Why Grandkids Love Hanging out at Nan and Pops (and It’s not just the snacks)

There’s something magical about walking into Nan and Pop’s place. Maybe it’s the familiar smell of baked treats or the way the couch swallows you up. But for grandkids, it’s not just about cookies and cartoons - it’s the whole experience of being doted on without an agenda. Time moves differently there and it feels a little slower.

And when school holidays roll around? That’s when the real fun begins.

At Nan and Pop’s, kids get a kind of attention that’s hard to find in the rush of everyday life. Their stories get listened to. Their art gets admired. Their quirks get celebrated. No one’s multitasking or checking their phone - it’s just you and them, in the moment. And they feel it. That sense of being the main character in someone’s day can mean everything.

There’s an understanding - unspoken but very real - that the usual rules don’t always apply when grandkids visit. Maybe bedtime’s a little later. Maybe dessert comes first. It’s not about spoiling; it’s about making space for little joys. A movie night on a weeknight, pancakes for dinner, or sneaking in an extra story - these are the things that stick.

Sometimes it’s framed as “helping out” the parents, but it’s really about the relationship. Grandkids aren’t just passing through; they’re building a connection with you that has its own rhythm and depth. No school pickups, no rush. Just the luxury of unhurried time together. There’s wisdom passed on, reassurance in routines, and comfort in simply being around each other.

Life runs at a gentler pace when they’re at your place. And that’s the magic. It’s in the puzzle you don’t rush to finish, the garden treasure hunt that turns into a story, or the card game that stretches long into the afternoon. These slower pockets of time give kids the space to open up, and they let you be fully present too

It’s amazing how much learning sneaks into a day of fun. Games that involve strategy or memory, baking where measurements matter, sorting puzzle pieces by colour or shape - it all supports developing brains. But because it’s wrapped in laughter and play, the learning feels effortless. And that joy of learning? It goes both ways.

You’ve lived a lot of life - and kids are wired to soak things in. Whether it’s hearing a story from your childhood, learning how to play your favourite childhood game, or getting a tip on how to tie a tricky knot, these are all little lessons tucked into your time together. You’re not teaching in the formal sense. You’re sharing. And when kids are the ones showing you something -  like how to play a game their way - you’re both learning from each other.

This back-and-forth creates a really powerful type of learning. It’s flexible, curious, and free of pressure. And it builds confidence in both directions.

There’s strong research around how mentally engaging activities - especially ones involving memory, logic, and social interaction - support brain health as we age. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite like a determined eight-year-old trying to beat you at your own game to keep your mind sharp.

When you’re playing together - board games, card games, guessing games, you name it - you’re both exercising parts of your brain without realising it. It’s a win-win. You stay switched on, and they get to challenge themselves in new ways.

Kids remember how you made them feel. They remember the rituals: the “Nan breakfast,” the garden walks, the fact that you always let them press the microwave buttons. And you remember, too - the way their eyes light up, the things they say out of nowhere that make you laugh, the small habits that become traditions without you even noticing.

Those shared experiences lay the foundation for a lifelong bond. They give grandkids a sense of who they are and where they come from. And they give grandparents a deep sense of joy and purpose.

It’s easy to focus on what grandkids get out of these visits - but don’t forget what you get, too. That sense of energy when the house is buzzing. The laughter. The opportunity to pass something down - not as a lesson, but as a legacy. Your presence matters. Your time matters. And these connections? They don’t just add richness to your grandkids’ lives - they add it to yours.

Hanging out at Nan and Pop’s isn’t just a break from routine. It’s a return to connection - to those long chats, cheeky laughs, and little rituals that hold families together. And whether you’re playing a game or telling a story, you’re building memories that last.

It’s not about being perfect grandparents. It’s about showing up. Letting them in. Having fun. And every now and then, letting the rules slide - just a little.