Kiddipedia
In today’s world, nearly two-thirds (63%) of grandparents are actively involved in raising their grandchildren aged 10 and under¹.
It’s a striking statistic, and one that reflects a quiet truth many families already know: grandmothers are not just part of the picture — they’re central to it.
They are carers, confidants, storytellers and steady hands in the chaos of modern parenting, drawing on a lifetime of experience they’re so often willing to pass on. They show up for school pick-ups, emotional moments and everything in between, often without fanfare.
And yet, when we celebrate Mother’s Day, their contribution can sometimes sit just outside the spotlight.
It’s this deeply felt and often understated influence of grandmothers that sits at the heart of the much-loved Grandma Gogo book series by Australian author Margot Bain.
A Story That Reflects Real Life
Margot Bain, affectionately known as “Gogo”, is not only an author, but a devoted grandmother of eight with a background in childcare. Her stories are inspired by real-life moments, capturing the warmth, wisdom and emotional guidance that grandmothers bring into children’s lives every day.
Her debut title, Grandma Gogo: The Little Book of Encouragement, resonated strongly with families and educators alike.
Told through a series of heartfelt letters from a grandmother to her grandchildren, the book gently reinforces qualities like kindness, confidence and resilience, helping children grow into what Bain describes as “happy, zappy, kind and resilient little humans.”
The impact of the series hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The first book was named a finalist in the Preschool category of the Indie Book Awards — one of the world’s largest independent book awards — highlighting its strong resonance with both families and educators.
Most recently, Margot was honoured with a Community Recognition Award from the NSW Parliament, acknowledging her contribution to celebrating the role of grandmothers and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
And now, the series continues to grow.
A New Chapter: Grandma Gogo’s Alphabet
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Grandma Gogo’s Alphabet offers a fresh, playful way to support early learning while staying true to the heart of the series.
Thoughtfully inspired by Grandma Gogo: The Little Book of Encouragement, many of the words featured throughout the alphabet book are drawn directly from the original title, carrying through the same core values and creating a beautiful, connected thread between the two.
Each letter of the alphabet is paired with a positive and meaningful word:
- C for Courage
- K for Kindness
- L for Love
It’s simple — but intentional.
Because the early years are when children begin forming beliefs about who they are and how they relate to others. Embedding positive values into everyday learning moments, like reading the alphabet, can have a lasting impact on emotional development.
Already being embraced by schools and educators, the book invites children to spot familiar objects linked to each letter, turning reading into a shared, interactive experience.
It’s not just about learning ABCs — it’s about starting conversations that matter.
The Grandma Gogo series is also expanding beyond the page, with a television adaptation currently in development. Backed by funding from Screen NSW, strong international studio interest, and with the series is set to bring its warmth and intergenerational storytelling to a global audience.
Why Grandmothers Matter More Than Ever
The popularity of stories like Grandma Gogo mirrors what’s happening in real life.
Families today are navigating busy schedules, rising costs and the ever-present juggle of work and caregiving. In this environment, grandparents — especially grandmothers — are playing an increasingly vital role.
Their contribution goes far beyond occasional help.
Grandmothers are often:
- Providing consistent childcare and daily support
- Offering emotional stability and reassurance
- Sharing lived experience and parenting wisdom
- Passing down cultural knowledge and family traditions
In many households, they are a cornerstone of family life.
The Science Behind the Bond
Research by the Australian Institute of Family Studies consistently shows that strong relationships with grandparents are linked to positive outcomes for children.
Kids with engaged grandparents often experience:
- Greater emotional resilience
- Stronger social and communication skills
- Increased empathy and emotional intelligence
- A deeper sense of identity and belonging
Why?
Because grandmothers tend to bring something unique: time and presence.
Where parents are often balancing competing demands, grandmothers can offer slower, more intentional connection — listening, storytelling and simply being there.
In a fast-paced world, that kind of attention is incredibly powerful.
Supporting Parents, Strengthening Families
For parents, the presence of a grandmother can be transformative.
Whether it’s help with school pick-ups or simply having someone to call for advice, that support can:
- Reduce stress and burnout
- Provide reassurance and perspective
- Create a stronger sense of shared care
For children, it means having another trusted adult who offers unconditional love — a key factor in building confidence and emotional security.
It’s a reminder that parenting isn’t meant to be done alone.
Passing Down What Really Matters
One of the most enduring contributions grandmothers make is in shaping values.
Through everyday moments — reading together, offering comfort and sharing stories — they model kindness, patience, resilience and compassion.
These are the same qualities woven throughout the Grandma Gogo series.
As Margot Bain has shared, her goal is not just to help children learn, but to gently shape how they see themselves and others.
And that’s where storytelling plays such an important role.
Because when children hear these messages consistently — both in real life and through the stories they engage with — they begin to carry them forward.
Simple Ways To Celebrate Grandmothers This Mother’s Day
Honouring a grandmother doesn’t need to be elaborate. Often, it’s the small and meaningful moments that matter most.
1. Capture Their Stories
Encourage children to ask about their grandmother’s childhood or favourite memories. These conversations build connection and identity.
2. Create Rituals
Regular visits, phone calls or shared activities help strengthen bonds over time.
3. Read Together
Books like Grandma Gogo’s Alphabet can spark conversations about kindness, courage and empathy.
4. Write A Letter
Take inspiration from Grandma Gogo: The Little Book of Encouragement and encourage children to write — or dictate — what they love most about their grandmother.
5. Simply Say Thank You
Grandmothers often give endlessly. A genuine moment of appreciation can mean everything.
A Broader Way To Celebrate Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a celebration of care, nurture and love — and those qualities don’t belong to one role alone.
Grandmothers are a vital part of that story.
They bring wisdom where there is uncertainty, calm where there is chaos, and a steady, enduring love that shapes children in lasting ways.
Stories like Grandma Gogo remind us of this — not through grand gestures, but through the quiet, everyday magic that defines so many grandmother relationships.
The Takeaway
Grandmothers aren’t just part of the story of childhood — they help write it.
Through their presence, their guidance and the values they pass on, they shape the kind of people children grow up to be.
This Mother’s Day, as we celebrate mums, let’s also shine a light on the grandmothers — the women whose love and wisdom continue to shape generations.
Because behind so many kind, confident and resilient children… is a grandmother who helped them get there.
Follow Along
You can follow the Grandma Gogo journey and join a growing community of families, educators and supporters celebrating kindness, connection and intergenerational storytelling on Grandma Gogo’s Instagram and Facebook pages.
With a warm and growing community online, Grandma Gogo is proudly supported by families and familiar faces alike, including Stevin John (creator of Blippi) and Caterina Mete (the Red Wiggle), along with a growing community of educators, parents and children’s content creators who share a passion for nurturing kind, confident and resilient kids.
Grandma Gogo’s Alphabet ($26.95) is set to become a treasured addition to children’s bookshelves, and is available for purchase at www.grandmagogo.com.au, leading online retailers including Amazon, Dymocks, Big W and all good bookstores.
About the Author
Margot Bain
Margot Bain, affectionately known as “Gogo,” is an Australian author and childcare assistant dedicated to supporting children’s wellbeing. A mother of four and grandmother of eight, she draws inspiration from family life and her passion for nurturing young minds.
Margot is the author of Grandma Gogo: The Little Book of Encouragement and Grandma Gogo’s Alphabet, with her work recognised in major book awards.
Through her writing, she hopes to inspire kindness, confidence and connection in children everywhere.
