When Little Eyes Are Watching
Have you ever noticed how quietly our grandchildren study us? Not just what we say, but how we say it. How we react when something goes wrong. How do we speak about ourselves when we’re…
Daily Dilemma
Convincing Your Grandkids to Eat Healthy
Yesterday afternoon, I had both of my grandchildren over for a sleepover, eight-year-old Lily and ten-year-old Marcus. As soon as they burst through the door, backpacks flying and shoes half-tied, they made a beeline for…
Having Favorites Amongst Your Grankids
Last Sunday, all four of your grandchildren were over for dinner. The house was loud and happy, toys scattered, cookies baking, little feet running through the hallway. Eight-year-old Lily curled up beside you on the…
Your Grandchild Wants Approval You’re Not Sure You Can Give
Last Sunday afternoon, your 16-year-old granddaughter, Lily, lingered after dinner while the others cleared the table. She looked nervous — twisting her bracelet the way she used to when she was little and worried about…
Your Grandchild Asks Your Opinion… But You Know They Won’t Like It
Your 16-year-old granddaughter, Lily, walks into your kitchen one afternoon, eyes bright and hopeful. “Grandma, can I ask you something honestly?” You put down your teacup. “Of course, sweetheart.” She takes a deep breath and…
When Your Grandchild Doesn’t Think You’re “Cool” Anymore
Oh, my dear friend, this one can sneak up on you. One day, you’re their favorite person in the world. You know all the voices in the storybooks. You make the fluffiest pancakes. You’re the…
What To Do When You Think Your Grandchild Is Making Poor Decisions
You’ve always been close to your grandson, Ethan. He’s 16 now, thoughtful, creative, and starting to stretch his wings. Recently, though, you’ve felt a quiet unease. He’s lost interest in activities he once loved, his…
Figuring Out How To Nurture Your Grandkids Talents
You’ve always noticed it, your granddaughter’s way of disappearing into her sketchbook, her brow furrowed with concentration, her drawings growing more detailed by the month. Or maybe it’s your grandson and the way he can…
The Interests You Don’t Know
You’re sitting at the kitchen table with your tea growing cold, scrolling through photos of your grandchildren on your phone. They’re growing so fast, new hairstyles, new clothes, new expressions you don’t quite recognize. In…
When You Notice Your Grandkids and Their Parents Arguing
You’ve been noticing it more and more lately. Whenever your grandchildren are around their parents—at dinner, during a visit, or even on the phone, there seems to be tension humming just beneath the surface. Simple…
Having “The Talk” with Grace
Last Saturday afternoon, your granddaughter Grace, just turned eleven, was sitting at the kitchen table doing homework while you baked banana bread. You noticed she’d grown quiet lately, a little self-conscious, tugging at her sleeves…
When Grandma’s House Has Different Rules
Your grandchild is spending the weekend with you, curled up on the couch after dinner. Out of nowhere, they look at you with hopeful eyes and ask,“Grandma… can I do this here? I’m not allowed…
When Your Grandchild Publicly Disagrees With You in Front of Others
You’re at a family gathering, nothing fancy, just everyone together in the backyard on a warm afternoon. Paper plates are balanced on laps, laughter floats through the air, and for a moment, everything feels easy.…
You Want to Fix a Problem… But No One Asked You To
You’re sitting at the kitchen table with your granddaughter, Emma, on a quiet afternoon. The sunlight comes in just right, warming the worn wood where so many conversations have happened before. Emma stirs her hot…
When Your Grandchild Cries Infront of You
You’re sitting together on the couch after school, the late afternoon light coming through the window. You’ve asked the usual gentle questions, How was your day? What did you learn? When your grandchild suddenly stops…
When You Feel Like You’re Not Interesting Enough Anymore
You’re sitting on the couch while your grandchildren sprawl across the room, eyes glued to glowing screens. Their laughter bursts out at something you can’t quite see or hear. You try to join in, ask…
When You Don’t Get to See Your Grandkids Enough
It’s early morning, and the house is still quiet. You pause while putting away the breakfast dishes and glance at the calendar on the refrigerator. Doctor appointments, church commitments, a lunch with friends, but nothing…
When You Don’t Know What To Get Your Grandchild For Her Birthday
Your granddaughter’s birthday is coming up soon, and she’s reached that tricky age where interests seem to change overnight. Last year, she loved crafts; this year, she barely looks up from her music and sketchbook.…
Fights About Diets!
When your grandchildren come over, you look forward to full hearts, and full bellies. You love them dearly, and you also care deeply about their health. But lately, visits have brought a quiet tension you…
When Your Forget Something Important Your Grandchild Told You
Yesterday afternoon, your grandchild sat beside you at the kitchen table, eyes bright with excitement, carefully explaining something very important to them. Maybe it was the name of a favorite new character, a special rule…
Intervening In Family Quarrels
You’re sitting at your kitchen table when voices rise sharply from the living room. Your two adult children, siblings who once shared a bedroom and secrets, are now arguing fiercely. Old resentments are spilling out,…
When You Share Different Religious Views With Your Grandchild
You’re sitting together after dinner when your grandchild mentions, almost offhandedly, that they don’t really share your religious beliefs anymore. They aren’t angry or dismissive, just honest. Still, the words settle heavily in your chest.…