As grandmothers, we all want to be present and involved in our grandkids’ lives. But sometimes, life gets busy, and we wonder—am I doing enough? This simple 30-point checklist will help you reflect on your level of involvement and identify areas where you might want to be more present.
1. Do I know my grandkids’ full names and birthdays by heart?
2. Have I spent one-on-one time with each grandchild in the past three months?
3. Do I regularly call, video chat, or text with my grandkids?
4. Have I attended a school event, sports game, or recital recently?
5. Do I know the names of my grandkids’ best friends?
6. Have I had a meaningful conversation with my grandkids about their feelings and interests in the past month?
7. Do I make an effort to remember and celebrate their achievements, big or small?
8. Have I shared family stories or traditions with my grandkids?
9. Do I know their favorite hobbies, books, or TV shows?
10. Have I cooked or baked something special with my grandkids in the last three months?
11. Do I set aside time for a special outing or activity with them?
12. Have I helped them with homework or given advice on school-related matters?
13. Do I encourage their talents and passions, whether it’s sports, art, music, or something else?
14. Have I written them a heartfelt letter or note in the past year?
15. Do I have recent pictures of my grandkids displayed in my home or phone?
16. Have I prayed for or sent well wishes to my grandkids recently?
17. Do I respect and support their parents’ rules and parenting choices?
18. Have I taught my grandkids a valuable skill or life lesson?
19. Do I know their favorite foods and treats?
20. Have I taken the time to listen when they share their thoughts or worries?
21. Do I help make holidays and birthdays special for them?
22. Have I gone on a trip or vacation with my grandkids, even just a simple day outing?
23. Do I make an effort to include them in family traditions?
24. Have I created a special memory with them in the past year?
25. Do I encourage them to be kind, honest, and confident?
26. Have I told them I love them recently?
27. Do I make sure they feel safe and comfortable around me?
28. Have I played a game, done a craft, or engaged in a fun activity with them lately?
29. Do I check in on their well-being without always waiting for them to reach out first?
30. Have I made an effort to be a positive, loving, and dependable presence in their lives?
How Did You Score?
- 25-30: You are highly involved and deeply connected to your grandkids’ lives! Keep nurturing that bond.
- 15-24: You’re doing well but may have some areas where you can be more present. Pick a few points to focus on.
- 10-14: There’s room for more connection. Consider setting small goals to strengthen your relationship.
- Below 10: Life gets busy, but it’s never too late to start! Even small, consistent efforts can make a big impact.
No matter where you land on the checklist, remember that love and intention matter most. Every little effort counts in building a strong and lasting bond with your grandkids. Happy grandparenting!