Ah, teenagers. You were one once, Grandma! And you remember what it was like when your own kids were teenagers—it was a wild and busy time.
Now, your sweet grandchild is going through those same teenage years. Some teens don’t change much, but others act very different than they did as kids. If you’re reading this, you’ve probably noticed some changes and want to understand your grandchild better.
That’s why I put together this simple guide—to help you understand your teenage grandchild and grow even closer to them. These years can be tricky, but with a little help, you can stay connected and support them along the way.
Why Are Teenagers Like This?
Do you remember when your grandchild used to run to the door to greet you with a big smile? Now that they’re 16, you might feel lucky just to get a quick “hi.” What happened?
Here’s the short answer: Teenagers are full of mixed-up feelings. They want to be grown-ups, but they still act like kids. They want space, but they also want love and attention. It’s confusing—for them and for you!
Teenagers go through a lot. Their bodies and minds are changing. They have school stress, friendship drama, and big questions about who they want to be.
Even if they don’t hug you like they did when they were five, they still love you. They just show it in different ways now. So don’t take it personally, Grandma. You’re still important to them—more than you know!
Talking with Your Teenage Grandchild
Talking to teenagers today is a whole new ballgame. It’s not like when we raised our own kids. Now there’s social media, phones, and nonstop messages from everywhere. Teens face more pressure than ever—peer pressure, school stress, and the hard parts of growing up in a post-COVID world.
On top of that, they’re tired, busy, and trying to figure out their future. It’s no wonder they might seem distant sometimes.
So how can you talk with your teenage grandchild?
The best way is simple: listen and let them lead the conversation. Many teens just want someone who will listen without jumping in or giving advice right away.
Think about it—teens are already hearing lectures from parents, teachers, and even the internet. The last thing they need is another adult doing the same thing. (I don’t mean this to sound harsh—just something many of my grandma friends and I have learned works best.)
You might be thinking, “But my grandchild barely talks to me!” That’s okay. Try sending a quick text or giving them a call. Let them know you’re thinking of them and that you’re proud of who they’re becoming. After a few days, follow up with an invite—maybe dinner at their favorite place or a fun outing like bowling or a movie.
The most important thing is not to push. Just be there. Be kind, be patient, and keep cheering them on—just like you always have. Being a teenager is tough, but your love and support still mean the world to them.
10 Easy Ways to Bond with Your Teenage Grandchild
Now for the good stuff—how do you bond with a teenager when it feels like you have nothing in common?
Don’t worry! There are plenty of fun and simple ways to connect with your teenage grandchild and grow a strong, loving relationship. Here are some easy ideas to get you started:
1. Recreate a Childhood Photo Together
Pick an old photo of you and your grandchild when they were little—maybe one where they’re on your lap or baking cookies. Then, recreate that same photo now. Laugh at the results and frame both pictures side by side!
2. Let Them Teach You Their Favorite TikTok Dance
Tell them you want to learn a popular dance they like. Be willing to be silly—it’ll crack them up, and you’ll become the “cool” grandma they tell their friends about (whether you get the moves right or not!).
3. Host a Snack Taste Test Night
Buy weird or international snacks—like spicy chips, matcha Kit-Kats, or freeze-dried candy—and taste them together. Rate each one and take funny photos. Make it your “first annual taste-off.”
4. Create a “Grandma and Me” Spotify Playlist
Ask your grandchild to add their favorite songs while you add yours (yes, even those 70s classics!). Listen to the playlist together on a drive or while hanging out. You’ll both discover new music and what matters to each other.
5. Visit a Thrift Store with $10 Each and a Fun Challenge
Go thrifting together and give each other $10. The twist: You have to pick out something the other person has to wear or use. Try on the clothes, take pictures, and vote for the silliest or best find.
6. Make a “Before You Graduate” Bucket List Together
Ask your grandchild what they want to do before finishing high school. Help them dream big—then pick one thing to do together, like visiting a museum, stargazing, or learning to surf.
7. Let Them Interview You for a Podcast or School Project
Teens love tech. Offer to let them interview you about your life, like what dating was like in your day, or your first job. Let them record it, make a video, or use it in a school project. They’ll remember those stories forever.
8. Bake Their Favorite Childhood Treat… with a Twist
Find a treat they loved as a kid—like Rice Krispies or chocolate chip cookies—and make a wild version together. Add new toppings, shapes, or even turn them into an ice cream sandwich.
9. Create a Secret Family Handshake
Yes, like in a movie! Make a goofy handshake with finger snaps, claps, or a silly dance move. It’s just between the two of you—and becomes your special way to say hello or goodbye.
10. Take a “One Second Every Day” Video Challenge Together
Use a free app to record one-second clips of your life every day for a month. You each record your own. At the end, watch them together and talk about the little things that made each day special.
Final Thoughts
As your grandkids grow up, your relationship with them will change—just like it did with your own kids, and even with your parents. If we had a choice, our grandchildren would stay little and sweet forever. But growing up is part of life.
Even though they’re teenagers now, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a wonderful bond with them!
Keep showing them love, Grandma. With your caring heart and these simple ideas, the teen years might turn out to be some of your favorite memories together.
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