Being a grandma is full of special moments. We get to bake cookies, tell bedtime stories, and give warm hugs. But did you know we also have a big chance to teach something very important—perseverance?
Perseverance means not giving up, even when things are hard. And no one teaches that better than Grandma. Let’s look at 10 sweet ways to help our grandkids learn how to keep going, even when life gets tough.
1. Tell Stories from Your Own Life
Kids love hearing about when Grandma was little. They enjoy imagining you as a young girl with big dreams and even bigger challenges. Try telling them about a time when you struggled but didn’t give up—like learning to ride a bike without training wheels, saving up for something special, or raising your kids while working hard.
You could say, “I remember burning my first pie—but I kept practicing, and now I make the best apple pie in the family!”
Lesson: When kids hear you pushed through hard things, they’ll believe they can too.
2. Show Perseverance in Daily Life
We don’t always realize it, but little eyes are watching us all the time. When you get frustrated trying to open a tough pickle jar or fix something on your phone, your grandkids notice how you handle it.
Instead of giving up or getting upset, take a deep breath and say out loud, “I’m going to figure this out!” Even if you don’t solve it right away, they’ll see that it’s okay to keep trying.
Lesson: Actions speak louder than words—especially to little ones.
3. Encourage “Try Again” Moments
Grandkids sometimes give up quickly—especially when things don’t go their way. If a puzzle is too hard or a basketball shot misses, they may say, “I can’t do it!”
This is the perfect time to gently say, “That’s okay! Let’s try again together.” Help them believe mistakes are part of learning. Remind them that everyone—even Grandma—has to practice.
Lesson: Trying again builds confidence, not just skills.
4. Do a Long Project Together
Some of the best lessons take time to grow—just like flowers in a garden. Start something with your grandchild that you can’t finish in one day. Try planting seeds, sewing a quilt, building a model car, or creating a scrapbook of your family.
There will be moments when they get bored or want to quit. That’s when you step in with a smile and say, “Let’s see how far we’ve come. I know we can finish this.”
Lesson: Long projects teach that patience and perseverance lead to something beautiful.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Sometimes we focus too much on the big finish and forget to cheer for the small steps. If your grandchild reads a whole chapter book, learns a new dance move, or finally ties their shoes—celebrate it!
Throw a mini “yay” party, give them a high-five, or simply say, “Wow, I saw how hard you worked. You didn’t give up, and I’m proud of you.”
Lesson: When we celebrate the journey, kids learn that progress matters more than perfection.
6. Play Games That Teach Patience
Games are a great way to teach life skills without your grandkids even realizing it. Choose ones that require waiting turns, thinking ahead, or finishing what you start—like board games, card games, or even puzzles.
If they lose or get frustrated, help them keep a good attitude. You might say, “It’s okay to lose. What matters is that you finished the game!”
Lesson: Perseverance isn’t always about winning—it’s about sticking with something to the end.
7. Share Stories About Famous People
Kids love heroes—so give them real-life ones! Tell them about people who didn’t give up, like Helen Keller learning to speak, or Thomas Edison failing hundreds of times before inventing the light bulb.
Even tell your own “family hero” stories, like how their great-grandpa walked miles to school or how you saved every penny to buy your first home.
Lesson: Knowing others faced hard times—and made it through—helps kids believe they can too.
8. Use Encouraging Words Often
Words have power—especially when they come from someone a child loves and trusts. Try to notice the little efforts your grandchild makes and praise them.
Say things like:
- “I see you working hard.”
- “That looked tricky, but you didn’t give up.”
- “You’re getting better every day!”
These kinds of words help kids see themselves as strong and capable.
Lesson: Positive words help kids believe in their own strength.
9. Let Them Struggle a Bit
We all want to help our grandkids, but sometimes jumping in too fast can take away a chance for them to grow. If they’re trying to tie their shoes, build something, or figure out a problem, give them a little space.
Be nearby to support, but let them wrestle with it first. That little bit of struggle can build big confidence.
Lesson: Struggling is part of learning—not something to avoid.
10. Be Their Safe Place
Even the bravest kids will have hard days. When they feel like giving up, be there with a warm hug, a kind word, and a listening ear. Let them know it’s okay to cry, to feel frustrated, and to rest before trying again.
Say, “You’re not alone. I believe in you.”
Lesson: Perseverance grows best in a garden full of love and support.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need fancy lessons or big speeches to teach perseverance. All you need is your love, your stories, and a little time together. Every moment you spend with your grandchild is a chance to plant a seed of strength that will grow for a lifetime.
So go ahead, Grandma. Keep loving, guiding, and cheering them on. You’re doing more than you know—and your grandkids will carry those lessons forever.
Love Being a Grandma?
Join 2,400+ grandmas who wake up to a cheerful, uplifting email made just for you. It’s full of heart, sprinkled with fun, and always free. Start your mornings with a smile—sign up below! ❤️