Celebrating Connection, Growth, and the Joy of Learning
Grandparents are a treasure trove of love, wisdom, and patience, and that makes them perfect reading companions for growing minds. As we celebrate Grandparents Day, it’s the ideal time to explore how you, as a grandparent, can support and encourage your grandchild’s reading journey in ways that build confidence, spark curiosity, and create beautiful lifelong memories.
Whether you live near or far, your influence matters. Reading together is more than an activity—it’s a gift of presence and learning that can last a lifetime.
Gentle Guidance: Helping with Love and Patience
Reading can feel daunting for little ones. They’re still learning to decode letters, make sense of sounds, and grasp the meaning behind words. And as a grandparent, you may wonder: Should I correct their mistakes? How can I help without discouraging them?
The answer lies in loving patience.
Before you correct, think about how it feels when someone tells you you’re wrong. It can sting, even more so for a child taking their first steps in literacy. Children need reassurance that mistakes are part of learning. That’s where your gentle voice and warm smile come in.
Foster a Growth Mindset, Not Perfection
It helps to approach reading not as a skill to master perfectly, but as an adventure of discovery. Talk to your grandchild about how we all make mistakes when we’re learning something new, whether it’s reading, cooking, or riding a bike.
Use language like:
- “It’s okay to try again.”
- “Learning takes time, and you’re doing great.”
- “Look how hard you’re working!”
Avoid only saying, “You’re so smart,” which can create pressure to always be right. Instead, praise effort over perfection:
“You stuck with it even when it was tricky. That’s brave!”
“I love how you sounded that word out.”
Supportive Phrases to Use When They Make a Mistake
When your grandchild reads a word incorrectly, try responses that invite curiosity and problem-solving, such as:
- “Oops, that one is tricky. Let’s look at it together.”
- “What sound does that word start with?”
- “Does the picture give us any clues?”
- “Want to try that sentence again?”
And when they get it right? Celebrate the moment!
- “That’s it! You figured it out!”
- “Wow, I saw you thinking it through. Well done!”
These gentle affirmations help children feel safe, supported, and proud of their progress.
Why Grandparents Are Reading Superheroes
You bring something to reading time that no one else can, your undivided attention and emotional connection. Whether it’s curling up on the couch with a picture book, sharing a video call storytime, or mailing a handwritten note with your favorite childhood book, you have the power to make reading feel special.
Reading together also builds emotional bonds. It gives you a chance to talk about feelings, experiences, and ideas, things that go beyond the words on the page.
Things to Watch For
Sometimes, struggling with reading has underlying causes. If your grandchild seems unusually frustrated, anxious, or avoidant about reading, these might be signs to explore:
Vision – They may need glasses or a check-up with an eye doctor.
Speech sounds – Young children (under 6) may still be developing sounds like /r/, /s/, and /th/. That’s okay! But if you notice persistent issues, a speech therapist can help.
Learning differences – Conditions like dyslexia or ADHD can affect reading. A professional can provide tools and strategies to support them.
Also, if English isn’t their first language, they might mix up sounds or meanings. Your encouragement, and extra time practicing tricky words—will go a long way.
Make Reading a Legacy
As a grandparent, you’re not just reading a book, you’re passing on a love of learning. Your calm, loving presence can turn reading into something your grandchild looks forward to, not something they have to do.
So this Grandparents Day, pick a book, find a quiet corner, and share a story. Laugh together. Ask questions. Be curious. Be kind. Let reading be your shared adventure.
After all, the pages you turn today may be the memories your grandchild treasures for a lifetime.