An Old Man and His Grandson

Updated: 04 Oct, 2024

This heart-warming bedtime story, An Old Man and His Grandson, tells the tale of a wise elder who teaches his family a valuable lesson about kindness and respect.

When the old man is treated poorly due to his age, his grandson’s innocent actions open everyone’s eyes to the importance of empathy and love for the elderly.

Perfect for children, this story gently reminds us to care for and respect all members of our family, especially those who are often overlooked.

An Old Man and His Grandson – Let’s Read

Once upon a time, there lived an elderly man who had grown very old and frail. His hands shook uncontrollably, his vision had become dim, and his legs barely supported his weight.

He lived with his son, daughter-in-law, and their lively little boy, his beloved grandson. The old man had once been strong and full of life, working hard to provide for his family. But now, in his old age, he was dependent on their care.

At mealtimes, the family would gather around the dinner table to eat. However, the elderly man, with his unsteady hands and weakening grip, would often drop food, spill soup, or accidentally knock over his cup.

The son and daughter-in-law began to feel irritated by the mess he made. They grumbled amongst themselves and decided that it was too much trouble to have the old man at the table.

One day, they decided to move him away from the family table. They set him up at a small, worn-out table in a corner of the kitchen.

The old man was given his food in a simple wooden bowl. Isolated from the family, he ate his meals alone, his heart heavy with sadness.

The bowl rattled as his trembling hands tried to grasp his food, but he never uttered a word of complaint. He missed the warmth of being close to his family and longed for their company.

The little grandson, just four years old, watched all of this unfold with curious eyes. He loved his grandfather dearly and didn’t understand why he had been sent away from the table.

One evening, as the family was preparing for dinner, the boy gathered some small pieces of wood. He sat on the floor, carefully carving the wood into a shape.

His father, noticing his son’s unusual behaviour, asked, “What are you doing, son?”

The boy looked up innocently and said, “I’m making a wooden bowl for when you and mom get old, so I can feed you from it.”

The parents froze, stunned by the boy’s words. The realization of their actions hit them like a wave.

They had been treating the old man with disrespect and cruelty, without even thinking about the example they were setting for their child. Tears welled up in their eyes, and they felt a deep sense of shame.

Without another word, the son and daughter-in-law went over to the old man, helping him back to the family table.

They gave him a seat of honour and vowed to care for him with love and dignity from that day forward. The old man smiled, his eyes filled with warmth and relief, knowing that he was once again a part of his family’s love and joy.

Happy Ending

From that moment on, the family understood the importance of treating their elders with compassion and respect.

They realized that kindness and care for those who once cared for them was not only an act of love but also a lesson for their son about the importance of family, empathy, and respect.

What is the main message of “The Old Man and His Grandson”?

The story conveys the message that how we treat our elders reflects our character and teaches important values to future generations. The story emphasizes the importance of love, care, and respect for elderly family members.

Why did the little boy make a wooden bowl?

The little boy made the wooden bowl because he saw his parents treating his grandfather poorly by giving him a wooden bowl to eat from, away from the family table. He wanted to show them that their actions were setting an example for him, and he was learning how to treat them when they grew old.

How did the parents react when they realized their mistake?

The parents were deeply ashamed and regretful when they realized their mistake. The boy’s innocent words made them reflect on how poorly they had treated the old man, and they immediately brought him back to the family table and began treating him with love and respect.

What lesson does this story teach children?

The story teaches children the importance of compassion, respect, and understanding towards elders. It shows that kindness should always be extended to those who are weaker or in need, and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, no matter their age.