What can an “unsupervised 11-year-old” who quit high school three times teach us about family, resilience, and grandparenting? A lot, if his name is Neil Taft.

One of the greatest lessons my great-grandparents taught me wasn’t through advice or long speeches—it was through listening. Their quiet patience showed me that being heard can be more powerful than words, and that love often speaks loudest in silence.

Today’s grandparents are blending timeless love with modern connection—attending soccer games, mastering video calls, and embracing diverse family traditions. Being Nana or Papa now means staying active, tech-savvy, and deeply present in every season of a grandchild’s life.

Creating new traditions with grandchildren is more than fun. It’s a way to strengthen bonds, pass down values, and build lasting memories. Simple, consistent rituals become the heartbeats of family connection.

Loss, retirement, or major transitions can reshape how we connect with our grandchildren. In this post, discover gentle ways to adapt your role, nurture connection, and find meaning in new beginnings.

Even with physical or cognitive challenges, grandparents can still build strong, meaningful connections with their grandchildren. By focusing on what’s possible, whether it’s storytelling, video calls, or quiet time together, love and presence continue to shine through.

In multicultural families, every recipe is a story passed down with love. When grandparents cook with their grandchildren, they’re not just sharing meals—they’re preserving heritage, creating memories, and keeping family traditions alive.

Now it's time to make your connections with your grandchildren truly meaningful. The more you move beyond good intentions and align with their interests, the more rewarding and lasting your bond will be.