By: Ben McEachen
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
