As grandparents, we all want to feel close to our grandkids.
That’s especially true when we don’t get to see them very often. So, when we are together, it’s important to make that time special. But we don’t have to stress or overthink it. Worrying too much can take the joy out of the moment.
The video below shares three easy tips to help you enjoy quality time with your grandkids every time you’re with them. 😊
Say something positive first
When you first see your grandchild, try to say something kind or cheerful right away. This helps set a happy tone for your time together. First words really matter! It helps your grandchild feel joy every time they see Grandma.
It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy, either. A simple “I missed you,” “You look so grown up,” or “I love that smile” can light them up instantly. Kids (even teens!) notice how they feel in those first few seconds, and when that feeling is warm and safe, they naturally want to come closer—not pull away.
Over time, those little positive greetings become something they look forward to. Your grandchild starts to associate being with you as a place where they’re seen, appreciated, and loved just as they are. And that’s what keeps them coming back—not because they have to, but because they truly want to.
Show interest in what they love
Try to focus on what your grandchild likes—not just what you or others enjoy. When you care about their hobbies and favorite things, it shows them that they matter. It also helps them grow into who they are meant to be.
You don’t have to fully understand their interests to show you care about them. Maybe it’s a video game you’ve never heard of, a YouTuber they love, or a hobby that feels totally different from your own childhood. Just asking, “Can you show me?” or “What do you like about it?” opens the door in such a beautiful way.
And when they see you leaning in instead of brushing it off, something shifts. They feel respected, not dismissed. That’s when conversations get easier, laughter comes more naturally, and your bond deepens without forcing it. It’s less about the activity itself—and more about the message: “What matters to you matters to me.”
Keep your promises
If you say you’re going to do something, do your best to follow through. Don’t let other things distract you. When your grandchild knows they can count on you, it builds trust and makes your bond even stronger.
Even the smallest promises matter more than we sometimes realize. Whether it’s calling them later, saving them a cookie, or showing up to something they invited you to—those little follow-through moments quietly tell them, “You can trust me.” And for a child, that kind of consistency feels like safety.
Of course, life happens and things don’t always go as planned. But when you can’t keep a promise, taking a moment to explain and gently make it right goes a long way. It shows them that their feelings matter and that you respect them enough to be honest. Over time, that kind of reliability becomes one of the strongest foundations for a close, lasting relationship.
Closing Thoughts
And that’s it! I wanted to share these three simple tips with other grandmas because they’ve really helped me stay close to my grandkids. At the end of the day, nothing matters more than the love we share with them. 😊
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