The Best Resources for New Grandparents
Are you ready to feel confident and prepared as a new grandparent? So much has changed since you raised your own children that it’s easy to be overwhelmed or uncertain. The right resources can transform your grandparenting journey from confusing to connected.
When my first grandchild was born, I wanted to be the best grandparent possible. But as I started spending time with my son and his new baby, I realized how much had changed since I was a parent. Car seats had new installation methods I'd never seen. Parents talked about "wake windows" and "gentle parenting" using language I didn't recognize. I felt simultaneously thrilled and lost. If you're feeling the same way, you're not alone. The good news is that there are excellent resources to help you get up to speed on being a grandparent today.
Today's parents often raise children quite differently than a generation ago, and that's a sign of progress. They have access to decades of new research about child development, safety, and family relationships. As grandparents, we can either feel left behind by these changes or we can embrace the opportunity to learn alongside them. At More Than Grand, we believe that preparing for your role as a grandparent is just as important as any other significant life transition. This guide brings together the best books, websites, courses, and tools to help you feel confident, connected, and valued in your new role.
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Best books for new grandparents to guide your first year
Reading offers one of the most accessible ways to understand the shifting landscape of modern parenting and grandparenting. The right grandparenting book can help you see situations from your adult children's perspective, give you practical strategies for building strong relationships, and remind you that you're not alone in navigating this new chapter.
We've organized these recommendations by what they offer, so you can choose the books that best fit your current needs.
For understanding your adult children as parents
If you're struggling to understand why your adult children parent differently than you did, these books offer invaluable perspective.
10 Essential Books for New Grandparents
These books offer the wisdom, perspective, and practical guidance you need to thrive in your new role.
- Unconditional Love by Jane Isay
- Grandparenting: The Essential Guide to Navigating Modern Grandparenthood by Dr. Terri Apter
- The Grandest Love: Inspiring the Grandparent-Grandchild Connection by Jerry Witkovsky
- Camp Granny by Sharon Lovejoy
- The Gift of Play by Judith Van Hoorn
- Grandparenting on Purpose by M. Winston Egan and Linda Egan
- GOOD TO GREAT GRANDPARENTING by Neil Taft
- The Mindful Grandparent by Marilyn McEntyre and Shirley Showalter
- Being a Proactive Grandfather by Richard Eyre
- Nanaville by Anna Quindlen
Unconditional Love by Jane Isay acknowledges the conflicts and politics of family life while providing a framework for creating healthy relationships with both your grandchildren and their parents. Isay's interviews and research make this a reference you'll return to for years.
Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy has become essential reading for today's parents, and grandparents benefit tremendously from understanding her approach. Kennedy explains modern parenting philosophies so that grandparents can support rather than undermine their adult children's choices.
Grandparenting: On Love and Relationships Across Generations by Dr. Terri Apter combines cutting-edge research with real case studies to examine how grandparents fit into today's families. Apter tackles everything from supporting grandchildren through divorce to managing relationships with in-laws, making this an invaluable guide for complex family situations.
For strengthening bonds with grandchildren
The Grandest Love: Inspiring the Grandparent-Grandchild Connection by Jerry Witkovsky makes the case for intentional grandparenting rather than relying on instinct alone. Drawing on over 25 years of studying grandparents, Witkovsky shares how conscious, deliberate grandparenting strengthens entire families and communities.
Camp Granny by Sharon Lovejoy is a must-read if you want to impart a sense of wonder in your grandchildren. Lovejoy provides simple, inexpensive ideas for tapping into your grandchild's curiosity and creativity. The book itself is beautifully written and gorgeously designed, making it a gift-worthy addition to your library.
The Gift of Play: How Grandparents Enhance the Lives of Young Children by Judith Van Hoorn explores how grandparents can foster and participate in their grandchildren's play. Whether you're an energetic grandparent who loves joining games or one who prefers observing, Van Hoorn's research on how play fosters child development will expand your understanding of this crucial activity.
For practical guidance you can act on
Grandparenting on Purpose by M. Winston Egan and Linda Egan offers family-tested traditions and activities from grandparents of 22 grandchildren. While their level of involvement may feel over-the-top, their practical ideas and reflection prompts help you identify what purposeful grandparenting looks like for your unique family.
Good to Great Grandparenting by Neil Taft provides tips and activities while addressing 21st-century challenges like long-distance grandparenting and adapting to new technology. Taft's real stories from multiple grandparents offer diverse perspectives on what works across different family situations.
The Mindful Grandparent by Marilyn McEntyre and Shirley Showalter takes a reflective approach through thoughtful essays on grandparenting joys and struggles. Each chapter ends with suggestions and resources, giving you space to grow into your own understanding rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Especially for grandfathers
Being a Proactive Grandfather by Richard Eyre is the rare book written specifically for grandfathers. With roughly 30 grandchildren of his own, Eyre shares creative and practical ideas that inspire active involvement. While some methods may not fit every situation, the concepts behind them will resonate with any grandfather committed to real relationships with their grandchildren.
