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Key Takeaways:
- Grandparents are a vital source of unconditional love, support, and validation; it’s important to not only show your grandchildren that they’re loved but also to explicitly tell them, as this simple act can significantly improve their well-being and sense of self-worth.
- By sharing stories of your own mistakes and what you learned from them, you teach your grandchildren that making errors is a normal and necessary part of life, fostering a growth mindset and encouraging them to learn from setbacks rather than letting them lead to feelings of defeat.
- Encourage a lifelong love of learning by showing, not just telling; when your grandchildren see you taking on a new challenge, topic, activity, hobby or skill, they’re more likely to stay curious and open-minded, which has been shown to protect against cognitive decline.
- Grandparents have a unique role in offering a safe space for open communication, but of course it’s important to respect the family dynamic. Encourage your grandchildren to talk to their parents first, and assure them that you’re always there as a trusted confidant and a non-judgmental listener.
- Telling personal stories is one of the most powerful ways to pass on wisdom and values; your grandchildren will not only cherish hearing about your life experiences, challenges, and learnings, but they will also better understand who you are and carry your lessons with them throughout their lives.
One of the most rewarding things about being a grandparent is having the opportunity to share your wisdom and life experience with your grandchildren.
You can help them navigate through life’s challenges, teach them important life lessons, and simply be a listening ear when they need it.
If you’re part of the 83% of Americans ages 65 and older who have grandkids, here are the 10 things your grandchildren need to hear from you.
Bonus tip: If you can, share a story about a time when you made a mistake and what you learned from it. It’ll help your grandchild feel like they’re not alone in making them.
And ultimately, it shows them that you’re interested in their lives and care about what they’re doing. So, make sure to tell your grandchildren often that you’re proud of them. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
Bonus tip: Try to avoid comparing your grandchildren to other people, especially their siblings or cousins. It can make them feel like they’re not good enough and that you’re not proud of them. Just focus on praising them for their individual accomplishments.
This is an empowering message for any grandchild (and person) to hear.
Bonus tip: Teach them the importance of always doing their best. While things may not always go their way, as long as they give it their all, they can be proud of themselves no matter the outcome.
So teaching your grandchildren how to develop their intuition is one of the best things you can do for them.
Sometimes things just don’t feel right – and that’s a helpful sign. Which is why it’s so important to trust your gut and go with your intuitive feelings. If something feels off, it probably is. So teach your grandchildren to not be afraid to follow that inner guidance.
Bonus tip: Encourage your grandchildren to keep a journal. Writing things down is a great way to process feelings and develop intuition.
By teaching them this early on, you can help them build a foundation of self-confidence and emotional maturity – not only so they can understand their own emotions, but also so they can be more understanding and accepting of others’.
You can help provide a safe place for grandchildren to express their emotions and offer support and understanding.
Bonus tip: Model emotional honesty yourself. Show your grandchildren that it’s okay to be vulnerable and express emotions openly. This will encourage them to do the same.
#1 “You’re Loved and Valued, No Matter What”
Grandchildren are such a blessing, and of course, it’s worth cherishing every moment you have with them. What matters most is that they know you love them unconditionally. In fact, a strong grandparent-grandchild relationship improves well-being and reduces depressive symptoms in both parties. So tell them often, and show them in everything you do. We often think that love is implied, but kids need to hear the words, “I love you,” just as much as they need to see it in your actions. And this is especially important for adoptive grandparents. It’s also worth noting your adult kids still need to hear it, too. One study of brain activity in 50 grandmothers reveals the “grandmother hypothesis” is a real thing. As in, when looking at their grandchildren, they showed stronger emotional empathy than they did with their own children. Bonus tip: Take an interest in the things your grandkids (and kids) enjoy doing – ask questions, listen to their stories, and be present when they’re talking to you. It’ll mean the world to them.#2 “It’s Okay to Make Mistakes”
Grandchildren need to know that it’s okay to make mistakes. We all do it — yes, even grandparents. It’s a part of life. But your grandchildren also need to hear that they have to learn from their mistakes. What counts is how you react to making a mistake – do you learn from it or let it defeat you? Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn and grow as a person. So tell them not to worry about them, to just focus on doing their best instead. And remember to keep in mind their parents’ priorities, too, when it comes to teaching your grandkids about mistakes and discipline. After all, discipline is the top disagreement among parents and grandparents on raising children, so it’s best to get on the same page.
