Categories: Blogs

THE QUALITY OF CONVERSATION

Published by

neil

Did you ever notice that one person can enter a room and converse with multiple people? Is this a talent or a skill?

Group of adults in a modern office meeting, discussing ideas and collaboration, illustrating family support, guidance, and grandparenting connections.

Group of smiling young people reaching toward the camera, symbolizing multigenerational family connection, inclusion, and the spirit of grandparenting.

Children gathered around a campfire, symbolizing family bonding, shared memories, and the lasting joy of grandparenting across generations.

Do you sometimes find yourself with your Pre-teen or teen Grandkids, and the conversation isn’t flowing as it used to? I used to get a call each Sunday morning from my three wonderful Grandchildren when they were on their 25-minute ride to church. At that time, they were like 10 to 15. I say used to because two of them now drive, and they are not allowed to use their phones while driving, a practice which I endorse since they are new to the whole driving experience. However, I digress. When they called with the three of them in the car, the conversation went something like this. 15-year-old, I understand that you and your best friend went to a conference on music; how did that go.? Oh, I didn’t know you met the boys; I thought you went to learn more about music. Laughter! The 14-year-old; Your Mom tells me you have been volunteering with a Horse rescue program. What interesting stuff are you learning about horses? Long conversation. 10-year-old; silence! How are things going at your new school? OK, silence. Are you making new friends? Not really, silence? Are the teachers nice? I guess, silence. Have you joined any teams or groups? No………. silence.

You get my drift.

Guess what?

Yellow question mark on a dark background of scattered symbols, representing uncertainty, family questions, and grandparenting guidance.

It is time for me to up my game in conversation with the youngest. I dig in and learn all I can about what 10-year-old boys like to talk about. Fast forward to last month, and my now 14-year-old grandson rode back some 4 hours with me from his sister’s graduation. When we get out of the car, he offers, unsolicited, Grandpa Neil, I like riding with you; we get to talk. When I ride with my parents, that doesn’t happen so much. Besides four years, what changed? Me!

The Metaverse

I have become interested in the world of pre-teens and teens. I bought and read a book called “The Metaverse.”

Not my thing but his. I then sent him a copy, and we discussed it all the time. I didn’t say it was easy, but it is really rewarding.

Book cover of The Metaverse by Matthew Ball, exploring how virtual worlds may transform society and family connections across generations.

Each child is very different and ever-changing, but I refuse to stand by and let these opportunities for enhanced meaningful connection pass us by. Being a Good Grandparent is being in a state of Grace. It is a blessing, and I intend to make the most of it.

Thank You for being a Caring Grandparent.