The Legacy Formula: Building a Lasting Impact as a Grandparent

As a grandparent, you hold a special role that is both a privilege and a responsibility. Your love, wisdom, and experiences are invaluable resources, not just for the present, but for shaping your grandchildren’s future. The Legacy Formula empowers you to maximize your influence on your grandchildren.

What Is the Legacy Formula?

The Legacy Formula is a simple, yet profound way of thinking about your influence. It helps you shift your focus from what you can’t do to what you can do—leveraging your unique gifts and identifying moments where your impact will be greatest. Here’s how the formula works:

Your Unique Gifts + Windows of Influence = Lasting Legacy

The key to the formula is intentionality. By focusing on the strengths you already have and aligning them with meaningful opportunities, you can build strong relationships and pass on faith, values, and life lessons to your grandchildren.

Step 1: Identifying Your Gifts and Strengths

Grandparents have a wide variety of strengths, and many of these can be used to build stronger relationships. Your gifts go far beyond financial resources—they include your time, skills, experiences, wisdom, and faith.

Here are examples of different types of gifts you might have:

• Tangible Gifts: Time, financial support, homes for gatherings, or thoughtful gifts for special occasions.
• Intellectual Gifts: Skills like cooking, gardening, or woodworking, as well as family stories, professional experience, and educational support.
• Emotional Gifts: Unconditional love, encouragement, wisdom, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Spiritual Gifts: Faith, prayer, moral teachings, and church involvement.
• Cultural and Practical Gifts: Passing down family traditions, sharing cultural knowledge, or teaching life skills.

Take a moment to reflect on the unique strengths you bring to your family. These gifts are the tools you can use to connect with your grandchildren and leave an enduring mark on their lives.

Step 2: Recognizing Your Windows of Influence

Every grandparent has moments—whether small or large—where they can have a meaningful impact on their grandchildren. These “windows of influence” are opportunities to connect, teach, and guide. Some windows will be consistent, like attending Sunday dinners or video chatting regularly, while others may arise unexpectedly. The key is to recognize these opportunities and make the most of them.

Examples of Windows of Influence:

• Proximity: Living nearby allows for frequent visits or shared activities.
• Technology: Use video calls, text messages, or phone conversations to stay connected if you live far away.
• Milestones and Special Occasions: Birthdays, holidays, and graduations are natural opportunities to deepen relationships.
• Shared Interests: Engage in hobbies you both enjoy—whether that’s fishing, reading, baking, or playing games.
• Church and Spiritual Activities: Attend church services together or talk about faith in everyday conversations.
• Support in Life Transitions: Help with school projects, provide emotional support during difficult times, or celebrate achievements together.

Each interaction—no matter how small—can become a moment where love, wisdom, and faith are passed on. The key is to be intentional, watching for these windows and using them well.

A Real-Life Example: James and Sophie

James and his wife, Linda, live near their 10-year-old granddaughter, Sophie. James loves art, and he noticed that Sophie shares his interests. And Linda loves to cook and Sophie finds their times together a treasure focused on baking fun things for others.  James and Linda decided to make the most of their special bonding times. A couple of times a month they had Grandpa school focusing on art and other times Linda would have Sophie over to bake.

During these visits, both grandparents made sure to weave faith into their conversations. On one occasion, James shared Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” By connecting art with faith, James is planting seeds that will shape Sophie’s understanding of God as her Creator and masterful artist.

What started as a simple activity has become a treasured tradition for all of them. Sophie now looks forward to their regular adventures, and the bond they’ve created grows stronger with each shared experience.

Legacy Moments: Making Every Interaction Count

Creating legacy moments doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. It’s about being present, intentional, and using your gifts to build relationships that reflect God’s love. A simple phone call, an encouraging word, or a shared prayer can leave an impact that lasts a lifetime.

Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Each interaction—no matter how small—contributes to the rich tapestry of your grandchild’s life and faith journey.

To learn more about Dr. Scott Turansky’s book entitled Grandparenting With Purpose, go here.