There’s a thin line between being a loved grandparent and one who’s barely tolerated.

This line often comes down to behavior. Just like relationship dynamics with adults, kids have their own boundaries too.

Crossing them might make you the grandparent they merely put up with, instead of one they genuinely love.

But don’t fret, I’ve got you covered with surefire ways to stay in their good books.

I’m about to share 7 behaviors you need to bid farewell to, if you want your grandchildren to love you, not just tolerate you.

Stick around and let’s dive in!

1) Overstepping boundaries

Grandchildren, like all of us, have their own individual space and boundaries.

Whether it’s their physical space, their stuff, or even their time, it’s crucial to respect these boundaries.

I know, as a grandparent, your love may compel you to smother them with affection. But believe me, too much can sometimes be suffocating for them.

Remember, it’s not about quantity but quality.

So if you want your grandchildren to truly love you and not just tolerate you, learn to respect their boundaries.

It’s a small change in behavior but trust me, it’ll make a world of difference in the way they perceive you.

And just like that, you’ve made the first step towards becoming their favorite grandparent!

2) Naysaying their interests

I’ll never forget the day when my grandson showed me his latest comic book collection. He was brimming with excitement, talking in detail about each character and their superpowers.

Now, I must confess, I’m not a big fan of comic books. I could have easily dismissed his interests, saying something like, “Why waste time on such things?”

But then I remembered the look on my grandmother’s face when I excitedly told her about my stamp collection, only to have her dismiss it as a ‘waste of time.’ It hurt.

So, instead of being dismissive, I chose to engage with him. I asked about his favorite character and why he liked it. His eyes lit up as he went into the details.

The point is, if you want your grandchildren to love you, show interest in what they love. Even if it’s not your cup of tea, participating in their world will only strengthen your bond.

After all, love is about understanding and acceptance, isn’t it?

3) Being overly critical

Children are remarkably perceptive and they’re constantly learning from their environment.

A study showed that kids who are criticized relentlessly tend to develop a harsh inner critic. This inner critic can lead to self-esteem issues and even affect their mental health in the long run.

As a grandparent, it’s natural to want the best for your grandchildren and guide them in the right direction. But it’s important to balance this with empathy and understanding.

Constructive criticism is fine, but constant nitpicking can make your grandkids feel like they’re walking on eggshells around you.

So, if you want to be a grandparent your grandchildren love, rather than merely tolerate, try focusing on their positives. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and encourage them in their endeavors.

After all, a little bit of positivity can go a long way in fostering a loving relationship.

4) Ignoring their feelings

Children are full of emotions, and sometimes, they might not understand how to handle them.

As a grandparent, it’s easy to brush off these feelings as ‘childish’ or ‘unimportant’. But doing so can lead to feelings of invalidation.

Your grandchild might be upset because their best friend didn’t sit with them at lunch or because they lost their favorite toy. It might seem trivial to you, but to them, it’s a big deal.

So next time your grandchild comes to you with their feelings, don’t brush them off. Listen attentively, validate their feelings, and help them navigate through it.

Remember, it’s not about the situation, but how they feel about it that matters. By respecting their feelings, you’ll become someone they can trust and confide in – and that’s a surefire way to their heart!

5) Forgetting to apologize

We all make mistakes – it’s a part of being human. And I’m no exception. Once, I promised my granddaughter that I’d attend her school play. But due to an unexpected commitment, I couldn’t make it. She was disappointed, and understandably so.

It’s easy to think that as adults, we don’t owe children an apology. But that’s not true. Apologizing when you’re wrong teaches them accountability and respect.

I apologized to my granddaughter for breaking my promise. I explained the situation and assured her that it wasn’t intentional.

By doing so, not only did I show her that I respected her feelings, but also that I valued our relationship enough to admit when I was wrong.

Remember, saying “I’m sorry” not only mends relationships but also strengthens them. So next time you make a mistake, don’t shy away from apologizing. It’ll make your bond with your grandchild stronger and more authentic.

6) Being unapproachable

Think back to your own childhood. Did you have an adult in your life who always seemed too busy or too serious? Someone you felt hesitant to approach with your problems or share your joys?

Being approachable is crucial, especially when dealing with grandchildren. They need to know that no matter what happens, they can always come to you.

This doesn’t mean you need to be available 24/7. But when you are with them, be present. Show them that their thoughts and feelings matter to you.

Whether it’s listening to their stories, helping them with homework, or simply sharing a laugh over a silly joke, make sure they know you’re there for them.

Being an approachable grandparent can make all the difference in whether your grandchildren just tolerate you or truly love you.

7) Forgetting to express your love

At the end of the day, there’s nothing more powerful than love.

Kids crave affection and reassurance. They want to know they are loved and cherished. And as a grandparent, you’re in a unique position to provide this.

Don’t assume they know you love them – tell them. Hug them. Write them little notes. Praise them for their efforts. Show up for their events.

In a world where everything is fleeting, your constant love can be their anchor.

Because ultimately, it’s not about what you say or do, but how you make them feel that they’ll remember. And there’s no feeling quite like love.