What do your grandchildren believe about themselves because of you?

In this solo episode of The Cool Grandpa Podcast, I draw on the timeless wisdom from Chapter One of The Magic of Thinking Big and apply it to one of the most underestimated leadership roles in a child's life: the role of a grandfather.

David Schwartz opens his book with a bold claim—success begins with belief. Not intelligence. Not talent. Belief. And when you view that idea through the lens of grandfatherhood, it raises an important question:

What beliefs are our grandchildren borrowing from us—intentionally or unintentionally?

Using relatable stories (including toddlers, cookies, and baby gates), classroom experience, and real-life grandparent moments, I explore how belief is formed long before evidence appears—and why grandparents are often the safest, most influential voices in shaping a child's self-image.

In this episode, you'll explore:

• Why belief often comes before evidence for children—and why that matters
• How grandchildren absorb more than our words: tone, reactions, expectations
• The difference between praising outcomes and speaking identity
• Why modeling confidence matters more than modeling perfection
• How negative self-talk ("I'm terrible at this") quietly sets limits for kids
• Why asking better questions builds independence better than quick fixes
• What it really means to raise their thinking, not your voice

This episode isn't about being a perfect grandparent. It's about being an intentional one—someone who leaves grandchildren with confidence, courage, and belief that extends far beyond childhood.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Grandchildren borrow belief from the adults they trust most
• Confidence is caught more than it is taught
• Words—especially casual ones—shape lifelong self-image
• Encouragement grows confidence far better than correction
• One consistent, belief-building adult can change a child's trajectory

📄 Free Companion Resource

Here is your free reflection guide created specifically for this episode:

🧠 Think Big, Grandpa – A Reflection Guide A simple, printable worksheet to help you:

• Reflect on the beliefs you're reinforcing
• Reset how you praise, correct, and encourage
• Speak belief intentionally into your grandchild's life

Links

Click HERE for your free download or use this link: https://cool-grandpa.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cool_Grandpa_Think_Big_Workshop_Guide_WITH_LOGO.pdf