8 best ways to positively impact your grandchildren

There’s a world of difference between simply being present in your grandchildren’s lives and truly making a positive impact.

The difference boils down to intentionality. Just being around, without real engagement, won’t necessarily enrich their lives.

On the flip side, actively seeking ways to positively influence your grandchildren can shape their values, aspirations and overall outlook on life.

The key is to be deliberate in this role. And trust me, there are some tried-and-true methods that can help you make a lasting positive impact.

So let’s dive into the “8 best ways to positively impact your grandchildren”.

1) Be present

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to be physically present but mentally absent.

But grandchildren crave your attention and genuine interest in their lives. They want to share their dreams, achievements, and even their little everyday stories with you.

Being fully present when you’re with your grandchildren means putting away distractions, including your phone, and focusing wholly on them. This simple act assures them they’re important and loved.

Think about it. It’s the reason why children beam with joy when you share in their excitement over a well-done school project or a soccer goal.

So, if you want to make a positive impact, the first step is to be completely present whenever you’re with your grandchildren.

Remember though, it’s not just about quantity time but quality time. It’s the meaningful interactions that count.

2) Lead by example

My grandkids often look at me as their role model. They’re learning about the world not just through their own experiences, but also by observing my actions.

I remember a time when my grandson saw me helping a neighbor with her groceries. He asked me why I did that, and it gave me a chance to talk to him about kindness and community spirit.

From then on, I noticed he started helping his friends more often at school. He even started helping his little sister tie her shoelaces which was a huge step for him.

Leading by example is powerful. It’s a way of teaching without lecturing, and it can have a profound impact on your grandchildren’s values and behavior.

But remember, children are keen observers. They notice not just the good but also the inconsistency. So it’s crucial to be consistent with your actions.

3) Encourage curiosity

Curiosity is the engine of achievement. It drives us to learn, explore, and push boundaries.

Did you know that children are born with a natural curiosity? A study from the University of California found that asking questions is not just a way for children to learn about specific topics; it’s also a key tool in developing their overall cognitive abilities.

Fostering this inherent curiosity in your grandchildren can help them become lifelong learners. Whether it’s explaining why the sky is blue, indulging their fascination with bugs, or helping them understand a difficult math problem, every question they ask is an opportunity for them to grow.

And while it can sometimes be challenging to answer their endless “why’s” and “how’s”, remember that your patience and enthusiasm can inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

4) Celebrate their individuality

Each child is unique, with their own personality, strengths, and interests. Recognizing and celebrating this individuality can do wonders for their self-esteem and personal growth.

Perhaps your granddaughter loves art while your grandson is more into sports. Encourage them to pursue their passions wholeheartedly, even if it’s different from what you’re used to.

It’s about letting them know it’s perfectly okay to be themselves. It’s about appreciating their uniqueness and helping them understand that their worth is not determined by how well they fit into certain societal expectations or norms.

Remember, it’s your support that can help them feel confident to explore their own path, without the fear of judgment or disapproval.

5) Create lasting memories

In the end, it’s not the material possessions but the moments spent together that create a lasting legacy.

Think about baking cookies on a Sunday afternoon, fishing trips to the local pond, or simply telling stories under the starlit sky. These shared experiences become cherished memories for your grandchildren.

These moments of togetherness strengthen the bond between you, bringing a sense of belonging and security to your grandchildren. They also become stories they’ll pass down to their children and grandchildren, keeping the family history alive.

So remember, every moment spent with your grandchildren is an opportunity to create a memory that could last a lifetime. Cherish them.

6) Teach resilience

Life has a way of throwing curveballs at us, and it’s important to equip our grandchildren with the ability to bounce back.

I recall a time when my granddaughter didn’t make the school’s basketball team. She was heartbroken, and I felt her pain. But instead of dwelling on the disappointment, we talked about the power of perseverance and the lessons we can learn from failures.

We discussed how every setback is an opportunity to come back stronger. I shared with her how I didn’t get my first job and was rejected multiple times before landing one.

Resilience is not built in a day. It’s a continuous process, but once your grandchildren learn this valuable skill, they’ll be better prepared to face whatever life throws their way.

7) Encourage healthy habits

Healthy habits formed in childhood can last a lifetime.

From promoting a balanced diet to encouraging regular physical activity, it’s important to set a good example for your grandchildren. Teach them the value of taking care of their physical health, their mental well-being, and their emotional balance.

It’s also crucial to teach them about the importance of rest. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the value of slowing down and taking time to recharge.

Remember, your grandchildren are likely to emulate what they see. So modeling a lifestyle that balances work, play, rest, and healthy eating can go a long way in setting them up for a healthy future.

8) Express love unconditionally

At the heart of positively impacting your grandchildren is the expression of unconditional love.

This means loving them for who they are, not for what they do or achieve. It’s about accepting them fully, with all their strengths and weaknesses, their successes and failures.

Unconditional love creates a safe space for your grandchildren to express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. It gives them the confidence to explore, make mistakes, learn, and grow.

This is perhaps the most profound impact you can have on your grandchildren’s lives. Because knowing they are loved unconditionally is a gift that will benefit them their entire lives.

Final thoughts: It’s about the legacy

The essence of making a positive impact on your grandchildren lies not just in the joy of the present but also in the legacy you leave behind.

Research from Emory University suggests that children who know stories about relatives who came before them show higher levels of emotional well-being.

Sharing your experiences, your wisdom, and your love with your grandchildren not only shapes their lives today but also helps them carry forward family traditions, values, and stories to future generations.

Whether it’s teaching resilience through personal anecdotes, fostering curiosity with thoughtful questions, or expressing unconditional love, each moment you share with your grandchildren is a thread in the tapestry of their lives.

Influence is not about controlling but guiding. And as a grandparent, your guidance can shape not just the paths of your grandchildren, but also the future of your family lineage.

So as you reflect on these eight ways to positively impact your grandchildren’s lives, remember – it’s often the simplest gestures that leave the most profound imprints.