About Good To Great Grandparenting
Our Mission
Foster greatness through meaningful, lasting connections between grandparents and grandchildren by sharing stories, insights, ideas, and resources that transform good grandparents into great ones.
What We Believe
You’re already a good grandparent—or you wouldn’t be here. But being a grandparent is a journey worth investing in, and with intention and attention, you can move from good to great.
The Journey Worth Taking
You’ll be a grandparent for twice as long as you were a parent. As grandparents, we’re at our highest and best selves when we act on our gift and do everything we can to be a meaningful influence and stable force for our grandchildren.
With the wisdom of our years, we realize that if we just let grandparenting happen, the outcome may be okay. But we’re not willing to settle for “okay” when it comes to these little miracles we call our grandchildren.
The foundation of great grandparenting:
- Getting to know each grandchild at a deep, personal level
- Being a positive support for and partner with their parents
- Understanding the world our grandchildren inhabit
- Evolving beyond parenting the parents of our grandchildren
- Operating with finesse, attention, and intention
The Power of Partnership
The power of parents and grandparents operating in unison in the best interest of the grandchild cannot be understated. This is familial love in action. It’s difficult but essential to learn, relinquish the reins, add value, and trust your ability to create a great outcome. Some of the most evolved, practical, and supportive grandparents carry around a metaphorical roll of duct tape to keep from offering unsolicited advice to their children about how to raise their kids. Remember: They are their kids. You did a great job raising them. Now it’s your turn to stand back and trust the process. Given room, encouragement, and support, you may find they’ll come to you and ask for advice. As my mom always told us: “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This may be the best advice ever—especially when it comes to backing off and letting our children raise their own children.
Meet Neil Taft – Founder & Author
Great-Great Grandpa Neil has survived almost 80 years in good health, surrounded by abundant loving and lovable kids, grandkids, and now a great-great-grandchild. All of this fills him with so much gratitude that he wants to share his considerable experience with fellow grandparents.
Neil wakes each morning brimming with energy and enthusiasm, feeling it’s his job to spread that energy with everyone he meets, everywhere he goes.
Neil’s Experience & Credentials
Professional Background:
- Professional public speaker
- Tireless youth advocate
- Retired youth minister
- Published author of two books on grandparenting
- Author of nearly 400 articles on grandparenting and family relationships
Publications:
- Good To Great Grandparenting – Available on Amazon
- Your Grandparent Rights
- Regular contributor to CaringGrandparents.com
Why Neil Started Good To Great Grandparenting
After decades of working with youth and families, Neil recognized that grandparents play an irreplaceable role in children’s lives—but many don’t realize the full extent of their impact or how to maximize it in today’s changing world.
Good To Great Grandparenting was born from Neil’s passion to help grandparents:
- Navigate modern family dynamics
- Build bridges with adult children
- Create lasting legacies through intentional connection
- Adapt to 21st-century grandparenting challenges
What We Offer
For Grandparents Seeking Connection
Expert Guidance
- Practical strategies for long-distance grandparenting
- Tips for navigating family dynamics
- Advice on supporting adult children while staying close to grandkids
Inspiring Stories
- Real experiences from fellow grandparents
- Heartwarming tales of connection across generations
- Lessons learned from decades of grandparenting
Valuable Resources
- Articles on modern grandparenting challenges
- Activity ideas for grandparents and grandchildren
- Tools for building meaningful traditions
Our Approach
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all grandparenting. Every family is unique, every grandchild is different, and every relationship requires its own approach.
What we do believe in:
- Respect for parents’ authority and decisions
- Flexibility in adapting to modern parenting styles
- Intentionality in building lasting connections
- Wisdom shared with humility and love
- Partnership between generations for the benefit of children
Join Our Community
Share Your Story
By sharing your own inspiring stories, experiences, and memories with us, you have the chance to paint a vivid picture of your life and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Together, let’s inspire others and build a community of great grandparents.
We’d love to hear about:
- Your grandparenting wins and challenges
- Creative ways you’ve connected with grandchildren
- Lessons learned from navigating family dynamics
- Traditions you’ve created or passed down
- How you’ve adapted to modern grandparenting
Stay Connected
- Follow us on social media for daily inspiration
- Explore our blog for hundreds of articles on grandparenting topics
- Get the book on Amazon for comprehensive guidance
Our Philosophy in Action
Life is complicated. Family life is a multiple of complicated. And extended family life is exponentially complicated. But with intention, respect, and love, we can weather family storms while staying meaningfully connected to our grandchildren. That’s what Good To Great Grandparenting is all about: helping you navigate the complexity with grace, build bridges instead of walls, and create a legacy of love that extends far beyond your lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this site only for biological grandparents?
A: Absolutely not! Step-grandparents, adoptive grandparents, great-grandparents, and anyone filling a grandparent role in a child’s life will find value here. The principles of connection, respect, and intentional relationship-building apply to all grandparent figures.
Q: What if I live far away from my grandchildren?
A: We have extensive resources on long-distance grandparenting, including video call strategies, care package ideas, and ways to maintain emotional closeness across miles. Distance is a challenge, but it doesn’t have to diminish your bond.
Q: My adult children don’t always welcome my involvement. How can this site help?
A: We focus heavily on building bridges with adult children—the gateway to your grandchildren. Our content emphasizes respect, boundaries, and partnership strategies that help rebuild trust and open doors to more involvement.
Q: I’m a new grandparent. Where should I start? A: Start with our article on becoming a grandparent [blocked] and explore our comprehensive center [blocked] for tips and tools. The journey is just beginning, and we’re here to help you make it great from day one.
Ready to Go From Good to Great?
Explore our latest articles, download our free resources, or connect with Neil directly to start your journey toward great grandparenting today.