Bonus tip: If you can, share a story about a time when you made a mistake and what you learned from it. It’ll help your grandchild feel like they’re not alone in making them.
#3 “You’re Never Too Old or Too Young to Learn Something New”
One of the best pieces of advice for grandchildren is to never stop learning. As a grandparent with experience and wisdom, you know that the world is constantly changing and that it’s important to stay curious and open-minded. Whether it’s learning a new skill or trying out a new hobby, encourage your grandchild to always be learning something new. And show them by example. The more they witness and see you challenging yourself to learn new things, the better. Not to mention, lifelong learning does wonders for protecting against cognitive decline. Bonus tip: Learning doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes the best things in life are the things we learn by accident or through play.#4 “I’m Proud of You”
Grandchildren need to hear that their grandparents are proud of them, no matter what. They need to feel loved and supported unconditionally. Even if they make mistakes, you can be there for them, telling them that they’re proud of them and cheering them on. Not only will it make them feel good about themselves and encourage them to keep doing things the right way, but it’ll make them more likely to come to you for advice and support in the future. Research shows that even ambiguous praise (such as giving a high-five), motivates children to try again after a failure.
And ultimately, it shows them that you’re interested in their lives and care about what they’re doing. So, make sure to tell your grandchildren often that you’re proud of them. They’ll appreciate it more than you know.
Bonus tip: Try to avoid comparing your grandchildren to other people, especially their siblings or cousins. It can make them feel like they’re not good enough and that you’re not proud of them. Just focus on praising them for their individual accomplishments.
#5 “You Can Do Anything You Put Your Mind To”
Grandparents are usually a little more easygoing than parents. They’ve been around the block a few times and know that things usually have a way of working themselves out. When you tell your grandchildren they can do anything they put their mind to, you instill in them a sense of hope and possibility. You let them know that they have control over their own destiny and that no matter what anyone says, they can achieve anything they set their mind to. We highly recommend touting a growth mindset, which is the idea that you can work hard, overcome obstacles, and build resilience to achieve what you want (aka – you’re not just born a certain way – with or without talent or intelligence). A growth mindset teaches you to embrace problems and failures – overcoming them is the path to success.
This is an empowering message for any grandchild (and person) to hear.
Bonus tip: Teach them the importance of always doing their best. While things may not always go their way, as long as they give it their all, they can be proud of themselves no matter the outcome.
#6 “You Can Always Talk to Me”
One of the things your grandchildren need to hear is that they can always come to you for advice, no matter what the problem is. We assume that you’d want them to feel comfortable talking to you about anything and everything. And this open line of communication helps you foster a connection with them. It’s worth making it a priority to encourage grandchildren to talk to their parents first, though. The last thing you want to do is go over your childrens’ heads and (mis)assume their parenting role. With over 27% of adults experiencing family estrangement, it’s important to respect the nuclear household dynamic and simply support it with more love. In the unfortunate case where the grandchild’s home base experiences a family breakdown, then extra grandparenting support can be helpful. A study found that children who had a close relationship and confided in their grandparents during a family disruption were better equipped to deal with the family adversity. Regardless of the situation, it’s about supporting your family in the way that they need. While we advise you to be willing to listen to their problems and offer advice when needed, note that you can also respect their privacy and allow them to come to you on their own terms. Bonus tip: If you want to be sure they feel comfortable coming to you, avoid lecturing them or making them feel like they’re in trouble when they do come to you with a problem.#7 “Trust Your Feelings”
When you were young, your parents and teachers worked hard to help you develop a strong sense of logic and reason. We learn to trust what we can see and touch, and to be skeptical of anything that can’t be explained. This is an essential skill for navigating the world safely and effectively. But arguably more important is the skill of cultivating your intuition and feelings – the other half of our inner voice. Listening to your intuition helps you make better decisions in all areas of life, including relationships. And it’s backed by science, too. A 2012 study led by Erik Dane at Rice University found that experts using their intuition were nearly 20% more accurate than the experts using analysis alone.
