A Grandparent’s Guide to Making an Impact (Without Spoiling Them Rotten)

published August 1, 2025

Being a grandparent can be endlessly rewarding. There’s the joy of hearing “Grandma!” or "Grandpa!" shouted across the room, the fun of handing out treats before dinner, and of course, the freedom to bend the rules…just a little!

I’m not a grandparent myself, but I was lucky enough to have wonderful grandparents growing up. My grandpa was a farmer and a veterinarian, and the highlight of so many of my young summers was staying with him and my grandma on their farm (a big deal for a kid growing up in the city!) and going on house calls with him to treat sick animals. I would tag along with him all day – adding much more work to his plate I’m sure – but he always made me feel like I was genuinely helping when he’d ask me to fetch something from the barn, help him feed the cows, or carry his medicine and equipment bag.

When I was young, I thought I’d follow in my grandfather’s footsteps of becoming a veterinarian myself. And while I ultimately followed a different path – one that landed me in a career where I get to help families encourage the students in their life to chase their dreams – I’ll never take for granted the support I felt from my grandpa and the value of experiencing hard work alongside him. That’s the kind of impact grandparents can make.

According to The Senior List, over 90% of grandparents say they provide some type of financial support to their grandchildren, and nearly 60% say they do so regularly.¹ The generosity is real—and so is the opportunity to channel it into something lasting. If you’re a grandparent wondering how to make a meaningful impact (without overdoing it), here’s a guide that I hope you will find both practical and encouraging.

1. Give the Gift of Time

   If you ask most people about their favorite childhood memories, chances are it’s not a mountain of toys they recall – it’s the time spent with loved ones. Kids cherish those special moments with you: baking secret-recipe cookies together, going fishing on a sunny morning, or curling up for a bedtime story. Devoting your undivided attention, even for an afternoon, shows your grandkids that they are valued. Whether it’s cheering them on at a soccer game or hosting a weekly lunch date that’s just the two of you, these moments become treasures for both of you.

2. Share Meaningful Experiences

   Instead of adding to their pile of things, treat your grandchildren to experiences they’ll remember. Maybe it’s a trip to the zoo, a picnic in the park, or a weekend camping adventure. You could even plan a special “grandkid day” – one-on-one time tailored to each child’s interests. Experiences bring families closer – your grandkids will recall stories around the campfire long after their latest toy is outgrown. By focusing on experiences over excess, you’re teaching them to value memories and connection more than material things.

3. Pass Down Your Wisdom and Traditions

   One of the greatest gifts grandparents can offer is a lifetime of wisdom. You have stories, skills, and family traditions that can enrich your grandchild’s life. Teach them that secret family recipe or show them how to fix a bike. Even guiding them in small responsibilities – like saving part of their allowance – can instill good habits. By passing on your knowledge and values, you’re building character and resilience in your grandkids. They’ll always remember thinking “Grandpa taught me this” with pride.

4. Invest in Their Future – The Gift They Won’t Outgrow

   Grandparents often think about legacy, wanting to leave something meaningful for those they love. One powerful way to do that is by helping with your grandchild’s education. Consider contributing to or opening an Edvest 529 college savings plan - a gift they won’t outgrow. I’ve seen countless grandparents light up knowing they’re helping build a brighter future for their grandchildren. Every dollar you set aside now may be one less they need to borrow later. And it’s not just about money – it also tells your grandchild, "I believe in you and your future." Over time, that college fund could grow into a cornerstone for whatever path they choose – college, trade school, an apprenticeship, or something else.

   Ultimately, being a grandparent is about leaving a legacy. The secret to "spoiling without spoiling" is channeling that big love into gifts that shape who your grandchildren become. Your time, your life lessons, and your thoughtful planning for their future all tell them "I love you" in a way that toys never could. When you are ready to give them a gift that outlasts childhood, consider starting a college fund for your grandchild by opening an Edvest 529 account. It’s a gift of education, hope, and enduring love – the best of what a grandparent can give! For more information on Edvest 529, visit Edvest.com.

About Jessica:

Jessica Wetzel is the director of the Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program at the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the state administrator of Wisconsin’s Edvest 529 (direct-sold) and Tomorrow’s Scholar (advisor-sold) 529 college savings plans. The Wisconsin 529 College Savings Program works to prepare families for the cost of higher education by helping them to develop a well-rounded paying-for-school strategy that includes beginning to save for a child’s higher education and career training as early as possible with one of Wisconsin’s 529 college savings plans.

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To learn more about Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses, see the Plan Description at Edvest.com before investing. Read it carefully. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. Consult your legal or tax professional for tax advice. If the funds aren't used for qualified higher education expenses, a federal 10% penalty tax on earnings (as well as federal and state income taxes) may apply. Prior to investing, check with your home state to learn if it offers tax or other benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, or protection from creditors for investing in its own 529 plan. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter for Wisconsin's Edvest 529 College Savings Plan.

Neither TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc., nor its affiliates, are responsible for the content found on any external website links contained herein.

1. ¹Source: https://www.theseniorlist.com/research/grandparents-spending-study/ ↩

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