Any grandparent knows the joy it brings. The bonding experience between grandparent and grandchild is special: Most grandparents enjoy spoiling their grandchildren and lavishing them with a love unmatched by any other . . . in part because it’s so different from parenting itself. (“All the pleasures, none of the headaches!”)

A grandparent’s role in the lives of their grandchildren takes many forms. Though some of us enjoy extended families and live in multi-generational households, most of us don’t. So grandparents want to make the most of the time they spend with their grandchildren, since they may not see them as often as they would like. And grandchildren look forward to those days, knowing it’s going to be fun and memorable—as well as a break from their normal routine.

Grandparents can impart—to parents and grandchildren—the wisdom gleaned from living a long life of trials and tribulations. Sometimes their insight can make a difficult situation seem so simple. Parents, now that they have children of their own, and a broader perspective on their own rearing, may be more willing to listen, this time around. And grandchildren usually know their grandparents love them unconditionally, and can “hear” better from those who may not be involved in the day-to-day conflicts of direct parenting.

And there are stories only grandparents can tell. History books just can’t match the details of a well-told family story. Grandchildren can learn about their ancestry, and the struggles and triumphs of their grandparents—and gain some perspective on their own parents, back when they were the age the grandchildren are now! Family histories can add heart and humor to the plain facts of various eras learned in school, or can even open up a whole new world of understanding and wonder a child may not otherwise ever know.

While parents have the primary duties of discipline and guidance for their children, grandparents fulfill a role often just as important. By being there for our grandchildren, either by being an active part of their lives, or often just by listening, we give them another layer of love and stability. It is a relationship with immeasurable rewards for everyone involved.

For many grandparents, spending time with their grandchildren is a highlight of their lives. The bond between you is like no other, and the activities you can share have the sweetness of parenting without the stresses and sorrows of day-to-day parenting. Like parenting, though, age-appropriate activities ensure that everyone will have a good time. To avoid time-outs, melt-downs, and sulks (or worse), make sure you take into account not only basic age ranges, but individual personalities on both sides of the relationship. Just because “traditional” grandparents—whatever that means—are pictured baking or visiting the zoo with their grandchildren , doesn’t rule out pinochle, spelunking, or passing on your foxtrot skills.

• It’s easy to find fun things to do with young grandchildren without spending a fortune. Though elaborate parties and activities are sometimes planned for this age group, a simple trip to the park can be heaven to a 3-year-old. An open lawn may be as much entertainment as many toddlers need: With so much energy, toddlers enjoy the chance to just run around freely and make as much noise as they want. Grandparents can rest up on a nearby bench, or push a swing or help grandkids down a slide.

• For pre-school and elementary-school grandchildren, introducing activities such as boating or painting can be the start of a life-long love of the outdoors or the arts. Passing on a hobby (brand new to them) or expanding on a hidden talent you’ve spotted and want to encourage is a wonderful way to spend time together. Don’t forget reading aloud—inside or outside, it’s a great way to introduce kids to the larger world.

• Pre-teens and teenagers can be harder to please, but grandparents can help them see there’s more to the world than school and their friends. This is a great time to expose your grandchildren to culture. Take them to a museum, a play, or a concert. (If you can stand it, ask them to pick what they’d like to see, rather than just dragging them along on your favorite outing.) And don’t forget plain old listening. Patience and an open mind can lead to confidences that teens cannot share elsewhere, as well as a chance to share the wisdom you learned from raising their parents!

Grandparents and grandchildren alike can share a variety of fun and educational activities. But the values you pass on may be the best reason to spend time together:

• Your grandchildren are worth time and attention.
• A good relationship entails sharing and listening—and simply spending time together no matter what the activity.
• Different generations have plenty to share with one another.