Retirement isn’t just about beach walks and brunch dates—it’s also your time to shine in one of life’s greatest roles: grandparent. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or newly initiated into the club, being an awesome grandparent goes far beyond handing out candy and telling “when I was your age” stories. It’s about making memories, being present, and maybe—just maybe—showing the grandkids that you were cool long before TikTok was a thing.
Here are five light-hearted but meaningful tips to level up your grandparenting game:
- Master the Art of Storytelling (with Flair)
Kids love stories—but not the dry, bedtime kind. They want dragons, rock bands, childhood shenanigans, and maybe that time you accidentally superglued your fingers together in 1973. Share real memories from your youth—yes, even the embarrassing ones. It brings family history to life and gives grandkids a sense of where they come from (and a whole new level of respect for your disco-era dance moves).
Pro tip: Act it out. Dramatic voices are encouraged.
- Say Yes More Than You Say No
Do they want to eat pancakes for dinner? Sure. Build a pillow fort in the living room? Why not. Childhood is short, and one of the joys of grandparenting is bending the rules just enough to make magic. (Just make sure Mom and Dad are loosely on board… or at least blissfully unaware.)
- Stay Tech-Savvy (Just Enough)
No one expects you to start vlogging your gardening tips on YouTube—but learning how to text emojis, FaceTime, or even play an online game with the grandkids can go a long way. Being accessible in their world makes you feel closer, even if you’re miles apart.
Bonus: You get cool points for figuring out how to use filters on Snapchat (just maybe skip the puppy ears).
- Plan “Grand Adventures”
A trip to the park? Call it “The Great Marshmallow Chase.” An afternoon of baking? Make it “Operation Cookie Chaos.” Give everyday activities a splash of imagination and a name worthy of a blockbuster. You don’t need big budgets—just a willingness to lean into silliness and create rituals they’ll remember for life.
- Be Their Safe Place
The best grandparents aren’t just fun—they’re comforting, consistent, and quietly wise. Be the person they can talk to about worries, questions, or even those middle-school heartbreaks. Being awesome isn’t just about being entertaining—it’s about being available. Show up, listen well, and love them exactly as they are.
In the end, being an awesome grandparent is part joy, part effort, and a whole lot of heart. You don’t have to be perfect. Just be present, be playful, and always be ready with a snack. Click HERE to reach out to one of our professionals at Zinnia Wealth Management today for a complimentary review of your finances.
