and now from a grandchild's perspective . . .

the best thing that grandparents can do is model christian love
and all that means 

individually, 

grandmothers, ALWAYS take your side...regardless...any time...

grandfathers always are the ones that can help you break those little rules your parents put in place just because...ice cream just before bed time, helping light the fire, learning to use the riding lawn mower when you can just touch the controls, getting the car when your parents don't think you need it.

Always volunteer for bathtime when they are young.  There is no such thing as too much water out of the tub or too much splashing.  Both make for more laughter, which makes for more splashing.

Baths are great for dealing with a fussy baby.  Get the water temp right and plunk them in (face up), then see above.

Let them see your Faith.

Love them unconditionally.
Let them know you are there for them if they need to talk about anything.
Remember you are the grandparents not The Parent (so you get to have more fun).

Brush up on Math and English, Science and History etc. because you may be doing a lot of projects.
Take time to go fishing and baking.
Travel with them, teach them how beautiful everywhere is, not just here.

Special holidays where their parents have to work become “cookie day”. They know they’ll never be chastised  for plunging their index finger into the uncooked dough since you also are willing to join them.

Go to the local tobogganing hill and seat them at the front. Be brave. Tell them this is a lesson and they have to learn that there are ups and downs. The pleasure of downhill means the struggle to going to the top.

Have an open “grandparent line” which means either through the antiquated telephone or Skype be there for them. Learn of what they did at school, their fears, surprises and later maybe about who walked them home. You have to earn this right by taking time for them and give them your sole attention when you are together.

Chauffeur at demand is their expectation when they just have to go to a friends’ in a neighbouring town since they are having fun and have so much to tell each other that they didn’t have time for at school.

Offer to be there if things aren’t going well and call you to come home at any time. This is an important offer especially for teenagers.

As you notice, these things don’t cost anything but the most costly thing one seems to have today – time. It is an investment for their future.

You don’t have to spoil grandkids with materialistic things and you can’t spoil them with too much LOVE.

The payment comes later in life when they repeat when leaving “I love you, Grandma or Greandpa!”

Smiles, tickles, cuddles and hugs, cookies and treats, games, acting silly, patience love and understanding, colouring, walks, adventures.

Have a “get lost day”. Drive about 10 km. from town and to avoid sibling squabbling, taking turns, allowing them at any intersection to decide whether they want to go left or right. You might experience some local gems that you never have seen. This trip always must stop at an ice-cream store and you don’t mind the trails of ice-cream flowing down to their chin because your chariot now is equipped with Kleenex, quick wipes and especially a first aid kit to bandage any “boo boos” they get climbing the tree in the park you just came to. Assure them that there really is a way to get home. When you open a large map, have them “find” their way home.

Treasure all the first words and antics.
Note anything different or unusual -- it will make great material for a grandparents' speech at a future wedding or special occasion.
Note (and enjoy and remember) pronunciation:
skubetty, elefanunt, incited (for "excited").

ps, they will always remember sleep overs with you!

Listen with your heart as well as your ears and eyes and hands.
Share curiousity -- theirs, not yours.
Be open to being a bit silly.
Trust in God's love and care for them.

Hugs.  Lots of hugs.  Get them early because they grow so fast.
Ask the question "What made you happy (sad) today?"
Do not talk baby talk to the child.
Give no advice unless asked (I bite my tongue a lot).
Abide by parents' decisions re. bedtime, food, discipline.

Genetically when your children have children you become a grandparent. This pattern has gone on for eons. To become GREAT, your stature has to minimize to fit in the tent that comprises a bed sheet draped over two chairs. Crouch down and magically go on a safari to Africa, mentioning all the animals within view. Some are imaginary but you must have noticed them before. You’ve even seen green ones! This tent for a grand-daughter is a magically transformed castle where her prince is coming to take her to a ball. She sometimes might even say you are her “prince”. This makes the effort worthwhile.