Written by Judy Douglass, Author, Blogger, and Podcaster
“Jeedoo, what did you bring us?” or “Come watch me on the trampoline!! Jeedoo!” or “We have a new book. Please read it to us, Jeedoo!”
Music to this grandmother’s ears!!
Why? Because, just as it was my commitment to engage with my children in consistent, loving, challenging, learning, and fun ways, so it is with my grandchildren. Only it’s harder and easier. Harder because I am not the parent and not with them constantly. Easier because I’m not the parent and not with them constantly.
Why is this important? Because I can play a key role in instilling in them values, perspectives, and faith that can guide them through the years ahead, now, and after the Lord calls me home. The first requirement is that we are living these truths—this relationship with and trust in God—as a way of life.
My (late) husband and I were rather intentional when it came to parenting. I find I must be even more intentional with my 10 grandkids. Because we had adopted a boy from a challenging background. He led us through challenging years of pain, fear, addiction, and more. Though he met Jesus and sometimes followed Him, his life was like a roller coaster. But consistently loving him and seeking to help him and not rejecting him—and the grace of God—he is a vital part of our family, with a wife and three children—and a growing walk with God.
Here are some of the easiest and most effective ways to have a lifelong influence on who and what your grandkids become, now and later.
1. Write Letters by Hand
When my three grandsons were 15, 16, and 17, I chose to share with them some of the principles I thought would encourage their success in life. On the first Monday of each month that year, I wrote them a letter, conveying a different “secret of success.” Things like Work Hard, Trust God, Accept Responsibility. Simple truths–biblical and practical. Admonition and motivation, hopefully.
2. Tell Stories
I love telling stories. Sometimes I make them up. Often, I let them join in, and a simple story suddenly includes dark woods, wolves, and themselves as superheroes. Their favorites, though, were stories from mom or dad’s childhood.
Stories serve so many purposes: engaging with the child, expanding imagination, encouraging creativity, building on family history, or conveying values.
3. Play With Them
It’s easy to play with the little ones—toys, games, a tea party, or the latest space figures. One growing up granddaughter loved for me to make jewelry with her; another wanted me to watch her on the trampoline. A 10-year-old boy challenged me to Star Wars monopoly whenever I was with him. Maybe you can play tennis or go fishing with the older ones. Also, don’t miss a soccer match, a play, or a concert if possible.
Why this matters: You are with them, interacting with them, cheering them on. This says they are important to you, allows you to encourage them, builds memories, and so much more.
4. Give Good Gifts
Books: These are my favorite gifts, and I’m encouraged that books are making a comeback. For little ones—read to them or give beginning readers—to expand their minds, increase their vocabulary, and expose them to worlds, people, and wonders. Those same benefits are passed on to readers. Adventure series can capture their imaginations. And reading at higher levels will come more easily for them and prepare them for the world.
Imagination: Art supplies, building sets, pretend props, hand puppets, and so much more. When you play with them, they feel your presence, your care.
Action: Active playthings, sports equipment, or anything to keep them moving. Experiences: outings, the beach, mountains, or theme parks
Adventures: These make life (and you) fun, overcome fears, build courag, and more. It could be learning to surf, riding a horse, sitting on a gator, or skimming across a swamp on an airboat. Exploring museums, aquariums, and caves, or learning to fish. Having fun together grows long-lasting memories.
5. Pray for Them
The most important role I play in my grandchildren’s lives is to pray for them.
Father, I pray for C. May he grow to love You with his whole heart. Thank you for his competitive spirit, his hard-charging attitude, his love for active play, and his obvious leadership. Use these strengths for your glory as he grows into the man You created him to be. Father, I pray for A. May he grow to love You with his whole heart.
Thank You for A. May he grow to love You with his whole heart. Thank You for his creative spirit, his artistic bent, his love of words, and his curiosity. Use these strengths for Your glory as he grows into the man You created him to be.
Father, I pray for E. His exuberance, his boundless energy, and his impish smile. Use these strengths for Your glory as he grows into the man You created him to be.
These and many other prayers I offer to God on behalf of these grandsons.
Conclusion
My husband and I have not done all these things perfectly or even consistently. But we have been intentional to love, engage with, and have fun with our grandkids.
Now I continue to build relationships, talk with, listen to, and seek time with each of them. Of course, I don’t know the future or their paths, but I believe our intentional investments in and prayers for them give them road maps, principles, and ground rules to help them to be now and become all that you have created them for.
Extra Feature – Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day
A specific example of influence through praying is the Worldwide Prodigal Prayer Day on June 2nd. This is an annual prayer event that Judy Douglass started. Watch this video for some insight into her own story. Read below as Judy shares about how to prepare our hearts for this impactful day.
It started in the midst of my son’s wilderness journey as a prodigal. It took a while for him to consistently respond to our prayers. Today, he walks with Jesus, loves his family, and works hard at his job. But it was a long journey, for us and for so many others.
Though we do not know exact numbers, we believe thousands pray every year on June 2, for their own wanderers, as well as for many others. I am writing to you today because we have discovered that our enemy, Satan, does not want our loved ones to be set free from the traps and temptations the evil one is always setting for our sons and daughters. Therefore, he does all he can to thwart our prayers. When we pray, we enter enemy territory.
So I am writing some hopefully helpful posts to prepare us for the battle. Because the battle is twofold, the devil is determined to hold on to our prodigals, but he will also do all he can to entrap us. My focus, therefore, in the five thoughts I will be sharing will be first for us, and then for those we love.
My theme for 2026 is 5 Transforming Words. In my many years of seeking to follow Jesus, He has repeatedly revealed and reminded me of five words that have been transformative in my life—and in relating to and praying for my son. Read about those words here and find additional resources here.