For personal perspective and inspiration
Sometimes you just need to know someone else gets it.
Nanaville: Adventures in Grandparenting by Anna Quindlen offers honest, heartfelt stories that are instantly relatable. Whether you're looking for navigation advice or simply a good companion for your next flight to visit grandchildren, Quindlen's look at life as Nana delivers both wisdom and warmth.
Becoming Grandma: The Joys and Science of the New Grandparenting by Lesley Stahl explores the emotional transformation of becoming a grandparent through the lens of her reporter's curiosity. Her research into why grandparents feel such powerful emotional connections, combined with stories of her own transformation, offers insight into the complexities of being a grandparent when children may have four sets of grandparents and parents face internet overload.
Where to find support: The best websites and online communities for grandparents
Books provide depth, but online resources offer the advantage of community connection and up-to-date information on evolving topics. The right websites can help you feel less alone in your questions and concerns.
More Than Grand is your home base for up-to-date research and guidance on respecting new parents, setting healthy boundaries, and staying connected across generations. We focus on helping you understand what you don't even know you don't know—the gap between how you parented and how today's parents approach raising children.
Zero to Three offers evidence-based early childhood insights directly from researchers and child development experts. When you're trying to understand why your adult children make certain parenting choices, this website provides the research behind current recommendations on everything from sleep training to discipline approaches.
The Long Distance Grandparent specializes in helping grandparents maintain close connections despite physical distance. If you live far from your grandchildren or see them infrequently, this resource offers creative solutions for staying present in their lives.
GRAND Magazine provides lifestyle content for modern grandparents, from travel tips for visiting grandchildren to ways to stay healthy and active for years of grandparenting ahead.
Positive Parenting Solutions helps you learn about the parenting approaches many of today's parents embrace. Understanding their philosophy helps you support rather than undermine their methods, even when they differ dramatically from how you raised your children.
Grandparents Academy helps grandparents grow meaningful relationships and rich legacies with their loved ones. They offer classes, membership, and an annual celebration of Grandparents Week with free webinars.
Don't overlook your local library or senior center websites, which often list free workshops, grandparent support groups, and intergenerational programs. These local connections can be invaluable for building your support network.
The best grandparenting classes—online and in your community
Just as new parents take childbirth classes to prepare for their new role, today's grandparents benefit from structured learning about modern grandparenting. The right course can fast-track your understanding of current parenting practices, safety updates, and communication strategies.
More Than Grand's New Grandparent Essentials stands apart as the most comprehensive resource specifically designed for today's grandparents. This digital, self-paced course covers everything from understanding modern parenting philosophies to up-to-date safety guidelines for baby care. Unlike brief hospital refreshers, New Grandparent Essentials devotes substantial attention to the relationship skills you need most—partnering effectively with parents, setting and respecting boundaries, and communicating in ways that strengthen rather than strain family bonds. The course includes practical scenarios, communication scripts, and research-backed guidance you can immediately apply to your family situation.
Many hospitals offer free or low-cost grandparent refresher courses on basic baby care. These typically cover topics like safe sleep practices, current car seat recommendations, and updated CPR techniques. While valuable for brushing up on the mechanics of infant care, these courses usually don't address the interpersonal dynamics between grandparents and parents. Some hospitals, like Scripps Health in San Diego, offer virtual courses open to all grandparents regardless of location.
Birth educators such as ABC Doula also offer grandparenting courses with varying curricula. These tend to focus primarily on preparing grandparents for their supportive role during pregnancy and early newborn days, though content varies by instructor.
Positive Parenting Solutions offers online courses designed for parents, and many grandparents find them helpful for understanding the gentle parenting approach their adult children may be using. Taking a course designed for parents gives you insight into their perspective and the strategies they're learning.
If you want comprehensive guidance you can trust, learn more about New Grandparent Essentials. This course was created specifically to bridge the gap between generations and help you become the supportive, valued grandparent you want to be.
Must-have apps to help grandparents stay connected with their families
Sometimes the simplest tools make the biggest difference in staying connected and organized as a grandparent. Having the right apps and resources ready before you need them reduces stress and helps you make the most of your time with grandchildren.
Tinybeans allows parents to share photos and updates in a private space without using social media. You can view pictures and milestones without the noise and privacy concerns of Facebook or Instagram. Many grandparents appreciate having a dedicated space to see their grandchildren's daily life without navigating crowded social media platforms.
FaceTime or Zoom remains essential for video calls with grandchildren, especially when distance separates you. Regular video calls help even young babies recognize your face and voice between in-person visits.
