Seeing my grandkids always makes me smile and brightens my day. But sometimes, they just aren’t in the mood. Maybe they’re too tired, feeling sad, or even “hangry” (that means hungry and grumpy at the same time).
It can feel a little hurtful at first, but try not to take it personally. Kids have ups and downs just like grown-ups do.
If you want to cheer them up and do something fun, here are 13 simple ways to bring a big smile to your grandkids’ faces!
Ask silly “this or that” questions
Would you rather eat spaghetti with chocolate sauce or a donut filled with ketchup?
Would you rather wear pants made of Jell-O or a hat made of waffles?
Would you rather have Olaf as your best friend or ride on Aladdin’s magic carpet?
Asking silly “this or that” questions is a great way to get them laughing. The sillier, the better! (We’ve got a whole list of fun questions you can try, too.)
Bring out the secret candy stash
Okay, this one might be obvious, but it’s just too fun not to mention! I keep a “secret” candy stash—only my grandkids and I know about it.
It’s perfect when I want to give them a little treat, show some love, or just make them smile. (I go through a lot of chocolate!)
Turn on a funny show they’ve never seen
Here’s a real story: I once showed my grandson some old “Mr. Bean” episodes (a funny British show from the 90s), and we couldn’t stop laughing!
Watching a silly show can lift the mood fast. Screens aren’t always my first choice, but sometimes they help.
Just a heads-up—some episodes of “Mr. Bean” can be a little too silly (I remember one where he ran around without pants), so it’s a good idea to check the show first before sharing it with your grandkids.
Give them a big hug
Every child is different, so hugs may or may not work for each grandkid. One of my grandsons doesn’t love hugs like his brother does, but I’ll still wrap him in a big one and hold on tight. After a minute, he usually starts to giggle. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm hug to turn things around.
Tell them a silly story
I love making up goofy stories with silly characters and funny voices. My grandkids always start giggling! If you don’t feel like making one up, that’s okay. Keep a silly children’s book nearby. Some of them are so funny, even I can’t help but laugh!
Build a fort
If candy and dancing didn’t cheer up your grandchild (or if they did and you want to keep the fun going), it’s time for something big—like building a fort! Grab pillows, cushions, and lots of blankets. Move a few chairs around and start building.
Let them help you make a cozy hideout. When you’re done, have fun knocking it down together before putting everything back in place.
Make a mess
Remember that fort you built earlier? That’s a great spot to start some messy fun! You can also bake something together (expect flour everywhere!), finger paint a wild picture, or dig in the garden. Messy fun often leads to big laughs and great memories.
Organize a pillow fight or wrestling
Pillow fights and wrestling are a great way to bring out the giggles—especially with grandsons! (What is it with little boys and their love for rough play?) Just be gentle and keep it fun. Laughter usually shows up pretty fast!
Build them up
Doesn’t it feel nice when someone tells you you’re doing a great job or says something kind about you? Our grandkids feel the same way.
Tell them how smart, kind, or creative they are. Let them know you noticed when they did something special. Your words can make them smile—and help them feel proud of who they are.
“Don’t smile”
Try a little trick—tell them, “Don’t smile!” Then keep saying it in a silly voice. It’s funny how often this playful joke gets a grin. A little reverse psychology can go a long way!
Make a dance party
Who says Grandma can’t dance? I grew up in the 70s, so when a disco song plays on the radio or Alexa, you better believe I’m dancing!
These old songs always make me smile—and they usually make my husband laugh, too. Sometimes the grandkids join in, and that’s the best part!
Make a funny face contest
Stand in front of a mirror with your grandkids and see who can make the silliest face. Try crossing your eyes, puffing your cheeks, or sticking out your tongue. It’s simple, but the laughs are almost guaranteed!
Let them win
Whether you’re playing Jenga, a quick game of I Spy, or even a staring contest—let your grandchild win sometimes. It can make them feel proud and bring out a big smile. A little win can go a long way in building their confidence.
I hope these ideas give you lots of inspiration for making your grandkids smile! Do you have a favorite way to cheer them up? I’d love to hear it!
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