplifting children’s story that captures the beauty of love, nature, courage, grief, and transformation.
In the book, Grandma Sylvia is an enchanting figure who embodies the spirit of a vibrant butterfly. She’s warm and welcoming, fearless, and curious about everything. Her granddaughter, Victoria, often finds her belly fluttering when faced with new things and uncertainty.
However, Victoria finds comfort in Grandma Sylvia’s unconditional love, support, and guidance.
