The reality for plenty of grandparents is a “very full life.”
Key points:
- “Grandparents because they’re still healthy, they’re still active.”
- Being a working grandparent doesn’t need to sideline relationships—it reshapes them.
- Prayer becomes a practical tool in everyday moments—“why don’t we… pray to God”—alongside careful listening.
- Listen to this episode of the GrandParenthood podcast in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Work hours don’t always fit neatly into nine-to-five, and there can be breakfasts, evening events and community commitments.
Ian Barnett from the Grandparent Movement notes this is increasingly common: “There’s a growing trend… grandparents because they’re still healthy, they’re still active,” and sometimes cost-of-living or family dynamics play a part.
The thread through all of it is purpose—staying engaged, useful and present for family.
“Grandparents because they’re still healthy, they’re still active.”
Intentional connection with grandkids
But being a working grandparent doesn’t need to sideline relationships—it reshapes them. Simple, consistent habits matter:
- “There are ways and means that you can stay in touch… even though you’re far flung,” like quick texts after a game or a mid-week call.
- Planning ahead helps: “We have… a calendar… I can tell you for the next six weeks pretty well what we’ve got on our calendar.”
- Show up for what they love: “I try and concentrate on the things that each one… is interested in.”
Over time, that builds trust: “They feel safe that they can come to you about anything.”
Being a working grandparent doesn’t need to sideline relationships—it reshapes them.
Faith that steadies and serves
A quiet, steady witness shapes how many grandparents walk this season—“being the role model that God wants me to be… showing love and kindness.”
Prayer becomes a practical tool in everyday moments—“why don’t we… pray to God”—alongside careful listening.
Prayer becomes a practical tool in everyday moments—“why don’t we… pray to God”—alongside careful listening.
In short, every human being needs to feel listened to, valued and accepted.
Guarding your tank
Ian offers a gentle warning to those who love to give: “As you give out a lot… make sure your tank is being filled.”
Keep rhythms that feed your soul—time in Scripture, prayer, worship—and keep short accounts: if there’s something to talk about at home, “don’t let the sun go down” on it.
This stage isn’t about slowing to a stop—it’s about living with intention.
As Ian puts it, seasons change, but purpose doesn’t have to: keep showing up, keep listening, and keep choosing the small, consistent actions that speak love across generations.
Listen to this episode of the GrandParenthood podcast in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.
Feature image: CanvaPro
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