If you’re a grandparent you’re probably a little bit relieved that the schools have gone back now. Much as you love your grandchildren and you’re happy to help out with childcare, I bet keeping them entertained over the long holiday left you feeling pretty exhausted at times.
I read one study that said the average grandparent would be looking after their grandchildren for more than 600 hours during the summer recess. That’s a LOT of hours to find ways to occupy them!
Read together, and relax!
Of course, grandparents reading with grandchildren is a lovely way to spend some time together. And it’s a nice, calm activity that doesn’t involve racing around – with grandparents getting out of breath and the grandchildren getting hyperactive!
I know from grandparents who’ve been in touch with me that once they’ve bought a Tidy Books product for one of their grandchildren, when another one comes along they buy them the same one, too. It’s not just about treating their grandchildren equally – they obviously understand the importance of books in their grandchildren’s life and want to share the enjoyment of reading together.
I love visualising a child selecting their favourite book from their Tidy Books bookshelf and asking granny or granddad to read it to them. What a wonderful way to connect the generations and to watch your grandchildren learn and grow. When my son, Emile, was growing up he loved his granny Barbara reading to him even more than me or my husband. It was such a special time together, just the two of them.
I’m a way off from becoming a grandmother just yet, but I’m hoping that one day I’ll get to experience all that for myself. In the meantime, next month it’s National Grandparents Day on October 7th. And what better way to celebrate the occasion than gathering up the grandchildren with a good book and sharing some quality time together. No running around required!
