A Grandparent’s Importance: Hidden Superpowers Shaping Your Grandchild’s Life.

Have you ever wondered if the little things you do with your grandkids really matter? The sleepovers, the time you spend watching their basketball games, the conversations in the car (or on FaceTime) that seem to wander all over the place… it can feel so ordinary.

Deep down, we all want these moments to add up to something meaningful. Especially in a world that feels louder and faster than anything we grew up in, it’s natural to wonder about a grandparent’s importance in our grandchildren’s lives.

Wonder no more.

We can be superheroes!

Researchers at no less than Oxford University and Boston College have looked into the grandparent/grandchild relationship. They have found that having a grandparent around passes on superpowers to a child.

You don’t have to jump off tall buildings, either.

Just by spending time with your grandkids, you impart emotional stability, help them make safer choices, and more. It doesn’t require you to have super strength or a cool Batmobile. Your time and attention are the secret powers that give your grandkids their best foundation for a supercharged life.

Your involvement with your grandkids pays off for them in 4 major ways:

Emotional strength.

They feel safer in the world.

Oxford University researcher Professor Ann Buchanan found that children whose grandparents take an active part in their lives had fewer emotional and behavioral problems. 

The study looked at children aged 11-16 whose grandparents were involved in their lives. By “involved,” they meant grandparents who provided occasional childcare, shared activities, and, most importantly, talked to their grandchildren regularly. (Good news, the communication didn’t have to be in person. Technology counted too.)

Turns out, that children who are close to their grandparents exhibit fewer emotional issues and lower levels of depression.

You don’t have to be in the kitchen baking cookies or visiting Disneyland, either. Simply showing interest in your grandkids helps them feel secure and grounded. There are emotional payoffs when grandparents talk to their grandchildren about problems, help them navigate family upheaval, and encourage their plans for the future.

I find this extremely good news. I’m not always one to go bike riding or camping, but I love to talk with my grandchildren.

The gift of gab is a superpower. Woo Hoo.

Connectedness.

They Know Where They Belong.

Connectedness is something we grandparents create almost without even trying. It shows up in the stories we tell and the little ways we weave family into everyday conversation.

I love telling my grandkids about the day they were born—how excited we were, how we couldn’t wait to welcome them into the family. And I talk a lot about the out-of-town cousins, just to keep those connections alive.

I remember my own parents doing the same with my kids. They would tell stories about growing up in Indiana and the things they loved as children. Before long, they were listing cousins, aunts, and uncles—more names than any child could possibly keep straight. But that wasn’t really the point. What mattered was that my kids came away with a deep sense that they belonged to something bigger than themselves.

My mom especially loved sharing her Swedish heritage. She made sure her grandchildren knew about it in ways that stuck—through stories, traditions, and even things like Dala horses and special meals. To this day, those pieces of family history still feel meaningful to all of us.

There’s something grounding for a child in knowing they’re part of a story that started long before them. They don’t have to earn their place or prove anything—they belong simply because they’re family. Just like superheroes have their Justice League, we get to show our grandchildren that they, too, are part of something strong and lasting.

And beyond even that is the greatest family of all—the family of faith. Through Jesus Christ, we’re invited into God’s kingdom, where everyone has a place. As Christian grandparents, we have the privilege of gently pointing our grandkids in that direction, encouraging them to step into that story and discover their place in it.

Unhurried space.

Your attention shows them they matter.

One of my very favorite parts of being a grandma is spending one-on-one time with each grandchild. There’s no rush, no packed schedule, no long to-do list waiting in the background. I’m not thinking about laundry or school drop-offs—I can simply enjoy who they are in this moment. And there’s something really special about that kind of unhurried time.

Neal K. Shah—who calls himself America’s Chief Elder Officer—say that one of the things grandchildren remember most about their grandparents is the attention. Not the big outings or the expensive gifts… just the feeling that someone slowed down long enough to really see them.

Watch his short video here.

(If you have not seen Mr. Shah on YouTube, do yourself a favor and check him out. He has tons of encouraging videos on grandparenting and elder care.)

