Bonding between grandparents and grandchildren is one of life’s richest blessings—but it doesn’t always happen on its own. As parents, we have a unique opportunity to guide our kids in valuing and connecting with the older generation.
Today on the podcast, we’re welcoming Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old Will Change Your Life and creator of the Grandkid Investigator Kit. A mom of three with years of experience working in senior living and hospice care, Isabel is passionate about helping parents equip their children to build meaningful intergenerational relationships.
While many conversations focus on what grandparents can do to bond with grandkids, Isabel flips the script. She shares practical ways parents can nurture respect, appreciation, and strong family bonds in their children—an especially important topic for homeschool families who want to raise kids that cherish older generations.
In this episode, you’ll find encouragement, fresh ideas, and resources to help your kids connect with grandparents and other older adults in a deeper, more lasting way.
HWM 328. Helping Kids Value and Connect with Grandparents
Dealing with grandparents and in-laws can sometimes feel like tricky territory—but what if we shifted our focus? In this episode, we explore why helping kids connect with the older generation is so important, and how those connections can shape children emotionally, socially, and even spiritually. The conversation goes beyond family, too—what does it look like when kids learn to value older adults in their community and churches?
We’ll also talk honestly about the challenges. From shyness and discomfort around seniors to helping neurodivergent kids (ADHD, autism, and more) build confidence in these relationships, parents often wonder where to begin. Isabel Tom offers practical encouragement for guiding kids to appreciate, respect, and engage with grandparents and older adults in meaningful ways.
You’ll hear about simple strategies parents can use to nurture these intergenerational bonds—whether through everyday activities, creative conversation starters, or long-distance ideas for families who don’t live near grandparents. Isabel also shares the story behind her Grandkid Investigator initiative and the Grandkid Investigator Kit, a hands-on resource designed to help children actively explore and strengthen their relationships with grandparents.
Finally, we’ll point you to where you can find Isabel’s book The Value of Wrinkles, the Grandkid Investigator Kit, and how to connect with her online for more inspiration.
Listen to our chat with Isabel Tom below.
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