So teaching your grandchildren how to develop their intuition is one of the best things you can do for them.
Sometimes things just don’t feel right – and that’s a helpful sign. Which is why it’s so important to trust your gut and go with your intuitive feelings. If something feels off, it probably is. So teach your grandchildren to not be afraid to follow that inner guidance.
Bonus tip: Encourage your grandchildren to keep a journal. Writing things down is a great way to process feelings and develop intuition.
#8 “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay”
One of the most important things that grandchildren need to hear is that it’s okay to not be okay. And it’s okay to talk about those feelings. As your grandchildren grow, it’s important to teach them that all emotions are valid. Emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and love are all a natural part of life, and it’s okay for your grandchildren to feel them all. This embracing of all the emotions may come as a different tactic than your parenting days, but it’s a more modern approach that helps boost your grandchild’s self-esteem and self-acceptance. For instance, research shows it’s more effective to adopt an Authoritative vs. Authoritarian parenting style, so support your grandchildren with a style that’s congruent with their parents’ hopefully-Authoritative parenting style.
By teaching them this early on, you can help them build a foundation of self-confidence and emotional maturity – not only so they can understand their own emotions, but also so they can be more understanding and accepting of others’.
You can help provide a safe place for grandchildren to express their emotions and offer support and understanding.
Bonus tip: Model emotional honesty yourself. Show your grandchildren that it’s okay to be vulnerable and express emotions openly. This will encourage them to do the same.
#9 “Let Me Show You…”
Is there anything more rewarding than teaching your grandkids new skills? Not only do they get to learn something new, but you also get to spend quality time with them. Plus, it can help ensure they’re prepared for whatever life throws their way. So, the next time your grandchild comes to visit or you take a trip together, take some time to teach them something new. It can be anything from how to bake cookies to fixing a leaky faucet. And research shows that older generations play a crucial role in developing children’s understanding of how things work. For instance, my grandparents taught me how to play chess, keep a reading diary, and always fight for what’s right. And to this day, I still remember those precious moments spent with them. Your grandkids will also love spending one-on-one time with you, and you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’ve passed on some of your wisdom. Bonus tip: Better yet, learn something new together. It’ll be an incredibly bonding experience.#10 “Let Me Tell You a Story…”
Grandparents are the ultimate storytellers. They have a lifetime of experiences to share, and grandchildren love hearing about them. Whether it’s a funny story from their childhood or a heartwarming moment from their adult years, always make time for storytelling. An AARP grandparents survey reveals that while grandparents make important financial contributions to their grandchildren, they also share important wisdom and guidance. I visit my grandma every week and I always love learning more about her life. It’s so interesting to hear about the things she’s experienced and the things she’s seen. And even though I already know most of the stories, I still love hearing her tell them. So share your stories with your grandchildren. They’ll love hearing them and you’ll love telling them. Bonus tip: If you’re not much of a storyteller, try writing them down instead using a journal or guided prompts like in Grandma Tell Me Your Story and Grandpa Tell Me Your Story. Your grandchildren will love reading them back later in life.
