There’s something uniquely special about the grandparent-grandchild relationship.
It’s softer around the edges than parenting—filled with a little more freedom and a lot more storytelling.
But strong bonds don’t happen automatically; they’re built, moment by moment, habit by habit.
If you’ve ever wondered what really leaves a mark on a child’s heart, it’s not the fancy toys or once-a-year vacations—it’s the daily stuff.
Here are seven top habits that help grandparents form lifelong connections with their grandkids.
1. They show up—consistently
Kids remember who was present—not just for birthdays or school plays, but on random afternoons when nothing special was happening.
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One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your bond is simply by being there, even if all you’re doing is sitting on the porch together.
Consistency is what makes a child feel truly safe. They don’t need fireworks; they just need to know they can count on you.
2. They listen without interrupting
It sounds simple, but genuine listening takes effort—especially when you’re tempted to jump in or finish the story yourself.
When you give a child your full attention, even if they’re explaining a video game you don’t understand, it makes them light up.
A child who feels heard learns to trust, and that trust is the foundation of any indestructible bond.
3. They share their stories
Kids love hearing about “the old days.” Sharing stories about your first job, the gadgets you used, or how things were different growing up brings you closer.
These stories aren’t just entertaining—they give kids a sense of where they came from and help them see you as a person, not just as “Grandma” or “Grandpa.”
Sharing your history turns everyday conversations into bridges across generations.
4. They let their grandkids teach them things
Sometimes, the best way to connect is by letting your grandchild teach you something new.
Whether it’s a video game or a dance trend, allowing them to lead gives them confidence and shows that their interests matter.
It makes the bond mutual, not one-sided—and helps them feel valued.
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5. They keep their promises
Reliability is a big deal. If you say you’ll show up or bring cookies, follow through.
Even small promises matter—a broken promise can stick with a child longer than you realize.
Over time, this reliability builds a strong emotional foundation and teaches kids they can trust you with their feelings.
6. They make space for one-on-one time
Every grandchild is unique. Whether it’s a walk to the store, playing catch, or just chatting, individual time allows each child to feel seen and special.
It’s not about favoritism, but about letting them open up as individuals, away from the chaos of the group.
Those quiet, personal moments are where the deepest bonds form.
7. They offer comfort without conditions
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One of the greatest gifts a grandparent can offer is unconditional comfort.
Unlike parents, you’re not in charge of grades or bedtimes—you can just be there.
A warm hug, a listening ear, or simply sitting quietly together can mean the world to a child.
This steady, non-judgmental presence leaves a lasting mark and builds a connection that endures as they grow.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, the strongest bonds aren’t built with grand gestures—they’re built in the little things: shared snacks, quiet talks, and showing up when it matters.
If you’re lucky enough to have a grandchild in your life, ask yourself—how are you showing up today?
Because those everyday moments? That’s where indestructible bonds begin.
I have 15 grand and 6 great grandkids all love one on one just listening and sitting on the floor having turns telling story’s they make up I tell the scary story they love it
I have 2 grandchildren that live with me. I’m so fortunate to have them in my life. Even though we are together every day I still let them just be my grand kids.
I love spending time with my 6-year-old granddaughter. Whenever I know that I am going to visit her, I skip my daily exercises, knowing full well that I will need every ounce of energy I can muster to keep up with her!
I’ve had papa night with my granddaughters every since my 14 yr old was 3 months old! And when # 2 came along when my 1st was 2, She and I started papa night with #2 at about 1 month old!!! There are lots more time,but my daughter in law wanted them to have at least 1 night a week with just them& me!!! It’s still going on and we have a good time! They keep me young. A lot of their friends call me papa,cause I’m around as much as possible, and love them all too!
I am very fortunate, having two grand kids that I have the honor to care for four days a week for 3 to 4 hours, my wife and I split time while their parents work. We make pancakes, read books, play, and sometimes even discipline these two but, we begin and end every visit with a hug and kiss.
