There are plenty of adjustments that come with the empty nest years, and just about the time you think you've figured out this whole “our kids are adults now” thing, a new role comes along: grandparent. As it turns out, being Grandpa isn't exactly the same as being Dad. There's a whole new relationship to build—and maybe even a little learning how to “Grandpa” along the way.
That's what made Grandpa Day: Nurturing Grit, Smarts, and Love in the Next Generation by Perry Solomon interesting to me. Drawing on more than twenty years with his six grandchildren, Solomon shares how he has intentionally used time together to build relationships, create memories and become an important part of their lives. Read my thoughts on this book and learn about the author!
Category: Adult Non-fiction 18 yrs +, 196 pages
Genre: Self-help
Publisher: Lighthouse Family Press
Release date: Feb 4, 2026
Content Rating: G:
ABOUT THE BOOK
Through warm storytelling and practical guidance, Solomon demonstrates how every grandfather can become a trusted mentor and steady source of encouragement. Readers will learn how to create meaningful traditions, nurture individual interests, and support each grandchild’s natural talents, whether those lean toward art, science, reading, technology, sports, or hands on exploration. The book also offers down to earth advice on navigating family dynamics with respect, listening with intention, and fostering open communication across generations.
At the heart of Grandpa Day is a simple purpose. When grandfathers give their time, attention, and unconditional love, grandchildren grow into resilient and capable young people who feel secure and valued. In return, grandfathers experience personal growth, deepened emotional connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Blending personal memoir with practical wisdom, Grandpa Day celebrates the extraordinary impact of ordinary moments and invites every grandfather to embrace this role with patience, joy, and intention. It is both a guidebook and a legacy of love.
MY REVIEW
Not your Typical "Self-Help" Book. One thing to know before picking up Grandpa Day is that I wouldn't describe it as a typical how-to guide, even though it offers plenty of advice and ideas along the way. Solomon writes in a very conversational, personal style, using stories from his own experiences with his grandchildren to illustrate what has worked for him. Because of that, the book often feels more like a memoir about his years as a grandfather than a traditional self-help book. Some of the main ideas do get repeated throughout the book, so readers looking for a tightly organized, step-by-step guide may find it a little different from what they expect. I found it worked better when I approached it as one grandfather saying, essentially, “This is what I’ve been doing, this is why it has mattered to me, and maybe there’s something here you can use, too.” The real-world stories make his ideas easy to picture in your own family.
Solomon Offers Relatable, Useful Advice and Guidance for Dads-Turned-Grandpas. I also think that's where much of the usefulness of Grandpa Day comes from. You don't have to recreate Solomon's experiences exactly or establish an official weekly “Grandpa Day” to come away with ideas worth considering and trying out with your own grandchildren. For a new grandpa, the book can help you think about what kind of relationship you want to build from the beginning. For someone who has been a grandfather for months or years, it may offer a little nudge to become more intentional about how you approach one-on-one time, traditions, conversations and discovering what interests each individual grandchild. I especially liked the larger idea that being a good grandpa doesn't require elaborate, over-the-top outings or expensive experiences. Being present, paying attention and making ordinary time together meaningful can have a lasting impact.
Would I recommend Grandpa Day? I would. My readers know that I love memoirs and the sharing of life stories--so this book was a hit with me from that respect. It's also a hit from an advice giving/self help perspective--particularly for grandfathers who enjoy learning through someone else's experiences rather than following a list of instructions. It's also a book I could see being a thoughtful gift for a new or soon-to-be grandpa. Just go into it knowing that it's part advice, part personal story. If you're looking strictly for a concise grandparenting handbook, this probably isn't quite that. But if you'd enjoy spending some time with an experienced grandfather, hearing what he's tried and what he's learned, and using his experiences to think about the kind of grandpa you want to be, Grandpa Day offers plenty of food for thought.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Perry and his wife, Marie, live in Santa Monica, California. He is the stepfather of two daughters, Candace and Sabrina. Together, their growing family continues to be his greatest inspiration and the heart of his legacy.
A successful serial entrepreneur, Perry has spent decades building and advising companies across retail, distribution, manufacturing, consumer electronics, business services, and home products. His work as a founder, CEO, and advisory board member has earned him a reputation for wisdom, resilience, and leadership. Over the course of his career, he has completed four successful exits, achievements that now allow him to devote even more time to the family relationships that matter most.
In recent years, Perry has focused his energy on strengthening intergenerational connections and encouraging other grandparents to do the same. Through Grandpa Day, he shares practical advice, heartfelt stories, and meaningful activities designed to help grandfathers, grandparents, and seniors nurture love, communication, and confidence in their grandchildren. His mission is to help families create lasting memories, build strong bonds, and pass forward a legacy of love and wisdom for generations to come.
Connect with the author: Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads
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