As an Amazon Services LLC Associate, some of these items contain affiliate links, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are made to be genuinely helpful and useful.
At Over the River we always say that you don’t need to go to school or take a class to be an amazing grandparent. But sometimes it’s great to gather ideas and insights from others on this grandparenting journey. With that truth in mind we are sharing some of our favorite books on grandparenting that will offer some guidance, create bonding opportunities, connect across the miles and help us provide support for our grown kids.
Top Books on Grandparenting – Books I Have ‘On Call’
1. The Power of a Praying Grandparent – Stormie Omartian
As a person of faith, prayer is a daily part of my life, and that includes praying for my grandkids. This book, by Christian author Stormie Omartian give insight into praying for grandkids, for yourself as you grandparent, and for your grown kids as they travel the ever changing road of parenthood.
2. Grandparenting Teens – Mark Gregston
This is a favorite! Written for teens, but applicable to such a wider age range. Author Mark Gregston has been a champion for teens as a youth pastor, area Young Life Director, and author. Grandparenting Teens is full of insight and practical tips on fostering connection with your teen grandkids.
3. Video Call Activities With Children – Susan Rouillier
I purchased this book at the beginning of the pandemic, and found lots of fun ideas for connecting virtually. In fact, as I pulled it off the shelf to review for this blog I was reminded of the great ideas in it for connecting with babies. I’m definitely going to bring those out as Tate (my 11 month old granddaughter) and I are having more ‘Facetime Dates’ these days! The book also includes developmental milestones through age 5.
Books on Grandparenting I’d Like to Check Out
It could be from Amazon, my local bookstore, or the library!
4. Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting: Anna Quindlen
Wonderfully written and full of wisdom. This book has been a besteller for a reason!
5. Cousin Camp – Susan Yates
This book is perfectly described in the title. A grandparents guide to creating fun, faith, and memories that last. She literally has written the manual on hosting a camp that brings the grands together and develop meaningful, lasting relationships!
6. Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting
If you were ever a fan of Lesley Stahl on 60 Minutes, she has taken her investigative journalism to a new area – grandparenting! She digs into the science of how a woman’s life is changed by becoming a grandmother.
7. GrandLoving: Making Memories With Your Grandchildren
The author incorporates advice from more than 350 families. The book has over 200 ideas for connecting with grandkids of all ages. Like everything these days, the technology ideas in the book are a bit dated. Our gandkids are not on MySpace anymore, but we can learn about the technology our kids use today!
8. Unconditional Love: A Guide to Navigating the Joys and Challenges of Being a Grandparnet Today – Joyce Bean
Complicated family dynamics are part of today’s landscape. Bean shares anecdotal stories and research regarding healing and strengthening the relationship with grandkids and grown kids.
We’re never past the age to be life long learners! We hope the time you spend reading will allow you to grandparent with confidence, love and understanding. That creates a history worth repeating!