Why I’m So Glad I Spent Time With Grandchildren

Spending time with grandchildren is one of life’s quiet joys—and one of its most meaningful responsibilities.

Those moments don’t have to be elaborate or constant to matter. What children remember most is presence: feeling seen, heard, and valued. Whether time together happens daily or occasionally, the quality of connection often leaves a deeper imprint than the length of the visit. Be sure to start a keepsake journal to preserve these fleeting memories.

For grandparents, especially as family dynamics evolve, finding thoughtful and respectful ways to stay connected can strengthen bonds that last well beyond childhood.

There comes a moment in every grandmother’s life when you realize time is about to speed up—and your role in their lives is about to change. One minute you’re reading bedtime stories, the next they’re asking for car keys. Spending time with grandchildren is more important than ever. Grandparents often shape character by passing down values through everyday moments, simply by how they listen, respond, and care.

I remember looking at my grandsons and thinking, “Once they turn 16, everything will change.” Driver’s licenses. Girlfriends. Jobs. And Granny? Maybe just a blip in the rearview mirror.

So I made a decision…
And it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Intentional Time Is the Best Gift

Before each of my grandchildren turned 16, I planned something special: a one-on-one birthday trip. No siblings. No parents. Just us. I didn’t get to take them all – I quickly found that daughters are much more inclined to let Granny take the kids on a trip than daughters-in-law. Especially long trips. But, I’m grateful for the ones I was able to take.

For the oldest, we set sail on a Disney cruise.

When we arrived, I pointed out all the teen activities, expecting him to rush off like most kids would. But he looked at me and said, “No, I came to be with you, and with you I will be.”

Cue the happy tears. What a special grandson!!

The Bingo Jackpot

I asked what he did want to do.

“Bingo,” he said after looking over the itinerary.

“Bingo? That’s for old people!”

“Yeah,” he laughed, “but it says right here – you can win cash.”

Spending Time with Grandchildren - Playing Bingo — Winning that Bingo game was magic to him! What fun!

So we played. I bought four tickets—two for him, two for me. And wouldn’t you know it? I started winning.

When I hit the jackpot, he was shouting, “Granny, you’re winning!” loud enough for the whole room to hear. Everyone in there was enjoying him more than the Bingo game. I handed him the winning ticket, and even though he protested, I said, “You’re the one who wanted to play.”

He walked away $200 richer and carried that ticket in his wallet all the way through college.

That was a special trip – from playing cards on the balcony t0 a high-speed boat ride.

“In their eyes, you’re not just a Grandparent — You’re Magic!

Hollywood Dreams with My Second Grandson

My second grandson had a different dream—movies. He wanted to know how they were made, where they were filmed, how it all worked.

So I took him to Hollywood.

Spending time with Grandchildren in Hollywood — Imagine the excitement of flying into Hollywood with your Grandson! What a Trip!

We visited Universal Studios, went behind the scenes of actual working sets thanks to a producer friend, and even went parasailing over the Pacific from Catalina Island.

We dined at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., wandered the Walk of Fame, and soaked up every moment.

That trip wasn’t just fun—it was formative. He found that it was more involved than he first thought.

Today, that grandson is building a career in filmmaking…as a wedding videographer. And I like to think that trip helped spark the fire. He does an excellent job and is highly sought after.

Why I’m So Glad I Did It

These weren’t just vacations. They were bridges—between childhood and adulthood, between generations, and between hearts.

And they were built with intention. Because time passes whether we plan for it or not. Kids grow up. Priorities shift. But a memory made with love? That lasts forever. Writing a keepsake journal is important to remember these times and seasons of your life.

If you’re in that season of life—where grandkids are growing faster than you can blink—I encourage you to do something intentional. Always think about spending time with grandchildren – because as soon as you blink – they are grown and gone!

It doesn’t have to be extravagant. It just needs to say:
I see you. I love you. I want to make this moment last.

Because I promise you… it will.

Tips for Making Grandparent Memories That Last

✅ Make it personal to each grandchild’s interests
✅ Travel if you can—but even a picnic can be meaningful
✅ Leave the phones behind when possible
✅ Ask questions and listen—really listen
✅ Don’t wait until “someday”
✅ Include keepsake photos or journal entries
✅ Be present… fully

Final Thought on Spending Time with Grandchildren

Spending time with grandchildren doesn’t require perfect plans or constant availability. It grows through consistency, kindness, and genuine interest in who they are becoming. Even small moments—shared conversations, simple activities, or quiet presence—can build a sense of safety and belonging.

As roles shift and families change, staying connected with grandchildren often means adapting with grace. When time together is guided by love rather than expectation, those relationships have room to deepen naturally and endure across generations. Faith and Family is what it’s all about.

We can’t stop time.
But we can choose what to do with it.
Make the memory. Take the trip.
Be the person they’ll talk about for years to come.