CHILDREN'S BOOKS AND NURSERY RHYMES

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: I have a stack of old family children's books. Would it be insulting to read them to my grandfather? He used to read them to me. I want to do what's right. Kraig in Hawaii

ANSWER: Children's books and nursery rhymes from your grandfather's past can still bring a lot of joy in the present, so go ahead and ask him. But if he declines, instead of reading the books to him, maybe he can read them to his grandchildren. Doing so often cements a bond between elder and grandchild.

This can also trigger positive and comforting long term memories from your grandfather's own childhood. My clients love to recapture vibrant memories from their youth. These memories may not be evoked in any other way. They can elevate mood, make a person feel more grounded, and bring the comfort of yesterday to today. It's also very rewarding to hand down children's books and nursery rhymes from generation to generation.