Why Play, Presence, and Purpose Matter More Than Toys

My First 12 Months as a Grandad

In this week’s episode, I look back on my first year as a grandad — what worked, what didn’t, and what surprised me most. From baby carriers to bike rides, Waterworld play spaces to family rituals, it’s a reflection on how presence, play, and purpose shape the bond we build with our grandkids.--------------Becoming a grandad changes you in ways you don’t always expect. In this episode, I take stock of my very first year in this role — the wins, the misses, and the surprising lessons that emerged along the way. Through play, presence, and purpose, I’ve discovered just how much difference simply showing up can make — and how being a grandad is about far more than toys or tradition. What’s Inside This Episode * Why presence is the best gift you can give your grandkids. * How a $50 front carrier built a bond stronger than any toy. * The joy (and backache) of graduating to e-bike adventures. * Why rocks, sticks, and water taps often beat store-bought toys. * How Duplo and busy boards set the bar higher — and kids rise to it. * The simple practice of diary-keeping relieves parental guilt. * How small rituals like “Quarter Turn Tuesday” deepen family purpose. This podcast isn’t polished — it’s my curious, messy, heartfelt quest to be the best grandad I can be. If you’d like to walk this journey with me, stick around and let’s learn together. 👉 www.bestgrandad.com [http://www.bestgrandad.com/] 🔑 Takeaways * Presence builds stronger bonds than presents. * Shared experiences outlast expensive toys. * Set the bar higher — kids thrive when they reach for it. * Small rituals create family connection and purpose. * Starting messy beats waiting for permission. Thanks for reading Best Grandad Project! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moderngrandad.substack.com [https://moderngrandad.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Why Play, Presence, and Purpose Matter More Than Toys

“This episode was recorded before the podcast evolved into Modern Grandad. The ideas still hold — the mission just got bigger.” Welcome back to the Best Grandad Podcast — my curious, messy, heartfelt quest to be the best grandad I can be. In this episode, I share: * Why play is about raising the bar, not lowering it (and why I built a toy my grandson can’t even use yet) * How the Macadamia Nut Raceway proves the best toys often cost nothing * Why presence is the most valuable gift a grandad can give — and why I’m happier off social media * How an e-bike became a bridge to parents and The New Grandad Club * Why I know this idea will work, even with just one sign-up * My pocket-sized reset for tough times: the 3 Ups — Own Up, Wise Up, Step Up This podcast isn’t polished. It’s me learning out loud — sharing experiments, stumbles, and small wins as I figure out how to show up for the next generation. 👉 Learn more at www.bestgrandad.com [http://www.bestgrandad.com/] ✨ Quote from the Episode“The best toy costs nothing. The best gift costs nothing. The best gift you can give your grandkids isn’t stuff — it’s you.” 🔑 Takeaways * Play, presence, and purpose matter more than toys. * Raising the bar helps kids (and adults) grow stronger. * Presence beats presents every time. * Grandads can fill the gap — and change who they are to change who kids become. * Responsibility is the reset button: Own Up, Wise Up, Step Up. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moderngrandad.substack.com [https://moderngrandad.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How Becoming a Grandad Changed My View of the Future

TITLE:Week 1 – How Becoming a Grandad Changed My View of the Future DESCRIPTION:This week on the Best Grandad Podcast, I’m explaining who I am and what triggered me to start the Best Grandad Project. As a first-time grandad, I’m on a curious, messy, heartfelt quest to figure out how grandads can show up for the next generation — with play, presence, and purpose. In each episode, I’m learning in real-time, trying new ideas, and sharing what’s working (and what’s not) so other grandads — and the families who love them — can join in. Whether you’re a grandad, soon-to-be grandad, or you care about the role grandparents play in kids’ lives, you’ll find ideas, stories, and inspiration to help kids grow stronger, braver, and more curious about the world. Keywords: grandad, grandfather, grandparenting, risky play, presence, purpose, legacy, bonding with grandkids, intergenerational wisdom, kids today, Best Grandad Project, Julian Mather This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit moderngrandad.substack.com [https://moderngrandad.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]