There’s something my youngest grandchild said to me last week that stopped me in my tracks. We were feeding ducks at the pond when she looked up and asked, “Grandpa, why do grown-ups always say ‘maybe’ when they mean ‘no’?”
Kids have this incredible ability to cut through the noise, don’t they? And it got me thinking about all the wisdom we grandparents share without even realizing how deeply it sticks.
After spending countless weekends at the park with my four grandchildren (ranging from three to eleven), I’ve noticed that the simplest things we say often carry the most weight.
You know, when my father passed away when I was in my forties, it hit me harder than I expected. I found myself remembering random things he’d said decades earlier, things that suddenly made perfect sense.
That’s when I realized that grandparents plant seeds that sometimes don’t bloom until years later.
So today, I want to share eleven things wise grandparents say that leave a lasting impact, often without us even knowing it.
1) “Tell me more about that”
This simple phrase works magic. When one of my grandchildren shares something, whether it’s about a friend at school or a dream they had, these four words open doors.
It shows genuine interest without judgment, and honestly, if you stay quiet long enough after saying it, kids will tell you things they won’t tell their parents.
I learned this the hard way. As a dad, I was always quick with advice or solutions. Now? I’ve discovered that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply listen.
2) “I was scared too”
Remember when you were terrified of something as a kid and an adult told you to just “be brave”? Not very helpful, was it?
When my oldest grandchild was nervous about starting middle school, I told him about my first day at a new job, how my hands shook holding the coffee cup.
His eyes widened. “You get scared, Grandpa?” Absolutely. And knowing that grown-ups feel fear too somehow makes kids feel less alone in theirs.
3) “You remind me of your parent when they were your age”
This one creates connections across generations. When I tell my granddaughter that she has her dad’s determination or my grandson that he thinks just like his father did at that age, I watch their faces light up.
It helps them understand that their parents were kids once too, with fears, dreams, and yes, even troublemaking streaks.
Plus, it gives me a chance to share stories about their parents that they’d never hear otherwise. Trust me, kids love hearing about the time Dad got stuck in a tree or when Mom tried to adopt every stray cat in the neighborhood.
4) “That’s a good question, I don’t know”
Why is the sky blue? How do airplanes stay up? What happens when we die?
As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, admitting you don’t know something isn’t weakness; it’s honesty. When grandparents say this, we’re teaching kids that nobody has all the answers, and that’s perfectly okay.
Better yet, follow it up with “Let’s find out together.” Some of my best afternoons have been spent looking things up with curious grandkids.
5) “When I was your age…”
Sure, this phrase gets eye rolls from teenagers, but younger kids? They eat these stories up. And here’s the thing: We’re not just sharing memories. We’re showing them that life changes, that challenges pass, and that they’re part of a bigger story.
I tell them about walking to school (yes, really), about having three TV channels, about writing letters instead of texts. It helps them appreciate what they have while understanding that happiness doesn’t depend on having the latest gadget.
6) “It’s okay to change your mind”
Kids often feel locked into decisions, whether it’s a hobby they’ve lost interest in or a friendship that’s run its course. When grandparents give permission to change direction, we’re teaching flexibility and self-awareness.
My middle grandchild wanted to quit piano after two years. His parents were disappointed, but I reminded them (and him) that trying something and deciding it’s not for you is still a success. You learned what you don’t want, and that’s valuable too.
7) “Your parents love you more than you know”
This hits differently coming from grandparents. We’ve watched our children become parents, seen them worry, seen them sacrifice. When tensions run high between parent and child (and they always do at some point), grandparents can be the bridge.
I remember being a hands-on dad when my boys were young, then pulling back during their teenage years when work got demanding. I still regret that timing.
Now I can share that perspective with my grandchildren, helping them understand that their parents are doing their best, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
8) “Take your time”
In our rushed world, this is revolutionary. Whether it’s tying shoes, finishing a drawing, or telling a meandering story about their day, grandparents often have the luxury of patience that busy parents don’t.
When we say “take your time,” we’re really saying “you’re worth waiting for.” That message sinks deep.
9) “You don’t have to be good at everything”
Parents often push excellence (I certainly did), but grandparents can offer balance. When my grandchild struggles with math but excels at art, I remind them that nobody’s good at everything, and that’s what makes the world interesting.
Would we want a world where everyone was exactly the same? Where everyone had the same talents? Boring! Their unique mix of strengths and struggles is what makes them special.
10) “I’m proud of who you are, not just what you do”
Achievements matter, but character matters more. When I tell my grandchildren I’m proud of them for sharing their snack, for including the new kid, for trying again after failing, I’m reinforcing that their worth isn’t tied to their report card or trophy shelf.
This is something I wish I’d understood better as a younger parent. Now, with the wisdom of years, I can help my grandchildren understand it from the start.
11) “You can always come to me”
This promise, when genuine, becomes a lifeline. Not to undermine parents, but to be an additional safe harbor. Sometimes kids need someone who’s not in the daily trenches with them, someone who can listen without immediately having to discipline or problem-solve.
My grandchildren know that my door (and my ears) are always open. No judgment, no immediate consequences, just a safe space to sort through whatever they’re facing.
Closing thoughts
Looking back, the most profound things my father ever said to me weren’t grand speeches or formal lessons. They were small comments, casual observations, little nuggets of wisdom dropped during ordinary moments.
That’s the real power of grandparents. We’re not in charge of the daily discipline or the homework battles. We get to be the ones who offer perspective, patience, and unconditional love.
Every weekend at the park with my grandchildren reminds me that these simple phrases, these small moments of connection, are building something bigger than we realize.
What words from your grandparents still echo in your mind today?
