There's nothing quite like the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Seeing your child become a parent is pretty surreal, and it offers you the opportunity to bond with a new generation of your family. Spending quality time with your grandchildren is highly rewarding, but finding activities that you can all enjoy can be challenging at times. That's why we asked three child psychologists what hobby is best for grandparents and grandkids.
We know what you're thinking: How can you possibly find a hobby that works well for children of all ages? That's why we asked the pros to share different ways to adapt the hobby for different age groups, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. We also asked them to describe the science behind why this one hobby benefits the brains of children and grandparents.
Since variety is critical to keeping kids entertained, the psychologists we spoke with also share a few additional hobbies that work well for both grandparents and grandchildren. Screen time is always a hot topic with parents and grandparents, so the experts also explain the psychological difference between screen-free bonding versus babysitting to help you better understand the benefits of both as you embark on grandparent-grandchild bonding activities.
Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Daily Habit Brings Families Closer Together—They All Said the Same Thing
You don't have to be a professional chef to show off your skills in the kitchen. While talking with three psychologists, all of them agreed that cooking and baking are excellent intergenerational activities for families.
"They're easy to do no matter your age or skill level," Miami psychologist and relationship expert Dr. Mindy DeSeta tells Parade. "Kids typically find it exciting to mix ingredients together, pour things into bowls and decorate."
Board-certified clinical psychiatrist Dr. Tamir Aldad says cooking and baking are the best hobbies for grandparents and grandkids since they remove the pressure of direct interaction.
"Kids open up more easily when they're doing something with their hands, side-by-side, rather than sitting across from someone making eye contact. The kitchen becomes a low-stakes container for real conversation," Dr. Aldad, the CEO of mental health clinic Mindful Care, adds.
On a practical level, you also walk away with something tangible out of the activity.
"You end up with more than just a meal. You create memories that both generations are likely to remember for a long time," Dr. DeSeta says.
Related: 10 Things ‘Naturally Nurturing’ Grandparents Do Differently, According to Child Psychologists
The Developmental Magic: How This Hobby Benefits Both Brains
Dr. Michael Roeske, a psychologist at Newport Healthcare, says cooking and baking with your grandchildren offers you a shared learning experience.
"Grandchildren practice following steps, measuring and problem-solving, while grandparents get to pass down family recipes and traditions, all through hands-on conversation rather than passive screen time," he shares.
Per Dr. DeSeta, the act of cooking and breaking gives children's and adults' brains a great workout "because you're using memory, attention, planning and problem-solving all at the same time."
"Following a recipe makes your brain think through each step instead of running on autopilot," she explains. "For grandparents, this kind of mental activity helps keep the brain engaged, while kids build important learning and thinking skills."
Additionally, Dr. Aldad says cooking and baking support fine motor development and sensory regulation for children as they practice kneading, pouring and cracking eggs.
"And because the setting is naturally collaborative rather than evaluative, it activates the same reward and attachment circuitry as secure play, without the anxiety some kids feel when an adult is watching them directly," he notes.
On the other hand, grandparents satisfy their "psychological need in later life to feel useful and to pass something on" when they teach their grandkids a new skill.
"That's a real driver of well-being in older adults," Dr. Aldad shares. "There's also a cognitive benefit: multitasking a recipe while managing a child's attention and answering questions is a mild form of cognitive load that fits the pattern researchers associate with maintaining cognitive reserve."
Related: 11 Things the Most Emotionally Supportive Grandparents Do Differently, According to a Psychologist
Your grandchild won't become the next Gordon Ramsay overnight, but there are ways to tailor cooking and baking sessions to their developmental level.
"Keep recipes simple and let them help with easy jobs like stirring, pouring pre-measured ingredients or decorating cookies. The goal is to make it fun while helping them learn how to follow simple directions," Dr. DeSeta suggests.
School-Aged (5-11)
"Give them more responsibility by letting them measure ingredients, crack eggs or read the recipe out loud," she states.
"Let them take the lead by choosing a recipe and preparing most of the meal with a grandparent nearby for guidance," she shares.
Related: Grandparents Who Make the Biggest Impact on Their Grandkids Usually Do These 10 Things, Psychologists Say
Screen-Free Bonding vs. 'Babysitting': The Psychological Difference
Sometimes, you only have the energy to act like a babysitter and simply ensure that your grandchild doesn't get hurt while they're in your care (Newsflash: That's totally OK).
But there's a noticeable difference in how traditional "babysitting" impacts children as opposed to screen-free bonding. Here's a quick guide on how the two approaches differ.
Activity TypeExamplesThe Psychological Impact on the ChildIntentional shared hobbies
Playing board or card games, gardening, arts and crafts, building or puzzle projects
"Screen-free hobbies create conversations and shared experiences that help children build secure relationships, emotional regulation and communication skills," Dr. Roeske states.
Passive "babysitting"
Putting on a movie or TV show, handing over a tablet or phone, leaving them alone with a pile of toys for long periods
"Passive screen use can provide temporary entertainment, but generally lacks the mutual interaction that supports healthy social development," he says.
Related: We Asked 4 Child Psychologists What They Wish More Grandparents Would Stop Doing—They All Said the Same Thing
Depending on your age and mobility, you may be looking for a mix of low physical impact family activities and screen-free hobbies for kids. Luckily, the pros we chatted with were happy to offer up a variety of activities that work for every personality.
1. Reading
"Reading books together naturally creates opportunities for connection, conversation and learning across generations," Dr. Roeske explains. "No matter the type of story that is being shared, the experience encourages meaningful interaction without requiring extra materials or complicated planning. Also, reading together may allow grandparents to share family traditions and values while giving children a safe space to express themselves."
"Working on puzzles together encourages collaboration and critical thinking. It also creates opportunities for conversation in a calm, low-pressure environment that allows relationships to strengthen naturally over time," he says.
3. Building activities
"Building activities, like with LEGO or building blocks, can promote creativity, planning and flexible thinking, while also encouraging both generations to work toward a common goal. These projects also teach children that challenges can be solved through teamwork, communication and perseverance," Dr. Roeske states.
"Board games are great because losing gracefully in front of a patient adult is genuinely good practice for emotional regulation," Dr. Aldad notes.
5. Science experiments
"Get a little messy with simple science experiments. Activities like making a baking soda volcano or growing crystals spark curiosity and give grandparents and grandkids a chance to learn together," Dr. DeSeta says.
Up Next:
Related: 6 Benefits of Living With a Grandparent, According to a Child Psychologist
Sources:
Dr. Tamir Aldad is a board-certified clinical psychiatrist and the CEO of mental health clinic Mindful Care.Dr. Michael Roeske is a psychologist at Newport Healthcare.Dr. Mindy DeSeta is a Miami psychologist and relationship expert.Hence then, the article about we asked 3 child psychologists what hobby is best for grandparents and grandkids they all said the same thing was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( We Asked 3 Child Psychologists What Hobby Is Best for Grandparents and Grandkids—They All Said the Same Thing )
Also on site :
- Walmart Is Selling $19 Crocs Flip Flops That Are So 'Comfortable,' You Can Feel Them 'Massaging Your Feet'
- 1963 Rock Song With 19-Year-Old Singer, Covered by The Rolling Stones, Is Still a Powerful Hit 63 Years Later
- Beasley Broadcast Group Announces Postponement of Reporting of Q2 2026 Financial Results and Date of Conference Call and Webcast