MomSkoop
Grandparents hold a special place in every child’s heart, but some manage to achieve legendary status. The difference between being just a grandparent and being the cool grandparent comes down to a few simple approaches. When you master these skills, you’ll create memories that last a lifetime and build a relationship your grandkids will treasure forever.
1. Stay Curious About Their World
Kids light up when adults take a genuine interest in what they love. Ask about their favorite YouTube channels, characters, or games without judgment. Learning the basics of Minecraft or knowing who their favorite Marvel superhero is creates an instant connection.
Remember when your parents had no clue about your interests? Don’t repeat that pattern!
Write down things they mention so you can follow up next time. This simple act shows you were really listening and care about what matters to them.
2. Share Your Stories (Without Lecturing)
Your life experiences are treasure troves of entertainment for curious young minds. Kids naturally gravitate toward tales of mischief, adventure, or what life was like ‘in the olden days.’ The secret is keeping these stories light and entertaining.
Focus on the funny mishaps, daring escapades, or surprising moments from your childhood. Avoid the temptation to turn every story into a moral lesson. Let them draw their own conclusions while enjoying the connection to your past.
3. Keep Surprises Up Your Sleeve
Unexpected moments of joy create the strongest memories. Having a small treasure hidden in your pocket or planning an impromptu adventure makes you the grandparent they can’t wait to see again. These don’t need to be expensive gifts—just thoughtful ones.
A bag of their favorite candy, a small toy related to their current obsession, or a handwritten note can work wonders. Even better are experience surprises: ‘Let’s skip the grocery shopping and go to the park instead!’
The anticipation of ‘what will Grandma bring this time?’ adds excitement to every visit.
4. Master One Fun Skill
Becoming known for a signature talent creates your grandparent brand. Whether it’s flipping perfect pancakes, telling spooky stories, or teaching card tricks, kids love having a grandparent with a special superpower they can brag about to friends.
My friend became ‘Origami Grandpa’ by learning a new paper creation before each visit. His grandkids collected these creations and showed them off proudly. Another grandmother became legendary for her ability to identify any bird by its call.
5. Be Present—No Phones, No Rush
In a world where everyone seems distracted, your undivided attention becomes the ultimate gift. When grandkids visit, put your phone away and focus solely on them. Those notifications can wait, but childhood can’t.
Make eye contact during conversations. Get down on their level when they’re showing you something important. Notice how much more they share when they feel truly heard.
Avoid constantly checking the time or rushing to the next activity. Children sense when adults are fully present, and they blossom in that attention. This quality time builds the foundation for a relationship that will last long after the visit ends.
6. Create Special Traditions
Rituals create the framework for lasting relationships. That special handshake, nickname, or activity that happens only with you becomes magical in a child’s mind.
Holiday traditions hold particular power. The special ornament you help them make each Christmas or the way you celebrate the first day of summer creates anticipation and continuity. Even simple traditions like always reading the same bedtime story when they visit give children security.
7. Say Yes More Often
Parents must maintain boundaries and rules daily, but grandparents have the luxury of occasional rule-bending. Obviously, safety comes first, but saying yes to reasonable requests creates the special magic of grandparent time.
Ice cream before dinner? Extra screen time? Building a fort in the living room? These small yeses create the feeling that time with you operates under special rules. One grandmother I know has ‘Backward Day’ where breakfast foods are served for dinner and pajamas are worn all day.
Check with parents about deal-breakers, then find creative ways to make your time together feel wonderfully different.
8. Stay Playful
Nothing connects generations faster than shared laughter. Silly voices, goofy faces, and a willingness to look ridiculous earn you instant cool points with grandkids. Age is just a number when you’re willing to join a tea party or superhero adventure.
Physical play matters too. Get down on the floor for building blocks or join the backyard soccer game, even if you’re not as spry as you once were. Your effort counts more than your skill level.
Children naturally live in a world of imagination and play. When you join them there without hesitation or self-consciousness, you speak their language fluently. The grandparents who aren’t afraid to be silly create the strongest bonds.
9. Encourage Their Passions
Being a child’s biggest fan builds confidence that lasts a lifetime. Show genuine enthusiasm for their interests, whether it’s dinosaurs, ballet, or building robots. Attend their performances, display their artwork, and ask questions about their hobbies.
Take it further by providing resources for their passions. The grandmother who buys art supplies for the budding painter or takes her soccer-loving grandson to a professional match creates meaningful support.
Sometimes children’s interests seem odd or fleeting to adults. Resist the urge to redirect them toward ‘better’ hobbies. Your validation of their choices helps them develop confidence in their own judgment.
10. Give Love Without Expectations
Unconditional love is the greatest gift any child can receive. In a world full of performance pressure and expectations, being the person who loves them exactly as they are provides essential emotional security. This doesn’t mean spoiling them—it means accepting their authentic selves.
Create a judgment-free zone where they can share their thoughts without fear of criticism. Listen without immediately offering solutions or corrections.
When children know your love doesn’t depend on grades, achievements, or behavior, they develop healthy self-worth. This security becomes their foundation for navigating life’s challenges with confidence.