Ian Barnett’s level of preparation for being a grandparent was “absolutely nothing”.

Quite the admission on Grandparenthood from the leader of the National Grandparent Movement Australia, who has been a grandfather for 17 years.

To better prepare others, Ian shared the top seven things he wants you to know about grandparenting, especially if grandchildren have not even arrived yet.

1. Grandchildren change your perspective

Looking back, Ian wishes he had known how much grandparenting would reshape his view of life.

“Having grandkids gives you a real different perspective about what’s important and what’s not important,” he said.

“You actually now can have time to stop and reflect and to be intentional and have an impact on grandkids.”

What once felt urgent often doesn’t seem so important anymore.

“Having grandkids gives you a real different perspective about what’s important and what’s not important.”

2. There’s no ‘Mum and Dad guilt’

One of the biggest surprises for Ian has been the freedom that comes from not carrying the daily pressures of parenting.

“As a grandparent now, if I’m on the floor playing with my grandkids, I don’t have to get up to do the next thing,” Ian said.

Reflecting on his years as a father, he added: “It’s okay if the washing is done later; I don’t think I realised that as a parent.

“As a grandparent, I really do.”

3. Your grandkids already think you’re grand

Forget appearances, achievements or status.

“Our grandkids think we are grand,” Ian said.

“They don’t mind that we’re wrinkly.

“They don’t mind that our hair’s changing colour. They accept you for who you are.”

For grandkids, love and presence matter far more than perfection.

4. Love runs deeper than you expected

For Ian, love sits at the centre of everything.

“You don’t realise how much love you have in your tank until grandkids come along,” he said.

Seeing his children become parents has brought fresh appreciation for family and faith.

“Love is the pivot of everything else. Unconditional. Let them know it, let them see it.”

5. Nothing beats a child’s laughter

Among all the lessons of being grandfather to seven grandchildren, one stands out for its simplicity.

“There’s nothing like the laughter of kids,” Ian said. “That is such a great experience.”

Even after an exhausting day, he says replaying those moments brings joy and renewed energy.

6. They give you hope for the future

In a world often dominated by difficult headlines, grandchildren remind Ian the future is worth believing in.

“They are the hope for the future,” he said.

While concerns about youth mental health and online pressures are real, Ian finds confidence in seeing young people grow, learn and embrace faith.

“Jesus himself has actually come and brought us new life and a new hope.”

7. They remind you what really matters

The final lesson should resonate with us all, at any stage of life.

“There are things that really matter and there are things that absolutely don’t matter in life,” Ian said.

Watching his grandchildren grow has shifted his focus away from performance and towards relationships.

“Being loved, feeling loved, that really matters above all the other achievements you want them to have,” Ian said.

After 17 years as a grandfather, Ian’s advice is straightforward: “Love more, engage more, listen more and talk less.”

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

About the Author: Ben hosts Mornings on Hope 103.2 and the ‘Money: Faith & Finance’ podcast.

Feature image: Canva

Families can find themselves scattered across vast distances.

Whether you’re separated by suburbs, states, or even countries, maintaining a strong relationship with your grandchildren can seem challenging. 

However, Ian Barnett of the National Grandparent Movement discusses three ways grandparents can keep their bonds strong, despite the geographical divide.

The “tyranny of distance” is one of the top challenges facing modern grandparents, Ian believes.

Gone are the days when families lived in close-knit communities, and now, many grandparents find themselves far away from their grandkids. 

“Some people grow up thinking, ‘Our kids will buy in the same area,’ but it doesn’t happen that way anymore,” he said.

This shift can create both physical and emotional distance, but according to Ian and Ben, with the right mindset and tools, it doesn’t have to cause disconnection.

1. Budget for bonding

One of the most important steps for maintaining relationships across distance is planning ahead.

“Start setting aside some resources to make it happen,” Ian said, emphasising that budgeting for travel allows grandparents to be present during key moments in their grandchildren’s lives. 

Whether it’s birthdays, graduations, or performances, making time for these special events strengthens the bond and shows your grandkids just how much they mean.

2. Use technology well

While seeing each other in person is ideal, technology can also play a big role in staying connected.

Video calls on platforms like FaceTime or Zoom offer a way to keep in touch regularly. 

According to Ian, families have embraced scheduled weekly calls, with grandkids even getting used to the routine, “They’ve got used to that.” 

These regular touchpoints reinforce the idea of a grandparent who is always there, even if they’re not physically present.

3. Make the most of special moments

Technology aside, showing up for important milestones is vital. 

Asking if you can be there for a school performance or sending a thoughtful letter can make a huge impact, Ian explained. 

“Even if it’s once or twice a year, you’re regular in the once or twice a year.”

Showing up, even digitally, matters more than the frequency.

In the end, grandparenting from a distance is about being present in meaningful ways, making sure your love and support are felt no matter how far apart you are. 

Embrace technology, plan your visits, and most importantly, stay committed to being there for your grandkids, even if it’s from a long way away.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.

Being a grandparent is more than just a title—it’s a journey full of love, wisdom, and plenty of playful moments.

But have you ever wondered how grandmothers and grandfathers might interact with their grandchildren in different ways?

Ian Barnett explores how these two distinct roles can enrich the grandparenting experience.

And while some traditional gender roles still play a part, the modern grandparent is more flexible and collaborative, according to Ian.

“It’s great that grandkids see Grandma and Grandpa still being affectionate… doing different things.”

Grandfathers often lean into physical activities with their grandkids— think wrestling or arm wrestling, which foster both emotional and physical connections. 

On the other hand, grandmothers may gravitate toward nurturing activities, like cooking or reading. 

“Grandmothers often come across as people who are actually going to be the nurturing, caring, sensitive…” Ian said and explains that while the roles may feel different, they are complementary, not restrictive.

What’s even more special, is when grandparents step outside their comfort zones to connect with their grandkids in new ways, Ian said.

What if grandfathers had a go at engaging in a nurturing activity, while grandmothers embraced something more active?

Whether grandfathers are getting involved with dolls or grandmothers are hitting a ball around the playground, these moments help break down stereotypes and create meaningful memories.

The digital world is also part of today’s grandparenting toolkit and is an easy way to engage with “their world”.

“[Technology] is their world – engage in their world, if you want to engage with them,” Ian said. 

This embrace of technology helps bridge generational gaps, allowing for richer, more diverse interactions.

By recognising and embracing the differences between grandmothers and grandfathers, grandparents can form deeper, more meaningful bonds with their grandchildren.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

Feature image: Canva

About the Author: Joni Boyd is a writer, based in the Hawkesbury Region of NSW. She is passionate about the power of stories shared, to transform lives.