How Reading to Grandchildren Creates an Everlasting Bond
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Discover how reading to grandchildren creates lasting bonds. Learn tips for choosing books, creating reading traditions, and maintaining connections through video calls. Both local and long-distance grandparents can build a strong connection with their grandchild through the power of books!
It had been too long since I'd seen my grandchildren. We hadn't even been able to coordinate one of our regular video chats for over three weeks. So I was elated when my phone screen flashed "incoming FaceTime call" and I wasn't busy.
I was even more delighted by the way my grandchildren's faces lit up when they saw I had answered. Before anyone even said hello, one of them asked, "Can you read Frances' Birthday to us?"
Reading together is a pillar of my relationship with my grandchildren. Whether it's over video chat or in person, it's one of the main ways we've created a strong bond. There are stretches of time where I read via FaceTime every day, giving their mom a quick break while the kids eat lunch.
Of course, it's even better when we can be together. Having their little bodies snuggled up with me on the couch adds a physical closeness to the moment. And when we open their chosen book, they know this moment is just for them.
Why grandparents reading to grandchildren matters
Reading with your grandchild builds a connection that goes far beyond the stories themselves. The educational benefits of reading are well-documented, particularly for early childhood development. Recognizing how crucial these early years are for building pre-kindergarten skills, Scholastic created OK Ready™, a subscription box for children from 3-5. It’s designed to help them develop essential pre-kindergarten skills from vocabulary to emotional resilience. Books are a powerful way for children to learn what they need to know to succeed in school—and in life.
Books have another power that grandparents need to know about: they are powerful tools for building a relationship.
How reading to grandchildren builds bonds
“When you sit down to read with your grandchild, you’re sending a clear message that nothing is more important than this time together. ”
In our busy world, giving someone your complete attention has become increasingly rare—and increasingly valuable. When you sit down to read with your grandchild, you're sending a clear message that nothing is more important than this time together. Putting your phone away, finding a quiet space, and letting other tasks wait shows your grandchild that they have your full attention. Each reading session reinforces this message and strengthens the trust between you.
These consistent reading times create a foundation of emotional stability in your relationship. The calm, predictable nature of storytime helps your grandchild feel secure with you. Physical closeness comes naturally as you share a book, and conversations often flow more easily when you're both focused on a story rather than each other.
Supporting parents' reading routines adds another layer of connection. Talk with them about their favorite books, reading schedules, and any specific approaches they use during storytime. This coordination shows respect for their parenting choices and helps create consistency for your grandchild. Parents often appreciate having another adult who reinforces their reading habits and shares their commitment to this valuable time together.
Creating reading traditions with your grandchild
Simple traditions around reading time can make these moments even more meaningful. Consider having a specific reading spot at your house, perhaps a comfortable chair or corner that becomes "your" place to read together. Some grandparents keep a special blanket or cushion just for story time, while others create a small shelf or basket where their grandchild can find their books during visits. These small touches help create lasting memories and give your grandchild something specific to look forward to during their time with you.
Choosing the best books for building bonds with grandchildren
The books you choose together can deepen your connection in meaningful ways. Sharing books you loved as a child gives your grandchild a glimpse into your own childhood. Choosing books about subjects they love—whether it's dinosaurs, unicorns, or space travel—shows that you notice and value their interests.
When you share books about things you love, you're inviting your grandchild to know you better. Do you love basketball? Find books about basketball and read them before teaching your granddaughter to dribble. Is fishing something you want to share with your grandkids? Send them stories about fishing to get them excited before your summer vacation on the lake. No matter what you are interested in, sharing books about that activity adds an extra layer of excitement to sharing the activity itself.
Long-distance grandparents: making virtual story time work
An over-neck phone holder helps when reading from a distance
Distance doesn't have to interrupt your reading connection. Video calls offer a way to maintain your reading routine when you can't be together in person. Position your camera so your grandchild can see the book pages clearly, using a tripod or over-neck phone holder. Ask parents if you can read during meal times or bath time, when your grandchild is a captive audience. Many grandparents find that shorter books or portions of longer stories work best for video sessions, keeping the experience positive and engaging.
Reading together virtually might feel different at first, but your grandchild will still benefit from your attention and engagement. It's not the same as holding a small body in your lap while you read, but there's a huge perk to reading over video chat: You'll be able to see your grandchild's face as you read, and enjoy their reactions to the story.
Supporting early learning through shared reading experiences
Books often become natural starting points for deeper connections and learning opportunities. Through stories, you can help develop the foundational skills your grandchild needs for kindergarten success. Simple activities inspired by your reading—like counting objects in pictures, discussing characters' feelings, or practicing letter sounds—build essential pre-reading skills in a natural, engaging way. These shared activities strengthen both academic readiness and emotional bonds.
The lasting gift of reading with grandchildren
As your grandchild grows, your reading relationship can grow, too. What begins with picture books can evolve into chapter books, with each visit bringing the next installment in your shared story. When they start school, you might read the same books they're reading for class, creating opportunities for meaningful discussions about more complex themes and ideas.
When reading becomes a natural part of your relationship early on, it continues to provide ways to stay connected even as your grandchild's interests and activities change. The foundation you build through these shared reading experiences creates pathways for communication and connection that can last a lifetime.
Starting this reading journey with your grandchild is simple. Choose a book, find a comfortable spot, and give them your full attention. These quiet moments together will build a strong foundation for your relationship, one story at a time.
If you're looking for an easy way to choose the right books and activities for your grandchild's age and stage, check out OK Ready™ by Scholastic. Their expert-curated books and activities take the guesswork out of supporting your grandchild's development while creating meaningful connections through reading.
