Being a grandparent has taught me more about love than I ever thought possible at this stage of life. Just last weekend, my youngest grandchild, who’s three, grabbed my hand at the park and said, “Grandpa, you’re my best friend.” In that moment, watching those little fingers wrapped around mine, I realized something profound: the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren is unlike any other bond in the world.
I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately during my weekend park visits with the grandkids. Having four of them, ranging from three to eleven, has given me a front-row seat to watch these relationships evolve. And you know what? There are clear signs when you’ve crossed that magical threshold from just being “grandpa” or “grandma” to becoming truly beloved in their eyes.
If you’re wondering whether you’ve reached that special status, here are seven telltale signs your grandchildren see you as more than just another relative.
1. They run to greet you before anyone else
Remember when your kids were little and they’d race to the door when you got home from work? Well, this is even better. When I show up at my sons’ houses, it’s like I’m a rock star arriving at a concert. The kids literally drop whatever they’re doing and sprint toward me.
But here’s the thing that really gets me: it’s not just the enthusiastic hello. It’s how they immediately start telling me about their day, their latest LEGO creation, or the bug they found in the backyard. They save these stories specifically for me, their parents tell me. That selective sharing? That’s when you know you’re special.
The running isn’t about the gifts or treats either (though I’ll admit, I usually have something in my pocket). It’s pure, unfiltered joy at seeing you. And let me tell you, at my age, having someone that excited to see you walk through the door does wonders for the soul.
2. They ask to spend alone time with you
One thing I discovered early in my grandparenting journey is that each grandchild becomes a completely different person during one-on-one time. No competition for attention, no showing off for siblings, just genuine connection.
My eleven-year-old recently asked if we could go to the bookstore together, “just us two.” Not the toy store, not for ice cream, but the bookstore. She wanted to show me her favorite series and help me pick out a mystery novel. These requests for individual time are golden. They mean your grandchild sees you as someone worth spending their precious free time with.
3. They confide secrets and worries to you
There’s something about the grandparent-grandchild dynamic that creates a safe space for sharing. Maybe it’s because we have the wisdom of age but without the immediate pressure of being the disciplinarian parent.
Last month, one of my grandkids confided that they were nervous about starting middle school. They hadn’t told their parents yet because they didn’t want to seem “babyish.” But with me? They felt safe enough to be vulnerable.
When kids start sharing their fears, dreams, and yes, even their crushes with you, you’ve become their trusted confidant. It’s like being a parent with the volume turned down. Same love, way less anxiety about having to fix everything immediately.
4. They defend you to others
This one caught me by surprise. My son told me that his daughter got into an argument with a friend who said their grandfather was the best. My granddaughter’s response? “No way, my grandpa is the best because he actually listens to me and never says my ideas are silly.”
When your grandchildren become your cheerleaders, defending your honor on the playground or at the dinner table, you know you’ve made it into their inner circle. They’re proud to be associated with you, and that pride runs deep.
5. They want to learn your “old-fashioned” skills
Who would have thought that in the age of iPads and video games, kids would want to learn how to whittle wood or bake bread from scratch? Yet here I am, teaching my grandkids the same skills my grandfather taught me.
They’re fascinated by these “ancient” abilities. My nine-year-old asked me to teach him how to tie different knots because “nobody else knows how to do that stuff.” When they see value in your knowledge and actively want to learn from you, you’ve become their personal treasure trove of wisdom.
It reminds me of something I read recently: children who engage in intergenerational skill-sharing develop stronger emotional bonds and better appreciate family history.
6. They include you in their imaginary worlds
Young children live in magical worlds of their own creation, and being invited into these worlds is the highest honor they can bestow. My youngest grandchild recently informed me that I’m a wizard in her imaginary kingdom, specifically the wizard who makes the best sandwiches and tells the funniest jokes.
When they assign you roles in their games, create artwork specifically for you, or write stories where you’re the hero, you’ve transcended from background character to main cast in their life’s narrative.
7. They choose your traditions over screen time
In our digital age, this might be the ultimate compliment. When a child voluntarily puts down their tablet to bake cookies with you, build a fort, or just sit and listen to your stories, you’ve achieved something remarkable.
Every weekend at the park, I notice how my grandkids barely touch their devices when we’re together. They’d rather feed the ducks, climb trees, or play the silly games we’ve invented over the years. They actually request “grandpa time” over their favorite shows.
Closing thoughts
Becoming a beloved grandparent doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built through countless small moments: the extra bedtime story, the patient listening, the willingness to get down on the floor and play even when your knees protest.
If you recognize these signs in your relationship with your grandchildren, congratulations. You’ve achieved something precious. And if you’re not quite there yet, don’t worry. Every moment you spend genuinely connecting with them is a step toward becoming not just a grandparent, but a beloved friend, confidant, and irreplaceable part of their world.
What signs have you noticed that tell you you’re cherished by your grandchildren?
