How to Be a Grandpa

Give your grandchildren lots of love. As the grandfather, one of the most important things you can do is simply to shower your grandchildren with love. Give them hugs and kisses and let them know how much they mean to you. Tell them how beautiful, smart, or funny they are and make them see that not a day goes by that you don’t think about them. Being as loving and caring as possible is the most important thing you can do.

• Be affectionate. It’s important to give them hugs, kisses, and a lot of love.
• If you’re the proud grandfather, just be aware that other people will be in line to hold your new grandchild ahead of you, including the parents and grandmothers. Have patience and you’ll have a chance to shower your grandchild with love.

Spoil your grandkids a little. Of course, grandparents are notorious for spoiling their grandchildren. While you don’t want to completely ruin their diets by feeding them nothing but cookies, you should indulge them a little bit by bending the rules just enough that their time with you feels fun and carefree. Let them know how special they are and reward them with little treats or gifts every once in a while so they know how much they mean to you.

• Though you don’t have to spoil them with expensive gifts they’ll forget in a few weeks, you should give them treasured keepsakes that they’ll always remember.

Tell them about your family history. As the grandfather, one of your jobs is to tell your grandkids about what life was like when you were growing up. Though they may roll their eyes or act indifferent at first, it’s important for you to tell them what your parents were like and what your grandparents and life was like so that they have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world they live in today, which is likely very different from yours. Even if they don’t seem to appreciate it at the time, they’ll be very grateful, one day.

• Have them look at a photo album with you and tell lively stories about all of the people in their families to make them really come alive.
• One fun activity you can do with your grandkids is to make a family tree together.

Be there for the milestones. As a grandfather, one of the most important things you can do is to make sure to be there for the milestones. You can be there when your grandkids learn to walk and talk, and also when they’re a bit older when they start their first day of school or even when they graduate from elementary school. When they look back on these important moments in their lives, they’ll want to know that their grandfather was there every step along the way. ^[1]

• Support and encourage them when those times come. They’ll need you for those big moments.

Don’t play favorites. If you’re lucky enough to have more than one grandchild, then you have to learn to love them equally, even if your adorable little granddaughter is always telling you how much she loves you, while your grandson likes to throw his food at your face. If you make your preferences known, your grandkids will be able to tell, and the one who isn’t favored will suffer. Just as in parenting, it’s important to love all of your grandchildren equally so they can thrive in the light of your love.

• Learn to appreciate what makes each grandchild different, and try not to make them act like their siblings, except to model good behavior.

Listen to them. Another important way to give your grandkids the love they deserve is to sit down and really listen to them. As the grandfather, you may be more used to talking than to listen, but if you really want to show them that you care, then you have to let them see that what they have to say is important. Sit them down on your lap or across from you during dinner, make eye contact with them, and let them tell you what happened during their day, what they’re looking forward to next weekend, or just what’s on their minds. If you’re really listening to them, it’ll make a big difference.

• Put away your newspaper, turn off the TV and avoid any other distractions. Give them all of your attention.

Get them outdoors. Let’s face it. Most kids spend way too much time in front of the television, computer, or even their cell phones. As their grandfather, and hopefully as a man who is less dependent on technology than they are, it’s your job to get them outdoors. This can mean helping you out in the yard, going for a walk in your neighborhood, or even learning to play catch with you. The important thing is that they gain a love and appreciation for the outdoors — and they’ll have you to thank for it, even if they grumble initially.

• Get them moving. In addition to encouraging your grandchildren to go outdoors, you should motivate them to be active. This should go hand in hand with going outside. If you’re on the beach, throw a Frisbee around or swim with them.
• If you’re at a park, help them play tag or play ring toss or another fun game. Most kids don’t get enough exercise, and it’s important to keep them feeling active and energetic.