Ever noticed how grandparents seem to have a magic touch with kids that parents have trouble figuring out? There’s a reason for that.

By the time we become grandparents, we’ve (hopefully) stopped sweating the small stuff—like whether little Timmy eats his broccoli or if Susie’s socks match. We’ve lived enough life to know what truly matters, and that wisdom changes how we interact with children. But here’s the catch: many parents and grandparents today are struggling. Parents are drowning in societal pressures—helicopter parenting, competitive academics, social media comparisons—while grandparents often feel sidelined or unsure how to join in without overstepping.

What if we could bridge that gap? What if we could help both generations recognize that the real job isn’t to fix kids but to see them—to witness and nurture the inherent magnificence they already possess? If we could do this, then perhaps we’d be helping the next generation to carry the knowledge of who they really throughout their lives.

Science backs this up, by the way. Studies show that children with strong grandparent bonds have lower rates of anxiety and depression, better emotional regulation, and even higher academic performance. Grandparents often provide unconditional love without the day-to-day pressures of discipline and logistics. They’re the keepers of family stories, the safe harbors when life gets stormy, and—let’s be honest—the ones who sneak the kids extra cookies when Mom isn’t looking. Neuroscience tells us that secure, loving relationships in childhood wire the brain for resilience, empathy, and self-worth. So when we dismiss grandparenting as just “spoiling the grandkids,” we’re missing a huge opportunity. This isn’t just about fun and games, it’s about shaping whole human beings—and preparing them for a fulfilling life as all of who they are meant to be!

In this episode of MagnifEssence in Motion, I am joined by the delightful and ever-wise Course in Miracles teacher, Laina Orlando. Together, we explore:

• Seeing the Perfection Already There. Kids don’t need to become magnificent; they already are. Our job is to recognize it so they don’t spend decades unlearning the lie that they weren’t enough.
• Parenting vs. Grandparenting: The Wisdom Upgrade. With age comes perspective. Grandparents often model patience and presence in ways exhausted parents (bless them) sometimes can’t.
• Ditching Projections. Ever catch yourself saying, “You’re just like your father!” or “Why can’t you be more like your sister?” Oops. Those aren’t truths—they’re our baggage. Kids absorb those labels like sponges.
• Peeling The Ego’s Layers. Society piles on expectations early: Be smart. Be quiet. Be successful. Grandparents can help kids shed those layers before they harden into insecurity.
• The Secret Grandparent Superpower. Kids learn through joy, not lectures. Grandparents who get down on the floor and play—without an agenda—teach more than they realize.

So, if you’ve ever wondered how to be the grandparent (or parent) who leaves a legacy of love, not just a pile of hand-me-downs, check out the recording. Laugh, learn, and maybe even unearth a few “aha!” moments! After all, kids don’t need perfect adults—just ones awake enough to remind them they already are. Enjoy!

Please watch the video and remember to leave a comment in the space below!