Grandparents have a lifetime of stories to tell
Grandparents have a lifetime of stories to tell
Grandparents sometimes feel a bit disconnected from younger people, especially with technology zooming ahead like a kangaroo on a mission. But here's the good thing: sharing stories with the young ones is as crucial now as ever.
Talking with kids from birth has many benefits, from increasing their reading skills to giving their social and emotional wellbeing a boost. And digging into stories from our own past is a great idea too. When we tell personal stories, it's like cracking open a window to our history. Those stories help the young people learn about family members they never got to meet, or what their parents were like when they were young themselves.
Telling tales not only helps teach young people about history but knits us closer as a community. When young ones learn about their families lives, it helps them get a sense of who they are and create connections between generations.
Some grandparents might think they don’t have any stories to tell, however, if you have a photo album lying around, you're in luck. Even a short story about the clothes people are wearing or where they're at can be a special story to tell!
And don't forget about books – sharing a good story is a great idea. Everyone spins a story a bit differently, whether it's an old classic from your own childhood or a fresh one from the library shelves. Either way, cracking open a book together creates connection.
Next time you're around an older person, give them a nudge to share a tale from way back, flick through an old photo album, or dive into a good book together. Trust me, the benefits are endless.
This article has been written to help increase the knowledge and understanding of the Bundaberg community and is part of Bundaberg Regional Libraries First 5 Forever. Learn more about Baby and toddler Storytime at Bundaberg Library here.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
