Chapter 1: A Life that Transforms
If you want to have a meaningful impact on your grandchildren’s lives and help them become God’s best, you will have to search your soul and allow God to have a meaningful impact on your life.
Chapter 2: Invest Yourself Relationally
So what are you missing out on? Maybe you’re saying “We don’t live there. We live in Florida or Phoenix.” There are too many absent grandparents and your grandchildren need you. I suggest you need to make an eternal decision. Move if it is possible! I know some of your grandchildren live in different states. If you can, live in one and travel often to the others by car, plane or the World Wide Web.
Chapter 3: What Really Matters
You have to admit that as grandfathers we would rather do things with our grandchildren that we like to do, such as fishing, watching sports or shooting things. It is not high on our list to change diapers, help with homework or watch them with no apparent reward. Everything counts, so step up to serve and don’t call it babysitting, call it grand-sitting. Someday they will be watching you.
Chapter 4: Keep the Three A’s in Mind
Attention is spelled T-I-M-E. Words are cheap but time costs. It is paid with out time, talent, treasure and touch.
Affection and appropriate touch are vital in helping a child feel loved. It is not enough to say you love your grandchildren. It must be seen, expressed and felt.
Affirmation – words really matter. The best way to show affirmation is to take time to look in their eyes, ask questions, be quiet and listen.
Chapter 5: Becoming Part of the Solution
As a grandfather, you need to become part of the solution by helping your grandchildren establish priorities and set boundaries that help set them free and meet needs that really matter. Your future and theirs depend upon it!
Chapter 6: Build Memories, not Just Moments
- Truth is more caught than taught.
- Let them see your hunger for the Word and a daily quiet time with God.
- Give them a desire to serve God with their lives. Take them on a mission trip.
- Give them a heart for the poor by having them help you gather items for the local homeless shelter.
- Be an active member in their church.
Chapter 7: Name them by Name
My wife and I have made it a practice every day to pray for each of our grandchildren, specifically by name.
Chapter 8: Your Work is Never Done
What excuses are you hanging onto right now that are keeping you from becoming the grandfather God wants you to become?
Chapter 9: Know Who You Are
Grandfathering is attempting to see grandchildren both in their current reality and also in their future potential.
Chapter 10: First Things First
Fall in love with Jesus and your grandchildren will fall in love with the Jesus in you.
Visit People Matter Ministries.