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Oh, my dears—if you’re anything like me, you cherish your grandkids with your whole heart. You’d do anything to be close to them, to see their eyes light up when they walk through the door, to have them snuggle up next to you on the couch. But sometimes, especially as they grow older, you may start to wonder… Am I still interesting to them? Do they enjoy being with me, or are they just being polite?
And let me tell you something, darling—you are more interesting than you think. But if you ever feel like you’re losing your spark in their eyes, there are a few gentle and fun ways to shine just a little brighter—no reinvention necessary.
Here are 10 easy things you can do to make yourself more interesting to your grandkids, no matter their age or stage.
1. Learn One Thing They’re Obsessed With
Start with something simple: what do they love right now? It could be a game, a show, a singer, a sport, or even a funny meme trend. You don’t have to become an expert—just asking, “What is this about?” or “Can you show me how it works?” opens a door. Let them teach you. Let them see that you’re curious about their world.
When they see you trying to understand what they care about, they’ll light up like fireflies. And suddenly, you’re no longer “just Grandma”—you’re the cool one who knows what “Roblox” is or can name a Pokémon or two.
2. Tell Them Surprising Stories From Your Past
Now listen—our grandkids don’t always realize we had lives before we became their sweet, sweater-wearing grandmothers. So surprise them. Tell them about that time you got in trouble at school, how you met their grandfather, the first time you got your heart broken, or the silly dance you used to do with your friends. Make them laugh. Make them say, “No way!”
And don’t be afraid to get a little cheeky—within reason. These stories not only make you fascinating, but they help your grandkids see you as a real, layered person…not just a figure from the background.
3. Show Off a Secret Talent
Do you do something well that they haven’t seen yet? Maybe you crochet like a magician, bake the best banana bread in the county, play a mean game of Scrabble, or do impressions of famous people. Don’t hide your talents—share them!
Even quirky little things like double-jointed fingers, whistling with your hands, or making a flower out of a napkin can be wildly impressive to a child. To them, these are your superpowers.
4. Ask Their Opinions Like They Matter (Because They Do)
Want to make a young person feel valued? Ask for their advice or opinion on something—and actually listen to it. Whether it’s what color to paint your kitchen, what book you should read next, or how to use a new app on your phone, showing that you trust their input strengthens your connection.
When kids and teens feel like they matter to you beyond being the “young one,” they start to see you as someone they can talk to—not just someone who talks at them.
5. Create a Fun Tradition Just Between You and Them
Nothing cements a special bond like a tradition that’s just yours. Maybe you always bake cinnamon rolls together during the first snowfall. Or you send them a handwritten note every month. Or you have a funny nickname for each other and a secret handshake to match.
The point is—it’s consistent, personal, and a little bit magical. These traditions don’t just make you more interesting. They make you unforgettable.
6. Use a Bit of Their Slang (But Not Too Much!)
You don’t have to sound like their best friend’s group chat, but using a phrase here and there—correctly—is a surefire way to get a giggle. Try “That outfit is a slay!” or “That show is actually fire.” (Just be prepared for an eye roll followed by laughter.)
Even if you mess it up a little, it shows that you’re willing to play, to learn, to laugh. And that’s endearing at any age.
7. Let Them Teach You Something New
Nothing flatters a grandchild more than when you are the student and they are the teacher. Ask them to show you how to use a phone feature you don’t understand, how to play their favorite game, or how to paint something using their favorite style.
Not only do they get to feel knowledgeable, but you also model what it looks like to be open and curious at any age. That’s a life lesson in itself.
8. Surprise Them With a Little Mischief
Slip a joke into their lunchbox. Hide silly sticky notes around the house. Tell them you’re taking them on an errand and end up at an ice cream shop instead. Mischief isn’t just for the young—it’s for the young at heart.
When you mix playfulness with love, you create memories that cling to the heart like glitter. That’s what makes you not just lovable—but fun.
9. Keep Up With a Few Things in Pop Culture
No need to stay up past your bedtime watching endless teen dramas—but knowing just enough about what’s going on in their world can keep conversations flowing. You don’t have to like everything they like. Just showing that you’re aware of what they’re into makes them feel seen.
And who knows—you might even find yourself enjoying something new. (I watched a superhero movie the other day and honestly? Not bad!)
10. Show Up With Love, Not Judgement
This one is the most important of all.
In a world where kids are constantly being judged—by peers, teachers, social media, and sometimes even their own parents—we can be their safe place. If they mess up, come to you with a secret, or tell you something that makes your eyebrows want to raise…pause.
Take a breath. Respond with curiosity, not criticism. Your love, patience, and understanding will always be more interesting than any story you could tell or trend you could follow.
In Closing…
You don’t have to be a dancing TikTok star, a gaming expert, or a fashion icon to be interesting to your grandkids. You just have to be you—with a dash of curiosity, a pinch of playfulness, and a whole lot of heart.
So try one or two of these ideas this week. Watch your grandkids’ faces when they realize Grandma’s cooler than they thought. And remember, the most interesting thing about you is the love you offer—because it’s real, it’s rare, and it’s theirs.
Would you like a printable version of this to hang on your fridge or tuck inside your journal? I’d be happy to make one for you.
