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Oh, how quickly the world changes! One minute, your grandchild is obsessed with dinosaurs, and the next, they’ve moved on to space, coding, or some animated show you can’t even pronounce. One day, they want to be an astronaut, and the next, they’re sure they’re going to be a famous YouTuber.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a grandmother, it’s that keeping up with our grandkids’ evolving interests is a never-ending journey. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on what excites them, they move on to something new. But as challenging as it may be, making the effort to stay connected to their ever-changing world is one of the best ways to bond with them.
So, let’s take a deep breath, grab a notebook if we have to, and look at some of the interests we’ll likely have to re-learn multiple times over the years.
1. Technology and Gaming Trends
If you’ve ever tried to impress your grandchild by learning about their favorite video game, you’ve probably realized that the moment you figure it out, they’ve already moved on to the next big thing. One day, they’re building pixelated worlds in Minecraft, and the next, they’re immersed in Roblox or Fortnite.
And just when you start to understand those, they’re talking about virtual reality headsets, competitive e-sports, or even artificial intelligence-generated games. It’s dizzying!
The good news? You don’t need to become a gaming expert—just show interest. Ask them about what they’re playing, watch them for a bit, or even let them teach you a thing or two. Trust me, nothing makes a grandchild prouder than showing their grandparent how to “level up.”
2. Music Preferences
Music is another area where their tastes will change faster than you can keep up. One day, they’re singing along to Disney songs, and the next, they’re obsessed with the latest pop star or underground indie artist.
And let’s not forget how much music itself has changed! When we were younger, we had records and cassette tapes. Now, kids are streaming songs from apps, making playlists, and discovering artists from across the world in an instant.
Even if you don’t love their music, listening with them (or just knowing their favorite artists) is a great way to stay connected. Who knows? You might even find a new song or two you enjoy.
3. Fashion Phases
Kids’ fashion evolves just as fast as their other interests. One year, they’re running around in princess dresses or superhero capes, and before you know it, they’re developing a unique sense of style—whether that means oversized sweatshirts, trendy sneakers, or a look that makes you wonder if they got dressed in the dark on purpose.
And don’t even try to keep up with the ever-changing list of “cool” clothing brands! The best thing we can do is admire their self-expression and resist the urge to ask, “But why would you wear ripped jeans if they already have holes?”
4. TV Shows and Movies
It seems like every time I turn around, there’s a new animated series or superhero movie that kids are obsessed with. First, it was Paw Patrol, then Bluey, then some complicated fantasy show with characters whose names I can’t pronounce.
And don’t even get me started on streaming services! When we were younger, we had to wait for shows to come on at a specific time. Now, kids can binge-watch entire seasons in a weekend, which means their favorite shows cycle in and out faster than ever.
The trick? Ask about their favorite characters, let them tell you about their latest obsession, and maybe even sit down and watch an episode or two with them (even if you don’t understand a thing).
5. Slang and Internet Culture
If you’ve ever heard your grandchild say something like, “That’s fire” or “This song slaps,” and had no idea what they meant, you’re not alone. Kids today have an entire dictionary of slang that changes constantly.
And memes? Don’t even try to keep up with those. What was funny last week is already outdated today.
Honestly, my approach is to just smile, nod, and occasionally ask them to explain (while bracing for the inevitable eye-roll).
6. Hobbies and Extracurricular Activities
One week, they want to be the next great soccer player. The next, they’ve quit sports and want to focus on art. Then it’s music, then robotics, then theater—it never ends!
It’s completely normal for kids to try new things as they discover their talents and passions. The best thing we can do is encourage them, support their new hobbies, and remind them that it’s okay to explore different interests.
7. Food Preferences
If you thought their favorite food was mac and cheese forever, think again. One year, they refuse to eat anything green, and the next, they’re raving about kale smoothies.
Or they’ll swear they hate a certain food, only to change their mind months later.
I’ve learned to just go with the flow—if they like something today, I’ll happily make it, but I won’t be surprised if they suddenly decide they never want to eat it again.
8. Career Aspirations
Ah, the dreams of childhood! When they’re little, they want to be astronauts, firefighters, or veterinarians. Then they get a little older and decide they want to be a YouTuber, a fashion designer, or a scientist.
Their dreams will shift and change as they learn more about the world, and that’s okay. Our job is to encourage them, no matter how many times they change their mind.
9. Social Media and Communication Styles
First, kids were all about texting. Then they moved to Snapchat, then Discord, then TikTok. Now, who knows what’s next?
Even if we don’t use their favorite apps, showing interest in how they communicate helps us stay connected. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to remind them that nothing on the internet is truly private.
10. Their Definition of Fun
What’s “fun” to a five-year-old is very different from what’s fun to a teenager. One day, they love playing outside, the next, they’d rather be inside watching YouTube videos or gaming with friends online.
The trick is to be adaptable. If they still want to do things with us—whether that’s baking, crafting, or just talking—we should cherish it, even if it looks different than before.
The Key to Keeping Up? Stay Curious
We don’t have to be experts in every new trend, but showing interest keeps our bond strong.
Ask questions. Let them teach you. Laugh with them when they roll their eyes at how “outdated” you are.
Because no matter how fast their interests change, the one thing that stays the same is this: They’ll always need love, encouragement, and a grandmother who’s willing to learn—even if it means re-learning a hundred times.
After all, some things never change—like the love between a grandparent and grandchild. 💕
