When grandparents read with their grandchildren, it fosters a special bond. Add a magazine subscription to the mix and you’ll have a new, cherished monthly tradition.
When you think back to childhood, we bet a memory of reading with a parent, grandparent or caregiver isn’t hard to recall. From blanket fort stories to rainy days lost in a good book, reading is a cherished experience that helps nurture imagination.
Grandparents are especially important narrators in the lives of their grandchildren, and the benefits of reading together are sound and proof-backed. In fact, a 2019 study from Ohio State University found a “million-word gap” between young children who aren't read to at home and those who are. The findings showed that children who are read five books a day by kindergarten will hear about 1.4 million words more than kids who aren't. That literary foundation helps with future reading abilities and vocabulary.
Actually, we can’t think of a single disadvantage to time spent reading together. And you’ve surely built up a great library of books. But have you ever considered a magazine subscription? Keep reading for more on how a monthly print subscription can benefit both you and your grandchildren.
Reading together is time spent together
While your grandchildren might appreciate eating the recipes you make from your lifestyle magazines, they probably won’t want to read these kinds of mags with you. But that’s okay, because a subscription to Owlkids is a terrific way to bridge the generational divide. With more than 40 years of experience in the business, Owlkids knows kids and magazines better than anyone. You might even remember their titles — OWL (ages nine to 13), Chickadee (ages six to nine), Chirp (ages three to six)— from when your own kids were young.
The benefits of reading together
Increased imagination and creativity? Who wouldn’t want that? You know about the benefits of vocabulary and literacy, but reading with your grandchildren can also nurture cognitive development, increase your bond, produce special memories, teach empathy and build up concentration and critical thinking skills.
Learn more about each other
The Venn diagram of interests between you and your grandchild may not always have a huge intersection. But a magazine subscription can introduce you both to new hobbies and topics to help you bond and diversify your interests. Every issue of an Owlkids title is bursting with animal facts, comics, activities, jokes and stories with educational themes to nurture creativity and foster an appetite for learning.
Stay together even when you’re apart
Don’t live near your grandchildren? That’s hard to navigate, but buying each of you a subscription can be an excellent bonding exercise. You can keep in touch as you await the latest issue and talk to each other about what you hope might be within the newest glossy pages. Once your magazine arrives, read together over FaceTime or read separately and then compare notes, jokes and insights. Talk about core memory-making for the little ones in your life.
