Books for Grandparents
Facing the challenges of grandparenting and feeling a bit alone? Or maybe you just need a good laugh or a little inspiration. In honor of National Reading Month, we’ve collected a list of books, perfect for every type of grandparent. Happy reading!
For the First-Time Grandparent:
Today’s Grandmother: Your Guide to the First Two Years
by Dr. Angela Bowen
A practical guide for expectant grandmothers, this book highlights the latest recommendations in safety, nutrition, and care for babies, much of which has changed over the last 30 years. It also covers the possible dynamics new grandmothers might encounter, and how to navigate family relationships as everyone adjusts to the new baby.
For the Memory-Making Grandparent:
GrandLoving: Making Memories with Your Grandchildren
by Sue Johnson, Julie Carlson, and Elizabeth Bower
Making memories with your grandchildren is one of the most rewarding and best parts of the relationship! But how do you get started? This book includes 200+ easy and low-cost ideas for successful visits, holidays, and family traditions. It also features expanded sections on using new technologies to communicate, such as Skyping, texting, and social networking.
For the Legacy-Sharing Grandparent:
Memories for My Grandchild: A Keepsake to Remember
by Suzanne Zenkel and Margaret Rubiano
Do you have many memories and thoughts you’d love to share with your grandchild but don’t know where to start? Explore this spiral-bound “guided journey” to help record details that you might think are common or even boring but that your grandchild will eventually think are fascinating, such as memories about your own childhood and teenage years, education, love, and work, and much more.
For the Baby Boomer Grandparent:
The Baby Boomers’ Guide to Grandparenting: An Irreverent Look at the Next Big Step
by Diana J. Ewing
This whimsical, humorous book offers a trip down boomer memory lane, along with quizzes, funny anecdotes, and references to the foibles of aging. Good for a light read and a laugh, you’ll want to share with your boomer grandparent friends so that they, too, can enjoy the lighter moments of grapndparenting. Includes a “Then and Now” section sure to bring back many memories.
For the Crafty (or Wanna-Be Crafty) Grandparent:
Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars: Grandma’s Bag of Tricks
by Sharon Lovejoy
Need some ideas to keep the grandkids busy while also making memories together? Focused on getting your grandkids “unplugged” and engaged, this book contains more than 130 activities centered on an exploration of both the natural world and a child’s imagination. Includes indoor and outdoor activities, along with clear instructions, illustrations, and abundant photos.
For the Long-Distance Grandparent:
Long-Distance Grandparenting: Connecting With Your Grandchildren from Afar
by Willma Willis Gore
Living far from your grandchildren can add additional stresses and challenges, but also provide a rich opportunity for creative ways to reach out and stay engaged in their lives. This book contains quotes from interviews with hundreds of real-world grandparents working to cross the miles that separate, and also navigate the sometimes-tricky relationships involved. Browse-able or easy to read in one sitting.
For the Blended Family Grandparent:
Grandparenting the Blended Family
by Dene Low
With more and more families being termed “blended” today (for example, stepparents and grand-step-parents), there can be unique challenges to be faced. Pulling from interviews with 30 different sets of grandparents, this book offers thoughtful lessons on ways to build trust and relationships with your grandchildren, regardless of the origins of the relationship.
Megan Hammons
Megan Hammons lives in the Central Texas countryside just outside of Austin, pursuing her love for copywriting after a career in high-tech marketing. She is part of a large, diverse family and enjoys spending time with the multiple generations living in her community.
