As Grandparents we have to wear many hats to meet our Grandkids where they are.
Depending on the age and number of Grandkids you may be called upon to get down on the floor or play dress up, hike a trail, go to a museum, and attend a concert (with earplugs maybe) all in one weekend. It is our calling to be present to whatever interests our Grands if we hope to have meaningful lasting connections. These are the things they will remember most. That is just human nature. It can also be refreshing and fun for us. Regardless of how much we enjoy it the lasting memories are far more important than our sore muscles or the ringing in our ears.
To make meaningful lasting connections, we need to meet them where they are
For example, my now 17-year-old Granddaughter just did a fantastic field trip to a mining operation that had scarred the local land with some other environmentally concerned students. They learned a lot, presented it to a local committee, and are now publishing their findings. I saw the video of their presentation, and it was good. This was important to her, so I shared a story of seeing an abandoned strip copper mine in our West on a business trip. She was interested, so we are planning a trip for the end of the year. I am excited we get to spend some quality time together.
Good luck on your next Journey to being a Great Grandparent.