https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/rss.xml Articles, videos and slideshows for grandparents and older Christians looking to encourage the younger generations Copyright https://www.crosswalk.com 2026, Crosswalk.com Mon, 25 May 2026 20:04:52 -0400 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/mimis-place-learning-the-rules-of-being-a-grandmother.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/mimis-place-learning-the-rules-of-being-a-grandmother.html Mary Southerland https://www.crosswalk.com/author/mary-southerland/ There are profound joys and responsibilities of grandparenthood. Gain practical wisdom that illuminates the power of prayer, quality time, and role modeling. This article offers insights for nurturing faith and creating lasting memories with your grandchildren, encouraging a deeper connection and richer family legacy. Mon, 25 May 2026 10:58:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/things-grandchildren-desperately-need-from-their-grandparents-today.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/things-grandchildren-desperately-need-from-their-grandparents-today.html Carrie Lowrance https://www.crosswalk.com/author/carrie-lowrance/ One of the best things about being a grandparent is the things you can pass down to your grandchildren. Grandchildren need some things from their grandparents that they can’t get from their parents. Things like sharing family history, teaching family traditions, or learning unique skills. Here are some things you can offer your grandchildren to help strengthen your bond with them. Mon, 18 May 2026 08:29:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/things-that-hurt-relationships-with-grandkids.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/things-that-hurt-relationships-with-grandkids.html Stacey Monaco https://www.crosswalk.com/author/stacey-monaco/ The wise and loving grandparent has the opportunity to treasure and value their grandchildren, seeking at all times to nourish both the child and their relationship with their grandchild. As is common with all relationships, there can be many seen and unseen pitfalls ready to wreak havoc between grandparent and grandchild. Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/10-reasons-your-grandkids-need-you-just-as-much-as-their-parents.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/10-reasons-your-grandkids-need-you-just-as-much-as-their-parents.html DiAne Gates https://www.crosswalk.com/author/diane-gates/ Nineteen years ago, our daughter died. This left a five-year-old girl and a seven-month-old boy motherless. Papa and I became instant parents and grandparents.We flew home from the funeral with these two precious grandchildren and they lived with us for the next seven months while their father finished schooling at his new duty post. Two households were pitched off the cliff of loss into the valley of grief and despair.But in this generation of crime and chaos, many grandparents find themselves thrust into this figure eight life cycle—parent to grandparent, to parent again. But isn’t that what families do? We circle the wagons and do what it takes to help our children and grandchildren fulfill God’s plan for their lives.“Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments…” (Deuteronomy 7:9 NAS)Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Yakobchuk Olena Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:12:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/important-rules-grandparents-should-always-follow.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/important-rules-grandparents-should-always-follow.html Anne Peterson https://www.crosswalk.com/author/anne-peterson/ I’ll always remember when it was my turn to hold my first grandchild. Jude, the one who made me a grandma. Tears welled up in my wide-open eyes. Tears of joy. This was something special, something I wanted to do right. So I made up my mind, I would always be grateful.I also decided that I would abide by the rules set by their parents. In that way, I would be honoring my son and daughter-in-law. In Exodus 20:12, God tells us to honor our fathers and our mothers. And I feel I am demonstrating to my grandchildren what honoring someone looks like when I abide closely to the rules their parents have lovingly set out for them.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/monkeybusinessimages Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:07:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/mothers-day/a-prayer-of-blessing-for-mothers-grandmothers.html https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/mothers-day/a-prayer-of-blessing-for-mothers-grandmothers.html Rebecca Barlow Jordan https://www.crosswalk.com/author/rebecca-barlow-jordan/ If you are a mom or grandmom, you are deserving of blessing and honor for who you are and for all you do. No matter what your age, single or married, here is a prayer of blessing for you for every good work, every good word, and for every act of love you have ever offered on behalf of the ones you love. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:26:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/10-ways-grandparents-can-support-their-children-while-still-letting-them-lead-their-families.