Bonus Show - How Grandkids Stretch Us: Lessons from Dean Nielson

Show Notes

You are going to enjoy listening to the very first interview that I did for The Cool Grandpa Podcast. This episode originally aired back in May of 2020. This conversation still resonates with me, my wife Karen, and many other listeners to the podcast. If you heard it before, I hope you enjoy it again. If this conversation is new to you, you will get a lot of wisdom from Dean.

In this heartfelt, post-Thanksgiving episode, I sit down with longtime friend and seasoned grandfather Dean Nielson. Dean—a Lean Six Sigma project manager, Eagle Scout mentor, devoted husband, dad of four, and grandfather of six—shares powerful lessons about embracing grandparenthood with presence, patience, and purpose.

Dean opens up about becoming a grandfather earlier than expected, and how that surprise launched emotional growth, healing, and a deeper appreciation for the influence grandfathers have in shaping young lives. He and I dig into the differences between granddaughters and grandsons, how kids naturally gravitate toward grandma or grandpa, and why grandfathers shouldn’t take those early patterns personally.

Dean’s wisdom shines when he talks about doing it better the second time, including being more present, more patient, and more intentional than he sometimes was as a young dad. He shares simple but powerful stories—from building blanket forts to gently pushing kids beyond their comfort zones on the rope swing—that illustrate how grandfathers help grandchildren develop confidence, bravery, and emotional security.

You’ll also hear a moving story about Dean’s own grandfather and how that relationship still impacts him today.

This episode is packed with warmth, humor, and genuine grandpa insight—perfect for the day after Thanksgiving, when many of us are still surrounded by family and gratitude.

Highlights

• The emotional surprise of becoming a grandparent earlier than planned
• How granddaughters and grandsons respond differently to Nana vs. Pop
• Why play is essential—especially for stretching confidence
• Lessons learned from raising kids that help us show up better as grandparents
• The importance of simple affirmations: “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” “You’re beautiful.”
• A powerful legacy story from Dean’s grandfather

Takeaways

• Grandparenting offers a “second chance” to be more present.
• Kids do listen—your words matter more than you think.
• Grandpas play a unique and important role in building confidence.
• Don’t compare your connection to grandma’s; each relationship is unique.
• Stretch grandkids gently—adventure builds courage.

Links

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