I have a 4year old great grandson that I care for 5 days a week while his father (custodial parent) works. My husband and I (76 & 78) are so blessed to have him a constant in our lives.
I love being a grandma. The youngest grandson, Jack and I have a lot of secret little chats and jokes together. He lives nearby while my other two are far away. Sometimes my daughter disapproves of some of the things I might do like slipping an extra Hershey’s Kiss into his pocket when she is trying to get him to curb his love of chocolate. By the way, he is far from overweight and has no cavities. I explained to her that it is because I am not responsible for how he turns out. I was responsible for how she and her brother turned out. It used to hurt me so much when I had to say no to my little one’s requests to do or to eat something that wasn’t exactly the best for them. But I did it and they are both wonderful adults. So once in a while I indulge in a little grandmotherly mischief. She really seemed to understand that. And my son once told me that upon leaving my house, his first born said to him,”I love Grandma. She’s funny!” It made my day, especially since my dear husband has passed and I sometimes feel very lonely for him. Of course, I still respect both of my children and their parenting skills, so I never take it to the extreme. We are all very close and hope to remain so always!
They are grandparents reward for having responsibility for their own children what happens at Granny’s stays at Granny’s I’ve made my daughters pancakes with ice cream for breakfast for an occasional treat!
What a nice Aunt and Grandma.
I loved this article. It was very informant. Something to think about and start doing these things with them. I already have 6 grandchildren. I love them all even though I rarely get to see them all Three of them live in Nevada which is where I live but the others live in different states. One lives with his Dad in California and the other two live in upstate New York with both parents. I grew up in New Jersey.
I love being an ouma like my grandchildren call me having them really gives me a purpose in life .I thank GOD every day for them and am grateful to my daughter and son in law who let me be a very present ouma in my grandchildren lives.
My daughter is moving to cape Town, we are staying in ptetoria, wis there any advice on how to be a grandma from far
I loved reading all the comments.My youngest grandson has Autism .He is doing fine and very smart.We spend as much time together as possible.We share jokes and he helps me in my garden.We have got a great bond.
I never thought that I could love more than I love my Sons … But My grandchildren are
Absolutely Wonderful !!!! They are Amazing !!!
The love that they share is The Best , EVER !! 💖
What a beautiful full life having 6 Grandbabies and three i see often. So funny so smart and how i love that they love being with me in my home or anywhere for that matter, what a privilege! Thank you Jesus🙏 i love being a Grandmother.
My first two granddaughters are 23 and 25. We were there for all their dance recitals at age 3. The best now is that we drink cosmos and my granddaughter makes them for my husband and I. We are BLESSED 🥰
I enjoy being a Nana that’s
the name my 1st granddaughter called me.
I have 3 granddaughters, 2 great granddaughters. Ages
29, 27, and 13. Greats are 7 & 14mos. I love them all dearly!!!
I have 3 Grandchildren. 2 of them live with me, then I have 1 that that is 4 that lives with my son and his girlfriend. For reasons beyond my control my sons girlfriend will not let me see my granddaughter. I spend allot of quality time with my grandsons that are 2 & 1. But I call and text and my son won’t answer my calls or text. I would love to spend time with my granddaughter. Maybe one day they will let me.
