🧭 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.
👂 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
💡 Reflection Question
What does your grandchild need from you right now—advice or understanding?
🚀 A Call to Action:
👴 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.
Free Download Resource Just for You
I didn’t forget. Here is your FREE download resource about building and growing your Understanding Heart: https://cool-grandpa.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Cool-Grandpa-–-An-Understanding-Heart-Reflective-Worksheet.pdf
📚 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
More Than Grand 
Grandfathers have a unique and meaningful role to play in grandchildren’s development, yet they often find themselves behind the scenes, on the sidelines, or less engaged than they’d like to be. This masterclass delivers a playbook for helping grandfathers level up their influence and impact. Listeners to The Cool Grandpa Podcast can receive 40% off this course by using Cool40 at checkout.
Founded in 2011 by Aaron Larsen as a way to honor his grandparents, GrandparentsAcademy.com is the world’s first and only online academy dedicated to helping grandparents grow meaningful relationships and rich legacies with their loved ones.
