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Picture Books For Skip-Generation Families

On Behalf of | Apr 3, 2018 | child custody |

Children are constantly learning, growing and making comparisons. Children are eager and like to question everything around them in order to learn and understand. As kids interact with their peers, they often get a glimpse into different cultures, lifestyles and issues. Grasping that families and traditions are diverse can make children curious.

Children of uniquely composed families will probably have questions. Children raised by their grandparents may wonder why their family is different from other families, want to understand how other families work and compare themselves to more traditionally composed families. One way to help put children at ease is to share in a loving activity that every child can relate to no matter what-story time.

These books specifically focus on children being raised by their grandparents:

  • Sometimes It’s Grandmas And Grandpas Not Mommies And Daddies by Gayle Byrne and Mary Haverfield. This story follows a young girl who is being cared for, and living with, her grandma and grandpa. The tale is told from her point of view as she questions, plays and interacts with her Nonnie and Poppy.
  • Our Grandfamily by Sandra Werle and J.P Roberts. This is a flip-sided book that allows readers to follow dual storylines: one from the point of view of grandparents, and the other from the point of view of grandchildren.
  • I Call My Grandparents “Mom And Dad” by Carilyn Rouyer and Jonathan Hager. This is the story of Kayden, who calls his grandpa and grandma “mom” and “dad.” This is a simple, heartwarming tale in which Kayden talks about his family. He reassures readers that families like his exist, and that all family compositions are okay.
  • Robert Lives With His Grandparents by Martha Whitmore Hickman and Tim Hinton. This story follows Robert, who lives with his grandparents. When his Grandma decides to attend Parent’s day at school, he worries what his classmates will think.

Skip-generation families are common. It is important for children of modern families to see themselves represented in books and have their concerns addressed. You can share wisdom with your grandchildren, answer their questions and enjoy spending time together by reading books that feature non-traditional families. If your child has a friend with a unique family situation, these books can facilitate discussions about love, families and healthy relationships.