Grandparents need to listen to their grandchildren's concerns as well as their joys. Having an adult who really listens helps build the self-esteem of a child or young person. Asking about school, projects, friends, or concerns opens the door for a child to communicate. A grandchild may turn to a grandparent or stepgrandparent for support or advice during a hard time or when making an important decision. Grandparents can send special letters or notes to their grandchildren that are just for them.
Children love to get something in the mail that is for their eyes only.
Grandparents need to remember birthdays and holidays, but they can also send notes when nothing special is happening. Grandparents can offer their grandchildren companionship during activities the children enjoy. Companionship can take many forms. It is not just the special things grandparents do for their grandchildren or the places they take them, it is also the quiet time they spend together doing everyday things. Grandparents might let their grandchildren join them as they bake, garden, or work on something around the home.