Why Play, Presence, and Purpose Matter More Than Toys

🎙️Week 2 – Why Play, Presence, and Purpose Matter More Than Toys

Welcome back to the Best Grandad Podcast — my curious, messy, heartfelt quest to be the best grandad I can be.

In this episode, I share:

• Why play is about raising the bar, not lowering it (and why I built a toy my grandson can’t even use yet)

• How the Macadamia Nut Raceway proves the best toys often cost nothing

• Why presence is the most valuable gift a grandad can give — and why I’m happier off social media

• How an e-bike became a bridge to parents and The New Grandad Club

• Why I know this idea will work, even with just one sign-up

• My pocket-sized reset for tough times: the 3 Ups — Own Up, Wise Up, Step Up

This podcast isn’t polished. It’s me learning out loud — sharing experiments, stumbles, and small wins as I figure out how to show up for the next generation.

👉 Learn more at www.bestgrandad.com

✨ Quote from the Episode
“The best toy costs nothing. The best gift costs nothing. The best gift you can give your grandkids isn’t stuff — it’s you.”

🔑 Takeaways

• Play, presence, and purpose matter more than toys.

• Raising the bar helps kids (and adults) grow stronger.

• Presence beats presents every time.

• Grandads can fill the gap — and change who they are to change who kids become.

• Responsibility is the reset button: Own Up, Wise Up, Step Up.

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https://open.substack.com/pub/bestgrandadproject/p/week-2-why-play-presence-and-purpose