Give grandchildren an inside peek at the real you

Let’s get personal for a minute. Impactful Grandparenting is about developing two-way relationships. Sharing. Give-and-take. Real connection.

You want to know your grandchildren better? Give them an inside peek at the real you. When they see you open up, they may be more willing to do the same.

If you’ve checked out one of our Action Plans for Cousin Camps or special days, you know that each one features an Intergenerational Connection Moment. These are intentional touchpoints for you to reveal a bit about yourself (yes, kids, Grammy was once a little girl, too).

But just a bit. Long stories about way back when are too much. (Impactful Grandparents are anything but boring!)

This Connection Moment is intentionally incorporated into your day. Prompts are provided to get those memories stirring. But I’ve also found spontaneous conversations can be just as – or more – impactful.

For example, a car ride home once provided the perfect opportunity for such a moment. My granddaughter shared how one of the girls in her class “had all the power.” Evidently the girl was unkind, bossy and played favorites. One day you were in and the next you were out. If you were ever a middle school girl, you know the story.

She just wanted someone to listen compassionately. She didn’t expect me to fix it. (Thank goodness.)

This led me to share about when I was teased (today’s definition would be bullied) in fourth grade. The kids made fun of me for having big lips and made origami lips that they smacked at me. Today, I smile, because my lips are in vogue. But back then, it was very hurtful.

Both kids listened intently while I shared the story. I don’t think they ever thought about me being a real kid in a classroom before. It made me more relatable. While you are sharing, seize the moment to remind your grandchildren this is how you talk to God. He’s always there. You can tell Him what is going on. He listens and cares.

Another time I shared about disobeying my parents. I crossed a busy street to ride my bike on some hilly empty neighborhood lots. Of course, I fell and got gravel embedded in my hands, knees and elbows. Blood everywhere. And the worst of it – I chipped my front tooth. That tooth was a longtime reminder and natural consequence of my disobedience.  (The kids could hardly believe Grammy got in trouble!)

You get the idea. You have your own stories. Share them. Be real. And they will be real back.