Marco Polo offers asynchronous video messaging, perfect for grandparents and grandchildren who live in different time zones or have conflicting schedules. You can send a quick video message whenever inspiration strikes, and they can watch and respond when it fits their schedule.
Chatbooks helps you create professional-looking photo books without expensive software or design skills. Many grandparents love making annual photo books as gifts for grandchildren or creating visual stories about family history and traditions.
How to get started: Your 30-day action plan for confident, modern grandparenting
Feeling overwhelmed by all these resources? You don't need to absorb everything at once. A simple 30-day plan helps you build knowledge and confidence gradually while immediately strengthening your family relationships.
Choose one resource from each category and commit to engaging with it for one week. This steady approach prevents overwhelm while ensuring consistent growth in your grandparenting skills.
Week 1: Read one chapter from a book. Pick a book from the recommendations above that addresses your most pressing concern. Whether it's understanding modern parenting or building stronger bonds with grandchildren, dedicate 20-30 minutes to reading and reflecting on one chapter. Take notes on ideas you want to try or questions you'd like to explore further.
Week 2: Complete one module from New Grandparent Essentials. The course is designed for busy grandparents, with manageable modules you can complete in 30-40 minutes. Each module includes specific strategies and communication scripts you can immediately apply. This week, focus on truly understanding the content rather than rushing through multiple modules.
Week 3: Join an online group or attend a webinar. Connection with other grandparents helps you realize your struggles are normal and your questions are shared. Whether you join a More Than Grand community discussion or attend a local library's grandparent support group, this step moves you from isolated learning to community connection.
Week 4: Implement one idea for supporting parents respectfully. Choose one specific action from your learning—perhaps asking before giving advice, respecting a boundary you previously struggled with, or using a new communication approach. Notice how this small change affects your interactions and relationships.
After 30 days, you'll have a foundation of knowledge, community support, and practical experience to build on. Learning and growing as a grandparent is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Your willingness to approach this role thoughtfully rather than assuming you already know everything makes you the kind of grandparent every family hopes for.
FAQs: Common questions about resources for new grandparents
What's the best first book for new grandparents?
If you're looking for one book to start with, Unconditional Love by Jane Isay offers the most comprehensive look at navigating family relationships across generations. It addresses both the joys and challenges of grandparenting while providing research-backed advice. However, if want a broader look at the issues and trends affecting today’s parents and grandparents, The Mindful Grandparent is an excellent choice
Are there online grandparenting classes I can take?
Yes, and the most comprehensive option is More Than Grand's New Grandparent Essentials. Unlike brief hospital refreshers that focus only on baby care mechanics, this self-paced online course covers modern parenting philosophies, safety updates, communication strategies, and practical guidance for partnering effectively with parents. It's designed specifically for today's grandparents who want to build strong, lasting family relationships.
What do new grandparents need to know?
New grandparents need to understand that preparing for this role is just as important as preparing for parenthood was decades ago. The three most crucial areas are: understanding how parenting practices have changed and why, learning to communicate effectively with your adult children about parenting choices, and updating your knowledge of current safety guidelines. Our 5 Secrets Every New Grandparent Needs to Know email series provides a free introduction to these essential topics.
How can I support new parents without overstepping?
The key is remembering that your role has shifted from decision-maker to supporter. Ask before offering advice, respect parents' choices even when they differ from yours, and focus on making their lives easier rather than inserting your preferences. Our post on building better relationships with new parents offers specific communication scripts and boundary-setting strategies.
What's one resource every new grandparent should know about?
Every new grandparent should know about More Than Grand's New Grandparent Essentials—the foundation for modern, connected grandparenting. This comprehensive course addresses not just what's changed since you were parenting, but how to navigate the complex family dynamics that come with adding a new generation. It's the resource that helps you become the valued, supportive grandparent you want to be.
Your next steps: Building the grandparent-grandchild bond that lasts a lifetime
Becoming a grandparent is one of life's greatest joys, but it also requires intentionality and learning. The resources in this guide represent years of research, experience, and wisdom from grandparents, parents, and child development experts. You don't need to use every resource listed here—in fact, trying to do so would likely overwhelm you. Instead, choose the tools that speak to your specific situation and concerns.
The fact that you're here, reading this guide and seeking resources, already demonstrates your commitment to being the best grandparent you can be. That willingness to learn and grow makes all the difference. Your grandchildren are lucky to have a grandparent who cares enough to prepare for this important role.
Start with one book, explore one website, or commit to taking New Grandparent Essentials. Each step you take toward understanding modern parenting and effective grandparenting strengthens your entire family. The investment you make now in learning and preparing will pay dividends in the deep, lasting relationships you build with your grandchildren—and the supportive partnership you create with their parents.
