Are you part of the growing number of Americans discovering the joy of being a grandparent? The number of grandparents in the U.S. has grown by 24 percent, and seniors are taking a larger role in the lives of kids, from helping them with homework and creative projects to sharing healthy and fun outdoor activities like fishing, hiking and bicycling.

With the retirement of the baby-boom generation, growing numbers of grandparents want to be part of their grandkids’ lives. This is a wonderful thing for both the grandparents and the grandkids.

Grandparents love being grandparents — 72 percent think it is the single most important and satisfying thing in their life. And 63 percent feel they can do a better job caring for grandchildren than they did with their own kids. This makes sense when you think about all the lessons grandparents learned as parents, their rich life experiences, the perspective they can bring — and the love they have to share.

[lz_ndn video=33290519]

There are many ways grandparents and grandkids both benefit from their time together. Grandparents have the chance to play and have fun with their grandkids. Play relieves stress, releases endorphins, boosts vitality, and even improves the immune response. Laughter has been proven to have numerous health benefits. The silly games, hugs and fun times you share with your grandkids will leave you with smiles and a warm glow when you think about each other.

For grandchildren, grandparents can be an emotional rock, a wise friend and a playful elder — the ‘go-to person’ when parents aren’t available. Grandparenting is an honor and a responsibility that allows us to have a profound positive influence on young people as they grow and navigate their other relationships with parents, friends, and the world.

If you are part of the boomer generation, you know that beautiful Beatles song with the words: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

The loving relationships we share with our grandkids are a perfect example of this circle of love. The time we spend together fills us with joy and strengthens us. Our grandkids learn from us, and we learn from them. And all it takes is simply spending time together, listening to them, and sharing experiences from their lives and ours.

Some grandparents live near their grandkids and are able to help parents with childcare, giving them a big influence in their grandchildren’s lives. Others are retired in parts of the country, distant from their children and grandkids, and may only see them a few times a year.

When sharing ideas, just listen, reflect, and ask questions. The result is often something they can’t wait to share with their parents.

Who do you think would win the Presidency?

By completing the poll, you agree to receive emails from LifeZette, occasional offers from our partners and that you've read and agree to our privacy policy and legal statement.

Whether you see your grandkids every day, once a week or a few times a year, there are things you can do to show them you love them, care about them, and are there for them. Here are some pointers:

1.) Listen nonjudgmentally, rather than correcting or challenging their ideas. Sometimes grandparents feel the need to be disciplinarians, and in some cases that might be appropriate. But when sharing ideas, just listen, reflect, and ask questions. The result is often something they can’t wait to share with their parents.

2.) Share compassionately. Kids are naturally reluctant to be open about what is bothering them. If you ask them how they are doing, the response will almost always be “fine.” Before they will be open with you, you will need to earn their trust. One way to do that is to be open about your own vulnerabilities. Kids often worry about loneliness, fear and failure. Sharing a story about how you went through something similar when you were growing up is a good place to start.

3.) Find ways to celebrate things they do well. Encourage children to express their creativity, whether it’s drawing pictures, writing stories, or putting on skits. Be specific in praising the creative aspects that you thought they did well. Encourage your grandkids to share with you whatever it is they love to do.

Related: Grandparents: Don’t Be So Grand

Whenever you are with your grandkids, find out what’s going on in their lives and be there to cheer them on when you can. Support them by attending their sports, drama, dance and other extracurricular events. If they need extra help with their homework (and you feel up to the challenge), perhaps you can be an informal tutor —  or provide an extra pair of hands. If your grandson or granddaughter has a school assignment to build a replica of a medieval castle, create a poster or write a poem, help them brainstorm creative ideas and put together the pieces.

Another great way build closer relationships: Take your grandkids on outings. This could be something as simple as taking them hiking, fishing, skating, or walking the dog at the park. I like to surprise my grandkids by picking them up early and taking them out for a day of fun (only their parents know where we’re going). I’ve taken them to go kayaking, watch ball games, tour kids’ museums and visit an animal shelter.

Related: We Grandparents Are Doing the Best We Can

There’s really no limit to the fun you can have together. Use your imagination! Share your ideas with other grandparents. Most of all, find out what your grandkids love, and share it with them. The time and joy you share together will bring you both joy for a lifetime.

Children’s advocate and author Robert Martin writes books with his granddaughter, Keira Ely, including the bestsellers “The Case of the Missing Crown Jewels,” and “SuperClara — a Young Girl’s Story of Cancer, Bravery and Courage.” Martin founded the nonprofit Bridge to a Cure Foundation to address the timely development of pediatric cancer treatments and cures. 

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette.