“We visited my grandparents as often as we could. They couldn’t have been more different: on my dad’s side, it felt like an etiquette school; on my mum’s, a fun park. I loved being at both” writes PAUL DORIN.

Some grandparents spend many hours a week with their grandchildren since both parents are at work or have a single-parent family. 

If you’re someone who doesn’t speak to or visit your grandparents often, it might be worth making the time.

One day, a quiet moment will sneak up on you – not dramatic, just sudden and you’ll realise they’re no longer there.

Grandparents have a quiet way of shaping who we become. Not through big, dramatic life lessons, but through the little things such as feeding you as if you haven’t eaten in days, slipping you treats your parents said no to, and giving advice that’s equal parts wisdom and completely outdated.

They spoil you just enough to feel special, and just enough to make your parents slightly suspicious. And somehow, without realising it, you grow up sounding exactly like them.

My grandparents are gone now, but they still show up in the smallest parts of my day. Like the way my pop sliced his beans I still copy his method today. It shows up in my recipes, in how I make scones or lemon butter and even in my little odd rituals.

We visited my grandparents as often as we could. I had sleepovers every school holiday, splitting my time between them. They couldn’t have been more different: on my dad’s side, it felt like an etiquette school; on my mum’s, a fun park. I loved being at both, and they loved having me stay.

As I got older, the sleepovers stopped, but the visits didn’t. As an adult, my mum would gently remind me to drop in and visit grandma and grandpa.

I was fortunate they lived close enough for regular visits. I loved swapping raspberry kisses with grandma and touring the garden and big veggie patch with my grandpa before I left.

I would call my nan almost every couple of days. A brilliant speller, she became my personal spell checker. If I ever doubted a word, she had the answer. She was also very trusting, which made her the perfect target for my occasional prank calls, pretending to be some annoying stranger.

Encouraging children to stay in touch with their grandparents is more than just a nice habit, it’s building memories that last a lifetime.

Whether it’s a quick phone call, a video chat, or even a text, these little connections matter. They remind kids that their grandparents are interested, present and part of their everyday lives, even if they can’t be there in person.

I was so lucky to have my grandparents into my adulthood. I loved watching the close relationship my children had with my mum, especially before dementia slowly began to change things.

My mum truly loved being a nana, and she made every moment with her grandchildren feel special. It reminded me just how precious those connections are. I’ve kept the fun messages and drawings from my kids and my brother’s kids that were once stuck all over her fridge.

Today, staying connected is easier than ever. While technology allows us to be virtually present, meaningful connection still requires intention.

Encouraging children to regularly call, message, and share their stories can make a lasting difference. Simple routines – like a weekly call or sharing a photo – can be deeply meaningful, bringing grandparents joy, a sense of inclusion, and the reassurance that they remain an important part of their grandchildren’s lives.

It’s a privilege to have grandparents creating memories that will last a lifetime.

I often think about the fun times I had with both sets of my grandparents. I love saying to my kids: “Back in my day…” when I reminisce.

Though none of the grandchildren ever admitted a favourite, and no formal announcement was ever made, I’m unofficially claiming the trophy… obviously, it was me!

Paul Dorin is the CityNews cartoonist. 

News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.