Feb 20, 2026
🧠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.
đź‘‚ 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
đź’ˇ Reflection Question
What does your grandchild need from you right now—advice or understanding?
🚀 A Call to Action:
đź‘´ 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.
đź“š 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