Your presence creates something your grandchild deeply needs: a safe, steady place to land. “Grandma’s house” becomes more than just a location—it’s a refuge from busy schedules and constant activity. It’s where kids can exhale, be themselves, and know they are loved just as they are. And in that space, confidence grows, along with emotional strength, and the ability to relate well to others

When life slows down, conversations have room to breathe. Kids open up. They work through little conflicts, learn how to navigate friendships, and begin to understand their own feelings. Even simple things—like letting a child finish a task at their own pace instead of rushing them along—quietly build independence and self-confidence.

And honestly, some of the best moments happen in the simplest ways. The other day, my grandson and I spent an hour painting rocks. We mixed colors together, and laughed, and he got blue paint in his hair, but it was the most fun I’d had all week. There’s no need to plan the “perfect” visit or fill every minute with activities.

So don’t worry about having the latest toys or the most exciting plans.

Just put your phone down, look that grandchild in the eye, and give them your attention. It may not feel like much in the moment—but it’s the kind of gift they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.

Hanging out is a superpower.

Grandparent’s Importance in Education.

They learn from your life.

One way grandparents help grandchildren is by turning everyday moments into opportunities for learning. It doesn’t have to look like formal lessons or structured activities. Sometimes it’s simply offering encouragement, asking questions, or inviting a grandchild to join you in what you’re already doing. Whether you’re crocheting or fixing something around the house, you’re creating a space where curiosity and learning can naturally grow.

Studies have shown that close relationships between grandparents and grandchildren are linked to stronger academic success and a greater desire to learn. In fact, research published in the Journal of Marriage and Family found that when grandparents and grandchildren share a close bond, it’s associated with higher educational attainment and improved academic performance.

When you share stories from your own life, you’re helping your grandchild see the world in a broader, richer way. You’re giving them context, perspective, and wisdom that can’t be found in a textbook.

All those simple, everyday interactions inspire their minds and hearts. Talking, listening, playing, and spending time together all help develop language skills, creativity, and confidence. Kids learn how to think, how to relate, and how to understand themselves through these moments. Over time, that leads to greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence—qualities that shape not just how they do in school, but how they move through life.

It may not feel like “teaching” in the traditional sense, but it’s something even more powerful. You’re not just helping them learn facts—you’re helping them learn how to live.

Have no doubt, the kids will pick up on your attitude toward education, too. They are listening when you encourage their science fair projects and point them to higher education.

Superheroes use their powers for good. You are giving them brain power they need to thrive.

Benefits for grandparents, too.

You receive more than you give.

Grandparents give a lot, but the truth is, this relationship is a gift for us, too. Staying involved with younger family members keeps us engaged. It gives shape to our days, brings laughter into ordinary moments, and reminds us that we still have something meaningful to offer. There’s a sense of purpose in being needed and a quiet joy in simply showing up.

Time with our grandkids also helps strengthen our connections in ways we might not even notice at first. It keeps us socially engaged, encourages us to stay curious, and even gives our minds a gentle workout as we listen, respond, and interact.

And in a season of life that is sometimes lonely, those regular, loving interactions make a real difference. They bring warmth, companionship, and a feeling of being woven into something ongoing and alive.

In fact, a study from Boston College published in 2013 showed that a close grandchild-grandparent relationship led to less depression for both groups.

Some research even suggests that moderate involvement with grandchildren is linked to longer lifespans by as much as ten years. But even without the statistics, most of us can feel it for ourselves. There’s something life-giving about being part of a child’s world. It lifts the spirit, lightens the heart, and reminds us that this season still holds deep purpose and lasting joy.

In so many ways, being a grandparent is like having a set of quiet superpowers. You help them feel safe in the world. You show them where they belong. You teach them how to care deeply and make wise choices. And along the way, you pass on wisdom that will stay with them long after they’ve grown. It may not look flashy or dramatic, but it’s powerful in all the ways that matter most.

It’s what makes you a hero in their story.

If this spoke to you, let’s stay in touch. I’d love to send you encouragement, prayers, and ideas for loving your grandkids well.

More ways to show up for your grandkids:

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