oh I know what you’re going through right now, I have the best bond with my grandchildren for 7 years which is the oldest, second is 5 and the last one is 3,,,but this last trip that I went it was a nightmare I don’t know what my daughter-in-law said to them that they don’t even look at me at all, I told my son about it that I do not accept that that she threatened them in a certain way who knows what she did to them that they totally ignore me this time that I went I usually go when there is a special occasion like birthdays or my son is having a promotion or his birthday or their birthdays, when I go in I usually stay for a week and when I go I always do lots of projects with them and I always bring them gifts well this time miss wonderful out loud in this house we got work to do and there’s gonna be no projects and we have a routine so no one is allowed to do projects with no one but me meaning with her so my visit this time was a nightmare they did not look at me at all and no good morning or good nite at all they didn’t run and fight to be by my side in my bed, it was like i wasn’t there at all, one trip before this one trip i noticed their coldness affection towards me and I asked Godness what’s going on with you guys you’re not saying hello to me at all did anyone forbidden you for giving me a kiss or hello or to say good morning? And my oldest one said ,,,yeah ,,,I said what who and why and he said my mother, then my daughter yes mom then the other as well,,, yeh mom told us not to say or give you hugs🫣😳 at that moment my son came and i told him but then i guess my older g-son got scared to say the truth to his father and said i don’t remember and gave a look like i don’t know, but i was able to record all what he had said about his mom not to do with me, since then I cannot stop thinking how much damage a mother can do to the children about cutting the live the affection they have towards a grandmother no one has an idea how happy they used to be the minute they would see me it was unbelievable their reactions were towards me the minute that they would see me it was such a joy for them to see that they were running jump over me the minute they would see me,,, now this time like if no one has arrived at all, no a word, even me calling or saying something, no looks no words at all, i told my son and he said mom is nothing I can do they have to listen to their mom I cannot have any more stress in my life I’m very stressed from my work I don’t need any more stress just ignore it but I said to them they cannot be ignored what she’s doing it’s not right please just leave it as it is where I could not understand and accept those words from him either how can a woman be so mean and teach them and hurt their hearts in that particular way it’s teaching them how to be evil to other people I would say,,, my experience this time it’s a nightmare that is been killing me so now my son calls me every day in the morning when he drops him off to school and I still can see the coldness they try not to look at me at all, or respond to what I ask or say, and my son says hey grandma is talking to you , they look at me with fear like if she would hit them if they would look at me ,,, out of all this I think is just jealousy on her side because they were never like this with her mother not even with her at all,,, with me they were totally different was like another little kid entering at their space,,, they got so wild grandma’s here and run over me,,, now this time nothing at all all those four days I was totally ignored completely ignored🫣😳🥲😢😥 all I can do is say is send her blessings she doesn’t know the karma that she has gotten into how much that can affect my grandchildren’s life as growing up, i just pray and hope they grow up to be good human beings to others, GOD forgive her and her G/children as well,,, how old is I don’t understand why sons don’t stand up for themselves, and for us,,, they take it like you two talk it over and figure it out😳 I don’t understand but they don’t want to get involved,,, so this is the story of my life with my grandkids now,,, a sad ending bond with grandkids, where there was so much joy,,, blessings is all i can sen to them and for her as well😥😥💫🙏😇🙏💫
I loved reading this as it reminds me I am doing my best at being a Dee Dee to 3!
My two oldest -8 1/2 girl and just 6 boy-I am privileged to see maybe twice a year…it’s a little complicated.
My youngest -boy-just turned 4 and lives much closer and spends 2-3 days a week with me in the country. He lives in a city so I love to share my different life with him. We are definitely besties .
I never knew how grandparenting would actually be like and it is different for each family.
I miss my older two and my granddaughter and I “write” letters to each other and it feels very special. I asked my daughter if it would be a great thing for us and she agreed.
I do send them a monthly box with special thing for them- books, toys, jewelry, science kits etc. It’s not a ton but it keeps them connected to me and vice versa.
We all have to work out our own way to be a grandparent and it isn’t always easy…but it is very rewarding 🥰
I LOVE IT 😍
I just wish my son and daughter in law let us be just grandparents! They live 8 hours away on a dysfunctional homestead. Everything is chaos and we have to bring food to share, clean up, and the wife doesn’t discipline nor teach! So, how do you just be a grandparent to 2 and 4 year old in that case? I come out as the bad guy. I’m talking hitting me, my little dog, kicking their dog, and torturing kittens. So, I’m glad everyone on the comments is glowing but I feel like FEMA showing up and every visit is worse!