Part of being a grandparent is recognizing that the bond between grandparent and grandchild is markedly different than that between parent and child. Although due to grandparents having experience as parents – and occasionally a philosophy on parenting that differs from their children (and the grandchild's parents, more importantly) – there may be some desire to act as a back-up parent, this should be avoided as it will simply foster resentment and an absence of clearly delineated boundaries. While as a grandparent you might feel wistful about the parenting opportunities that you once had, it helps to realize that being a grandparent allows you to have a lot of the fun of raising kids, without the same material responsibilities.

Being a good grandparent is, as much as anything, about providing a senior authority figure outside of the child's parents who can certainly give help and advice to the children, but can also be a “cool” and relaxed figurehead who teaches the child, as much as anything, how fun life can be. In this respect, it is advisable to stop trying to see things through the eyes of a parent or even a grandparent, and try to see them through the eyes of a child instead. This will make you something of a hero in the eyes of your grandchild, and someone they will want to spend time with – something that any involved grandparent covets as much as anything. Taking your grandchildren to fun destinations on days out is a major part of this.

If your physical condition allows (and please, do not feel patronized by this, as the same caveat applies to many parents and even to kids), going to a funfair is often a hugely enjoyable part of being a grandparent. There are very few children in the world who will not think, after stepping off a fairground ride with their grandparent, “Wow! My grandpa/grandma is AWESOME!”. Everything should be approached with a sense of responsibility, but that is far from incompatible with having fun. Additionally, playing football or basketball with your grandkid will have a similar effect – particularly if you can learn to pull off a few tricks that make them think you are Dan Marino or Shaquille O'Neal.

Showing adeptness for crafts and art is also a way to make your grandchild see you as something of a demi-god. This can begin with decorating their room for when they come to stay. A little bit of research in advance – finding out who their favorite cartoon character or sports pro is – will allow you to make a little collage or a centerpiece that will have them in raptures when they come to stay. Then you can always look at adding to the piece with your grandchild as a consultant – ask them how they think it could look even cooler.

Developing a stand-up routine can be another way to make your grandchild see you as a hero. We are not talking elaborate 30-minute skits here, just the ability to tell short jokes that a kid will understand and find hilarious. This is something that draws on your own experience – kids today have the same basic sense of humor that you had as a kid. It may need some updating, but a short list of jokes you found funny at their age will go down very well.