Episode #19
How Grandparents Can Bridge the Gap and Build a Stronger Family Legacy | Ep 19
Parents and grandparents often want the same thing: what is best for the children they love. Yet differing expectations, unspoken boundaries, and the need to be right can turn that shared goal into family tension. In this episode of The Power of Family, Terry Willis speaks with grandparenting author and TEDx speaker Neil Taft about how grandparents can strengthen the whole family by honoring the parents of their grandchildren. The conversation also explores intentional family communication, Neil's nearly 20-year tradition of writing a weekly Family Newsletter, and the importance of ensuring that young people feel seen, valued, and connected to a trusted adult. Guest Bio Neil Taft is a grandparenting expert, great-great-grandfather, author of five books, keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, retired youth minister, and lifelong youth advocate. Through decades of intergenerational family work, he helps grandparents build stronger relationships by respecting parents, communicating intentionally, and ensuring that children feel seen, valued, and connected. Key Insights / Takeaways Honor the parents of your grandchildren. Respect does not require complete agreement, but it does require recognizing that the parents are responsible for their children. Never challenge a parent in front of the children. Concerns and disagreements should be discussed privately rather than allowing children to witness adults undermining one another. Ask before advising or acting. Questions such as "What are we working on?" or "Would you like my opinion, or would you prefer that I listen?" communicate respect and prevent unnecessary conflict. Consider the price of being right. A single comment made from anger, pride, or the desire to win can damage family relationships for years. Connection requires attention and intention. Family bonds grow when people consistently notice, remember, communicate, and help one another feel seen and valued. Chapters 00:00 The Biggest Mistake Grandparents Make 01:04 Meet Neil Taft and His Grandparenting Journey 07:38 Why Grandparents Must Honor the Parents 14:03 Letting Adult Children Build Their Own Families 19:18 How Parents and Grandparents Can Work Together 23:30 Offering Guidance Without Undermining Parents 26:14 The Cost of Needing to Be Right 33:41 Keeping an Extended Family Connected 38:46 What Children Need From Trusted Adults 40:50 The Most Important Family Tool: Pay Attention Connect with Neil Taft Website: https://goodtogreatgrandparenting.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodtogreatgrandparenting/ Think about one relationship in your family that could benefit from more listening, understanding, or respect. Share this episode with someone you would like to stay connected with. Learn more: https://thepoweroffamilyus.com Follow Us on Social Media Instagram: https://instagram.com/thepoweroffamilyus Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepoweroffamilyus Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepoweroffamilyus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepoweroffamilyus/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepoweroffamilyus Leave us a review: Leave us a review on Apple podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-power-of-family/id1852957294 Leave us a review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3xyf52vhoDz0ENDRSdQGZG
