I never thought that the best thing about being a grandparent was being able to "show kids how things are done" or to just "share experiences from the past", or even to envision "passing on the legacy and memory". To me its about having the freedom to just play and pretend because I no longer am looking for affirmation and respect in life!!! If one does not have it by now and internalized, I dont see how that is going to happen. BUT...to be able to just watch and appreciate, and dive into the imaginary world's that kids thrive on.
And nothing is more gratifying as a parent of adults than to witness your son or daughter as a devoted, trusted partner to his/her spouse and to see them truly "kvell" (enjoy as only a parent can). With all the challenges of parental and family life (job, time, money, safety, tasks, activities, etc)....seeing your own "children" develop into people who can enjoy and appreciate all the unique aspects of each of their own children.....that is a privilege above most others.
I always worry that I wont be able to think of things to "do" with any particular kid, whether age 1, 5, 8, 12, 18 etc....or what to "say". But in fact, that is for others to contend with. The most important thing for me to observe are the freedoms and constraints that their own parents value and embrace. So I have to behave in new ways as a grandparent I might not have done so well in the past. Yet that is part of the wonder of it all. What I know is that as long as one is willing to hear what that curious little person says or emotes, even if you cant control much....and as long as one is willing and able to jump into the land of pretend, then what comes out the other side is just fun.
When all else fails, we put a blanket on the floor, and every one of them (in this case 4 humans ages 3-5-7-9) gets to decide what animal they are or whether they are a plant or emoji, or concept....does not matter. I cover them up and let them wiggle around, launch into the open when they are ready, and take on whatever powers seem to best fit the situation....as aware or unaware of the other siblings, as risky or safe as the persona needs to be. Sometimes one of them takes on the identity that another had invented a few minutes ago. Sometimes they just stick with the same thing over and over every single time.
The specific activity, game or engagement does not matter. Regardless of age, each of them would continue this all night long if given. the opportunity. Instead of screen time, phone time, social media time, or physical altercation.
The secret sauce is nothing I have to think up.....kids are the creators, the purveyors and the consumers of the joy. It is both exhilarating and exhausting. We should never let that genie back in the bottle.