GRAND Magazine - July/August 2017 - 10

3 reasons to have more great conversations with your grandkids
as self-control, persistence, resilience, and grit. It also helps them
develop a curiosity for lifelong learning. And who better to assist
with this type of instruction than caring adults who are willing to
share their own experiences that model the way?

BY KATE JEROME

Meaningful conversations are mutually beneficial.
Populations are aging. More than 30 years have been added
to average American life-expectancy since the early 1900s. Yet even
as the chasm gets wider between the oldest and youngest on the
planet, conversations between generations remain important as
ever. Why? Simply put, caring adults provide the sense of worth
and emotional support that kids need...and kids provide the sense
of relevancy and purpose that adults crave. The virtuous cycle
benefits all involved!

Meaningful conversations can pop technology-induced
bubbles.
Technology is ubiquitous. And our kids need to be technologically
literate to succeed in a future world that teeters beyond our own
imagination. However, constant access to instant information can
give kids a false sense of expertise. Conversations with experienced adults often provide a check and balance. Savvy parents
and grandparents know that a gentle walk down the "How do you
know?" lane may be one of the most important conversations an
adult can have with a child.

t's no secret that kids thrive when they engage in meaningful
conversations with adults. But in our busy world, conversations
with children tend toward the practical (Did you pick up your
toys?) rather than the profound (Keep trying even when it's hard)!
But is it time to recommit to the art of intergenerational conversation? Current trends say YES! Here are three more good reasons why it's important to carve out time for great conversations
between you and your favorite little ones.

10 GRAND

JULY AUGUST 2017

Meaningful conversations help kids become more effective
learners.
Education is changing. In the past, the development of a child's
abilities in core subjects such as reading, math, and science was
job number one in the classroom. While this cognitive skill emphasis is still vitally important, we now know it's not enough. That's
because kids also need nurturing in social/emotional learning and
academic attitudes. Why? This is how they learn about such things

Kate Jerome is the author and series creator of Arcadia
Publishing's new Read Together/Do Together™ children's
books that are designed to jump-start conversations
between kids and their favorite adults. A seasoned
publishing executive and award-winning author, Kate
recently completed a Fellowship at Stanford University's
Distinguished Careers Institute and is a passionate
supporter of intergenerational communication. See her
TEDx talk to learn more.

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of GRAND Magazine - July/August 2017