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/10-ways-grandparents-can-support-their-children-while-still-letting-them-lead-their-families.html Rhonda Stoppe https://www.crosswalk.com/author/rhonda-stoppe/ If you have grandkids you know how hard it is to not be too pushy with your opinions or “great ideas” to be helpful. You know what I’m talking about: The baby has croup. It sounds horrible. You’ve been there many times when your kids were little. You know that sitting with the baby near a steaming shower will do wonders, but your kids insist on researching on the internet, or taking him to the emergency room. What do you do? Do you speak up? Tell them not to go to the hospital? No? I mean, what if the cough is more serious and needs immediate medical attention?You get the picture. And I’m sure you're nodding your head in agreement if you’ve ever been in this situation. Or, maybe the circumstance is not a health issue. Maybe it’s a suggestion you’d like to make about potty training, discipline, education, or money saving tips. Being “helpful” is not always helpful––as my husband often reminds me.Whether you’re new at this grandparenting gig, or you’ve been at it for years, I’m sure you’d agree there’s a balance we must find between supporting versus controlling our adult children.(In the case that you are a grandparent who is actually the primary caretaker for your grandchild or grandchildren, you are not alone—however, the insights in this article will not as likely speak to your situation. Know that my heart goes out to you. I pray God grants you His strength and wisdom as you take on this role!)With all this in mind, let’s visit 10 ways grandparents can support their children while still letting them lead their families.Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/nd3000 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:16:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/things-grandparents-do-that-secretly-drive-parents-crazy.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/things-grandparents-do-that-secretly-drive-parents-crazy.html Amanda Idleman https://www.crosswalk.com/author/amanda-idleman/ Grandparents are the best gift to their children and grandchildren! They offer invaluable advice, a special kind of love for their grandkids, and the gift of free childcare. What would we do without them?We know grandparents have every good intention at heart, but... some things they do drive us parents crazy and create unnecessary stress. Here are some things that you might want to be aware of in your goal of lightening the parents' load.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Zinkevych Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:13:00 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/qualities-of-a-loving-grandparent.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/qualities-of-a-loving-grandparent.html Carrie Lowrance https://www.crosswalk.com/author/carrie-lowrance/ Grandparents are some of the most important people in our lives. They love us, spoil us, and teach us things. We can all learn a lot from their stories and life experiences. Some people have wonderful grandparents and others not so much. If you have or had fantastic grandparents, chances are they have these ten qualities.1. Unconditional Love and AffectionThe love grandparents have for their grandchildren differs from a parent’s love. While parents teach their children and discipline them, grandparents can love in a softer, more gentle way. This doesn’t mean that they don’t correct their grandchildren when needed, they just love more openly. Their affection isn’t pressured by the demands of raising children; rather, it’s more rooted in enjoyment, presence, and emotional generosity.The following things often mark a grandparent’s love;-Patience-Tolerance-Gentleness-Acceptance-Joy in small momentsGrandchildren often see their grandparents as safe havens. Grandma's place always has cookies available, welcomes stories, and meets mistakes with understanding and gentleness. In this environment, children learn that their grandparents love them for who they are.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/andreswd Tue, 07 Apr 2026 11:35:53 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00 https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/earth-day-activities-to-do-with-your-grandchildren.html https://www.crosswalk.com/family/parenting/grandparenting/earth-day-activities-to-do-with-your-grandchildren.html Carrie Lowrance https://www.crosswalk.com/author/carrie-lowrance/ Earth Day is coming up soon. On this day, people raise awareness of environmental issues, promote sustainability, and rally for collaboration to save our planet. The first Earth Day was in 1970, started by Senator Gaylord Nelson in response to growing concerns about pollution and environmental degradation. Here are some ideas to do with your grandkids this Earth Day.1. Exploring Nature Walks: Discover Local Flora and FaunaTaking a nature walk is a great way to celebrate Earth Day. Regardless of the terrain you’re on, whether it be a local park or a nearby wetland, you can see different plants and animals on your walk. Nature walks promote exercise and help your grandkids sharpen their observation skills, relax, and develop a deeper appreciation of our ecosystem.Nature walks are great for everyone’s well-being, promoting reduced stress, improved mood, and mindfulness. There are many places you can take a nature walk, including community parks, botanical gardens, nature reserves, and forest preserves.Start by observing the flora—the plant life in your local area. Observe trees, wildflowers, ground plants, shrubs, and vines. Next, observe the fauna, including birds, insects, and pollinators (such as bees), mammals (rabbits, deer, squirrels), reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic animals if there is a pond, stream, or marsh nearby.Some tips for observation are:-Walk slowly and quietly-Listen-Use your eyes at different levels (ground, trees, sky)-Download a plant or bird app to help with identification-Take notes and pictures-Return regularly to explore in different seasons.Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Dusan Stankovic Mon, 06 Apr 2026 19:27:32 -0400 2026-05-25T20:04:52-04:00