When Minnesota grandmother Mary Freng‑Gunderson retired from teaching, she realized she could give her daughter’s new baby a priceless gift: her time. “I didn’t have money to throw around, but because I was retired, I could give them the gift of my time,” she said. Mary began caring for her granddaughter four days a week, reading aloud and sharing stories, a routine that continued even after her granddaughter entered preschool.
Reading together builds language and connection
Research consistently shows that reading aloud to young children improves communication skills, expands vocabulary, and introduces them to a variety of people and situations. Repetition is a key part of the learning process; hearing the same text multiple times helps children move from “I never heard this before” to “I know this” and finally to confident reading.
Grandparents who cannot be physically present can still participate through video calls. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, many grandparents set up FaceTime or Zoom read‑aloud sessions, a habit that many families have kept even as in‑person visits resume.
Practical ways grandparents can read
Some grandparents visit local libraries, check out books, and read them aloud during visits. Others purchase a copy for themselves and a second copy for their grandchild, allowing them to read alternating pages together. This simple exchange turns a storytime into a shared experience that reinforces the child’s love of reading.
Even the act of rereading a favorite book is beneficial. One grandmother recounted how she can still recite Dr. Seuss’s “The Foot Book” word for word after more than four decades of reading it to her daughter’s children. The familiarity of a beloved story encourages children to request it again and again, reinforcing language patterns and comprehension.
Benefits extend beyond language
Beyond academic gains, regular reading sessions nurture emotional bonds. Grandparents provide a stable, loving presence that supports the child’s overall well‑being. The shared moments create lifelong memories that grandchildren often recall fondly as adults.
Author Amundson’s new book, The Grandparent Effect: Helping Children Thrive Through Love, Support, and Connection, compiles research and personal anecdotes to illustrate how grandparents can positively influence the next generation. Published by Bloomsbury, the book offers practical tips for grandparents eager to make a difference.
For families looking to strengthen their intergenerational ties, the message is clear: a few hours each week spent reading together can have lasting educational and emotional benefits. Whether it’s a weekly library visit, a video call, or a simple bedtime story, grandparents have a unique opportunity to shape their grandchildren’s futures through love, support, and the power of the written word.
Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.
