Aside from parents, grandparents hold some of the highest potential for influence in a child’s life. But in today’s rapidly changing culture, navigating family dynamics, physical distance, and the delicate line between supporting and overstepping can feel like a minefield.
In this episode, Leslie Nunnery sits down with Lori Wildenberg to explore the beautifully vital role of intentional Christian grandparenting. Together, they unpack the unique challenges modern grandparents face, the immense power of organic faith conversations, and the essential roles that humility and respect play when partnering with your adult children.
Whether you are a grandparent looking to leave a lasting spiritual legacy, or a parent wanting to foster a healthier relationship between your children and their grandparents, this conversation offers deeply practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for the whole family.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
A Powerful Position of Influence: Outside of a child’s parents, grandparents have the highest potential for meaningful, long-term influence in a grandchild’s life.Partnership Requires Respect: Effective grandparenting relies on a foundation of strong, healthy relationships with your adult children and their spouses. Cultivating this bond requires humility, respect for their household rules, and a willingness to avoid overstepping boundaries.The Power of Asking: One of the most supportive steps a grandparent can take is to directly ask their adult children, “How can I best support and help you right now?” rather than assuming what they need.Organic Faith Conversations: Nurturing a spiritual legacy doesn’t require formal lectures. Instead, faith is most effectively caught through everyday, organic conversations and observing a grandparent’s authentic walk with God.Navigating Modern Challenges: Modern grandparents must be intentional to overcome unique contemporary hurdles, such as physical distance, busy family schedules, and rapidly shifting cultural dynamics.Prayer as a Primary Tool: When physical distance or family dynamics limit quality time, consistent, intentional prayer remains a grandparent’s most powerful tool for protecting and supporting the next generation.RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Learn more about Lori Wildenberg and her ministryGrandparents Make Grand PartnersMessy HopeMessy Journey: How Grace and Truth Offer the Prodigal a Way Home
ABOUT THE GUEST:
Lori Wildenberg, licensed parent and family educator, author, and national speaker, is passionate about helping families build connections that last a lifetime and beyond. Lori is the author or co-author of seven books including the newly released Grandparents Make Grand Partners: How to Have an Eternal Impact on Your Grandchild’s Life and the award-winning Messy Hope: Help Your Child Overcome Anxiety Depression, or Suicidal Ideation. Lori is married to her college sweetheart, Tom. They have four adult children, 3 in-laws, and 5 grands. A perfect day in Lori’s world is a hike with Tom, any combination of family members, and Toby the
