🧭 Episode Summary

In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I explore insights from Dan Miller's book An Understanding Heart and apply them to modern grandfatherhood. Greg shares three powerful themes—listening as a legacy skill, curiosity over correction, and emotional presence in a distracted world—along with personal stories and practical steps grandfathers can use today to deepen relationships with their grandchildren.

👂 Listening as a Legacy Skill

Listening isn't passive—it's an active gift that teaches empathy and builds lifelong connections. I reflect on the adults in my childhood who truly listened and how that shaped me to have an understanding heart.

🌉 Curiosity Over Correction

Curiosity builds bridges; correction builds walls. I encourage grandfathers to ask reflective questions instead of jumping in with advice, especially with young children and teens. Show them that YOU offer them an understanding heart.

🧭 Emotional Presence in a Distracted World

Phones, schedules, and multitasking compete for attention—but presence is what grandchildren crave. I share stories of grandparents who modeled full presence and a powerful personal memory of a long road trip with my grandfather, who truly had an understanding heart.

🛠️ Practical Steps for Cool Grandpas

• Follow the 2:1 rule—listen twice as much as you speak
• Ask one curious question in every conversation
• Pause before giving advice and ask if advice is wanted
• Mirror emotions: "That sounds exciting" or "That sounds hard."
• Schedule intentional one-on-one time with each grandchild

💡 Reflection Question

What does your grandchild need from you right now—advice or understanding?

🚀 A Call to Action:

👴 For Grandfathers

Practice listening without interrupting this week. Notice what you learn about your grandchildren's inner world.

👨‍👧 For Fathers

Ask one curious question today that you've never asked before—and observe how your child responds.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• An Understanding Heart by Dan Miller, use this link to order this treasured book: https://www.48days.com/product/an-understanding-heart/
• Here is the link to that amazing episode I had with my mentor, Dan Miller: https://cool-grandpa.us/2021/09/10/ep-48-growing-creativity-with-grandchildren/
• Buy Me a Coffee by using this link: https://buymeacoffee.com/coolgrandpa
• Cool Grandpa merchandise store: https://cool-grandpa.us/shop/
• You can watch this fun conversation on YouTube by using this link: https://youtu.be/B_ceCsH-zss