Has your grandchild ever asked you if you were "with it?" Or if you are "HIP?" Do you even know what "HIP means? Well, "Hip," means what, in days past, grandparents used to define as "popular." And for teenagers today there is another term they use to define being "super-popular." That's being "Cool."

"Being seen as a "Cool" grandparent by your grandchild is a compliment because your grandchild won't think you're "out-of-it" and can bring you into, and share their world more easily.

On the other hand, as much as a grandparent may want to see their grandkids, the feeling may not be mutual because the grandparent may be "out of it." In other words not be on the level of "coolness" or "hipness" needed for the grandchild. Although the grandchild may love a grandparent very much it's possible he/she won't seek out Grandma's or Grandpa's company as much without some common interests.

That's why it is so important that grandparents get "with it." Even when a grandparent and grandchild have few common daily life interests they always have love and commitment in common. Sometimes, when the generations are far apart, a grandparent may show the grandchild that, although they might not be as "cool" as their friends, the love and support grandparents they offer in the important things in life can still be a lot of fun.

So, if you are Hip" or not, take your grandchildren out for a fun day. Going to baseball games, movies, hikes, shopping, camping out, and sightseeing together can be a lot of fun. Certainly your grandchild will find it "cool" when you watch your grandchild's favorite movie together while you both munch happily on a big bag of popcorn.

Grandchildren feel it's "cool" when grandparents honor their grandchild's wishes. For example, when a grandchild says that he needs some space because something like he/she just got "dumped" by their boyfriend or girlfriend. Grandparents should allow their grandchild to work through the hurt alone, yet be there if the grandchild asks for support or advice. That's really being "cool."

What grandchildren need most is love from their family. As a grandparent, just let them know you are there for them to listen or to go out and have a great time. When you show your love and respect your grandchild will know that he/she can trust you. Just by showing love your grandchild will know you are truly "hip" to his/her needs, and "cool," as a person.