Legacy in the Little Things

As a young and active grandparent, I’ve discovered that grandparenting is about more than just watching your grandkids grow up—it’s about being present, creating experiences, and building a legacy of love, faith, and memories that will last far beyond our time.

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let the demands of life get in the way, but being intentional with our time and energy as grandparents is one of the greatest gifts we can give our grandchildren.

Here are three ways I’ve learned to thrive as an intentional grandparent, even with the busyness of life.

Be Present, Even in the Little Moments

With schedules packed and time flying by, it’s tempting to wait for the “big moments”—holidays, birthdays, or vacations—to make memories with our grandkids. But being intentional means showing up for the little moments too. Whether it’s a quick visit after school, a phone call to check in, or simply sitting on the floor playing their favorite game, it’s the consistent, everyday moments that make the biggest impact.

One of the most cherished things we can give our grandkids is our full attention. When I’m with my grandkids, I put the phone away, silence the distractions, and immerse myself in their world.

These seemingly small moments of connection—whether we’re coloring together, baking cookies, or going on a spontaneous adventure—are where deep relationships are formed. The key is to be fully present, letting your grandkids know that their time with you is valuable and cherished.

Create Adventures and Experiences They’ll Never Forget

Grandparenting doesn’t have to be about sitting on the sidelines. In fact, I’ve found that some of the most meaningful moments come from stepping into their world with energy and enthusiasm. I make it a point to create experiences with my grandkids that are fun, messy, and loud—whether it’s camping in the backyard, exploring a nearby park, or planning a special “grandma day” filled with activities they love.

The beauty of being a grandparent is that you get to create memories that don’t have to be extravagant or expensive; it’s the quality time that counts. We’ve made forts out of couch cushions, turned the kitchen into a science lab with homemade slime, and even had dance parties in the living room. Each of these moments is a building block in the legacy I’m creating with them. The more intentional I am in crafting experiences that light up their world, the more they remember the love, joy, and faith woven into those moments.

Invest in Their Spiritual Legacy

As grandparents, we have the unique privilege of speaking life and faith into our grandkids. One of the most important aspects of being an intentional grandparent is nurturing their spiritual growth. I take time to pray over my grandkids daily, whether we’re together or apart. I’ll pray for their protection, their friendships, and for them to grow in wisdom and love for God.

I also make it a priority to include faith in the activities we do together. We’ll read Bible stories, listen to fun worship songs, memorize scripture, and talk about the importance of trusting God in every situation. I’ve learned that being intentional about their spiritual legacy doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about the small, consistent ways we plant seeds of faith in their hearts.

Whether we’re whispering prayers before bedtime when they spend the night, sharing our daily gratitude list or having a heart-to-heart about how God works in our lives, my goal is to be a guide who points them toward faith, hope, and love. It’s in these conversations and moments of prayer that I feel I’m making the most lasting impact on their lives.

We are Building a Legacy, One Intentional Moment at a Time

In a busy world, it’s easy to get caught up in life’s demands, but being an intentional grandparent means taking the time to create memories, invest in their spiritual life, and build deep, meaningful relationships with our grandkids.

It’s not about perfection; it’s about presence. Whether we’re having fun, getting messy, or snuggling at the end of the day, these moments are the legacy we leave behind.

So, to all the grandparents out there—let’s show up, pray hard, and love fiercely. The legacy we build today will shape our grandchildren for generations to come.