There’s a cutesy sign sold in tourist shops. It reads, “If Mother says no, just ask Grandma.” Although the sign is intended to be funny, wisdom lurks behind its message.

Grandchildren add a new perspective to life. Grandparents are often caught doing things with their grandchildren they once wrote, in ink, on their “Never in This Lifetime” list.

List your grandchildren, their birth dates, and where they were born.

Tell a story about the first time you met each grandchild.

What do your grandchildren call you? Why?

 How did becoming a grandparent change your life?

How is being a grandparent different from being a parent?

Did your relationship with your children change after they had children? Tell the story.

Is your children’s parenting style different from yours? How do you “zip it” and follow their rules? Tell the story.

Do you “spoil” your grandchildren and then send them home? Tell a story about “spoiling” your grandchildren.

Do you live far away from your grandchildren? How do keep in touch? How do you ensure that you will be a part of their lives? Tell the story.

Tell a story about a special time you spent with each grandchild.

Tell a story about a time you taught your grandchildren a lesson.

Tell a story about a time your grandchildren taught you a lesson.

Tell a story about traditions you and your grandchildren treasure.

What hopes do you have for your grandchildren?

What blessings do you bestow on your grandchildren?

What advice do you have for your grandchildren?

Do you have possessions you hope your grandchildren treasure after you are no longer here? What are they? Who do you want to receive these possessions?

What do you hope your grandchildren remember about you?

Share your stories with your grandchildren.

Ask them what stories they want you to add to your estate wellness plan.