Don’t Leave Things Unsaid
Though you may not be there with your grandchildren every day, you can provide them with support and love by telling them things they need to hear — even if they’re long-distance and miles away. These are just a few examples, but the most important thing is that we express love and concern for our grandchildren in whatever way we can. To recap the ten things grandchildren need to hear:- #1 “You’re Loved and Valued, No Matter What” — tell (and show) your grandchildren you love them – often
- #2 “You’re Never Too Old or Too Young to Learn Something New” — teach them to be lifelong learners
- #3 “It’s Okay to Make Mistakes” — and it’s important to learn from them
- #4 “I’m Proud of You” — your grandchildren need to hear and feel your support
- #5 “You Can Do Anything You Put Your Mind To” — strengthen their self-confidence
- #6 “You Can Always Talk to Me” — tell them your door is always open
- #7 “Trust Your Feelings” — teach your grandchildren to listen to their intuition
- #8 “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay” — every emotion is valid and grandkids need to know how they can express them
- #9 “Let Me Show You…” — share your knowledge and teach them valuable (or fun and interesting) skills
- #10 “Let Me Tell You a Story…” — bond over your own personal experiences and stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it so important for grandparents to speak intentionally to their grandkids?
Grandparents hold a unique place in a child’s life – you’re a source of wisdom, stability, and unconditional love. Studies on child development show that consistent, positive language from trusted adults can boost a child’s confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging well into adulthood.
Speaking intentionally means using language that encourages, affirms, and guides rather than criticizes or limits. This doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths, but delivering them in a way that builds trust and understanding.
In my work as a retirement life coach, I’ve seen grandparents who consciously choose their words strengthen bonds across generations, passing down not just stories, but values and life lessons that last a lifetime. When you align your words with your purpose you become a living example of the kind of person your grandchildren can aspire to be.
What kind of impact can a grandparent's words have on a child’s self-esteem or values?
Your words can become part of your grandchild’s inner voice – shaping their sense of belonging, emotional resilience, and core values. Research from Boston College found that emotionally close grandparent–grandchild relationships are linked to fewer symptoms of depression in both generations, highlighting the lasting power of that bond.
Speaking with intention is part of the legacy you leave. I still remember a grandparent telling me, “You can do hard things, and I’m here cheering you on.” Decades later, those words still come to mind in challenging moments. Because they weren’t just encouragement, they were a promise of support and belief. When you use your voice to affirm your grandchild’s worth, celebrate their efforts, and model the values you want to pass down, you’re not just helping them grow, you’re building a lifelong emotional connection that benefits you both.
How do messages from grandparents differ from what kids hear from parents or teachers?
Grandparents often speak from a lifetime of perspective, weaving in family history, traditions, and unconditional love. In fact, 72% of Americans say their grandparents have been influential in their lives, proof that this voice of wisdom holds a different kind of weight than the guidance kids get from parents or teachers.
While parents and teachers focus on day-to-day growth (things like assignments, chores, and rules) grandparents can step back and share the bigger picture. You can offer context, values, and encouragement without the pressure of grading or discipline. These conversations often become cherished memories, anchoring kids to their roots while helping them see their own potential.
How can I make sure my grandkids actually remember what I tell them?
Stories and values are 22 times more likely to be remembered when shared through personal narratives, according to Stanford research on storytelling. Pair your message with a meaningful story, moment, or tradition, and you’ll create an emotional anchor they can recall for years.
The most powerful way to make your words stick is to weave them into experiences. Instead of just telling your grandkids “be kind,” share a personal story of a time kindness changed the outcome of a situation (and maybe bake their favorite cookies together while you tell it).
Is there a ‘right age’ to start sharing life lessons or messages with grandkids?
It’s never too early (or too late) to start. . Research tracking children as young as 1 year 7 months found they could talk about past events and express feelings about them, using five times more evaluative language than in other conversations. This shows even very young kids can absorb and emotionally connect to the stories you share.
The “right age” is whatever age they are right now. In the early years, keep lessons short and sensory-rich – like telling a story during playtime or weaving values into a bedtime routine. As they grow, you can add more detail, share family history, or explain the “why” behind your advice. The key is consistency: speaking with intention over time so your words and presence become a steady thread in their life.
