by Dr. Ken Canfield
Grandparents, if you’re reading a blog on grandparenting then you probably don’t need to hear this, but I want to put it out there anyway, in case you’ve forgotten:
There are very good reasons for you to be involved in the lives of your grandkids.
The time you spend with them builds a foundation of trust and understanding that can last a lifetime. You are part of giving your grandchildren a sense of stability in an often chaotic world. It’s not just about being present, although that’s important; it’s about creating memories that shape their character and provide a safety net of unconditional love.
Although we can find examples where the grandparent-grandchild relationship does not bring about positive outcomes, in the vast majority of cases, if a grandchild has an engaged, caring, and supportive grandparent, it’s a win-win. When you observe grandmothers and grandfathers interacting with their grandchildren—listening, learning, and growing in love and respect for one another—it’s obvious. You can sense the power of this generational synergy.
Picture a grandfather patiently teaching a young one how to fish by the lake, or a grandmother baking cookies while sharing family recipes that carry whispers of heritage. These interactions foster empathy and wisdom on both sides, strengthening family bonds in ways that ripple through generations. The grandchild gains perspective from your experiences, while you rediscover joy through their fresh eyes, creating a beautiful cycle of mutual growth.
And actually, it’s often more like a “win-win-win.” The middle generation, your own children who are now the parents, reap significant benefits too. With your involvement, they get much-needed support in raising their kids, whether it’s through occasional babysitting that allows them a rare date night, advice drawn from your parenting experiences, or simply sharing the emotional load of family life. This extra layer of help can reduce their stress, strengthen their own relationships, and give them confidence knowing their children have another loving adult in their corner. It’s a family-wide advantage that lightens everyone’s load and deepens connections across all three generations.
So enjoy it!
Savor those spontaneous hugs, the wide-eyed wonder during storytime, or the shared adventures in the park that remind you of the pure delight in simple connections. Cherish those moments of laughter and curiosity that grandkids bring, turning ordinary days into treasured blessings.
As grandparents, this is a time of life when we may feel like time is running out or our best years are behind us. But I believe this time is ours. It’s a season ripe for reflection and renewal, where we can channel our accumulated wisdom into nurturing the next generation without the pressures of earlier responsibilities. Instead of dwelling on what was, we can focus on the richness of now, embracing roles that allow us to influence positively while finding renewed purpose in the process.
Many of us probably have more time now and more opportunities to invest in our grandchildren than ever before. We are living longer than previous generations, we’re generally healthier, and we’re able to be involved in ways our grandparents were not.
The question is: How are we investing these precious moments to make a difference in our grandchildren’s lives? I hope you, like me, are trying to make the most of every day and every opportunity.
What benefits have you seen as a grandparent? Join our celebration of our grandkids on our Facebook page.
