Being a grandparent is one of life’s greatest joys, isn’t it?

There’s something truly magical about the bond between grandparents and their grandkids.

It’s a unique kind of love, filled with extra spoons of sugar and an abundance of bedtime stories.

Still, have you ever wondered how some grandparents manage to create a special bond with their grandkids that stands the test of time?

One that makes their grandkids feel like they’ve won the lottery of life?

Well, I’ve got a secret to share.

It’s not about the size of your wallet or the gifts you buy. It’s not even about being there for every little milestone. Nope.

In fact, it’s about seven simple things that truly loving grandparents do to make their grandkids feel special.

And guess what? These actions can leave a remarkable impression, even in our digital age.

Whether you’re a new grandparent or a seasoned pro looking for fresh ideas, stick around.

You might just find that these seven points can add a dollop of extra magic to your grandparent-grandchild relationship.

Because let’s face it, we all want to be remembered as the cool grandma or grandpa who knew how to make their grandkids feel like they were on top of the world.

And hey, who knows? You might even pick up a trick or two that could make you the most popular person at the next family gathering!

1) They listen like there’s no tomorrow

You know, in this fast-paced world of ours, it’s easy to forget the art of listening.

We’re often too busy, too distracted, or too focused on what we’re going to say next.

But here’s the thing.

Grandparents who genuinely make their grandkids feel special master this art. They listen. And I mean really listen.

Whether it’s about the mean kid at school, their favorite superhero, or their new pet rock, they lend an ear.

They show interest and engage in the conversation with thoughtful questions or just a simple nod.

In doing so, they make their grandkids feel heard and valued.

This simple act can work wonders in making a child feel special and loved.

Next time your grandkid starts talking about their day, put down your phone or newspaper, look them in the eye and just listen.

Just be present in that moment with them.

Because at the end of the day, it’s the simplest acts of love that are often remembered the most.

2) They create traditions

Remember when I said it’s the simplest acts of love that are often remembered the most? Well, this next point drives that home.

Truly loving grandparents create traditions.

These may seem small or even silly, but trust me, they become the stuff of legends in a child’s memory.

Take my own grandparents as an example. Every Sunday, without fail, they would make pancakes from scratch with me.

Not just any pancakes, mind you, but “secret recipe” pancakes.

They would let me add the secret ingredient (a dash of vanilla extract), and we’d spend the morning flipping pancakes and sharing laughter.

This tradition didn’t involve expensive toys or elaborate outings.

But it created a sense of belonging, a special bond between us that I remember fondly to this day.

Think about a simple, recurring activity you could turn into a tradition with your grandkids.

It could be anything from baking cookies to a monthly fishing trip.

Or even reading the same story every bedtime over Skype if you live far away.

Whatever it is, this shared experience could end up being one of their most treasured memories with you.

3) They apologize when they’re wrong

Now, this one might sound a bit odd. After all, we’re the adults here, right?

We’re the ones who should be teaching the grandkids about manners and apologies.

But here’s a reality check.

We’re human. We make mistakes.

And sometimes, we might say or do something that unintentionally hurts our grandkids’ feelings.

Here’s where truly loving grandparents stand out.

They swallow their pride, look their grandkids in the eye, and they apologize. Sincerely and without any excuses.

Doing this not only sets a great example of humility and responsibility, but it also shows respect towards the child’s feelings.

It sends a clear message: “Your feelings matter to me.”

This act can help build trust and deepen your bond tremendously.

It’s never too late to apologize and make things right.

4) They share stories from their own lives

I bet you have a treasure trove of life experiences, don’t you?

Stories about when you were growing up, the challenges you overcame, the adventures you had.

Truly loving grandparents share these stories with their grandkids. Not as lectures, but as a way of letting them into their world.

These tales from ‘back in your day’ give grandkids a glimpse of who you were at their age.

They help them to understand that you too faced difficulties and had fun times, just like they do.

Believe it or not, this can be a great comfort to them.

It helps them realize that they’re not alone in their struggles, and it can even inspire them to face their own challenges with courage.

So don’t be shy about sharing your stories.

You might just become their favorite storyteller and give them memories they’ll cherish forever.

5) They encourage curiosity and learning

Did you know the human brain is most receptive to learning during childhood? It’s true.

This is when our minds are like sponges, absorbing a wealth of knowledge from the world around us.

Here’s where grandparents can play a crucial role.

Truly loving grandparents fuel their grandkids’ curiosity, encouraging them to explore and learn about anything and everything that piques their interest.

They turn everyday moments into opportunities for learning, whether it’s identifying birds in the garden or explaining how a rainbow is formed.

By doing this, grandparents not only contribute to their grandkids’ intellectual growth but also instill a lifelong love for learning.

And let’s be honest, in our rapidly evolving world, that’s a gift that will keep on giving.

6) They offer comfort in times of need

Life can be tough, even for the little ones.

Whether it’s a scraped knee, a broken toy, or a failed exam, these moments of disappointment and pain can feel overwhelming.

Truly loving grandparents are there in these times.

They don’t dismiss the pain as insignificant or tell their grandkids to ‘toughen up’.

Instead, they offer comfort, a sympathetic ear, and a hug that seems to magically make things a little better.

By doing this, they create a safe space where their grandkids feel understood and supported.

It’s this kind of empathy that makes grandkids feel special, knowing they have a soft place to land when life gets tough.

7) They show unconditional love

At the end of the day, there’s one thing that truly loving grandparents do above all else.

They love their grandkids unconditionally.

No matter the ups and downs, the victories or mistakes, they offer a love that doesn’t waver.

They celebrate their grandkids’ uniqueness, accept their flaws, and reassure them that they are loved just as they are.

This kind of love creates a sense of security and self-worth that can positively shape a child’s life.

It’s the foundation of a special bond, one that leaves an indelible mark on their hearts, making them feel truly special.

The grand finale

Being a grandparent is a privilege, one that comes with an opportunity to shape a young life with love, wisdom, and a sprinkle of magic.

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these seven points, it’s clear that you’re on the right path.

But remember, grandparenting isn’t about perfection.

It’s about genuine connection, endless love, and being there in ways that truly count.

Start by embracing the roles you naturally excel at. Are you the great listener, the storyteller, or the comforter?

Then gradually stretch your grandparenting skills to include those areas that may need a bit more practice.

And when you stumble and fall (and you will because we all do), pick yourself up. Apologize if needed, learn from it, and move forward.

In this journey of love and learning, remember that your efforts are leaving indelible prints on your grandkids’ hearts.

You’re helping shape their world, anchoring them with experiences and memories that they’ll carry into their own journeys.

So take a moment. Breathe. And give yourself a pat on the back.

Because by seeking to be a better grandparent, you’re already one step ahead.

You’re already special in the eyes of those who matter most – your grandkids.

In their world, as in ours, love is truly what makes all the difference.