A grandparent’s ordinary errand can become a child’s favorite part of visiting.

Children keep the parts adults consider filler. A trip to the shop, the queue at the counter, the particular smell of a car: those are the moments when a child has an adult to themselves and nothing is being staged for their benefit. Arranged entertainment is often less memorable than the walk to buy milk, and being included in the day beats being provided for.

With any child you spend time with, take them along on something plain instead of organising a treat. Let them help with the actual task, and talk as you go.