Henry Winkler Drops Grandparenting Wisdom to New Grandpa Jimmy Kimmel: Quality Time is What Counts
Becoming a grandparent is a whole new adventure, and who better to dish out the grandparenting gems than Henry Winkler? The legendary actor, known for his iconic role as The Fonz on Happy Days, has seven grandkids under his belt — so when late-night host Jimmy Kimmel recently joined the grandparent club, Winkler was ready to share some hard-earned advice.
On the May 21 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Winkler sat down with Kimmel to talk all things grandparenthood. Kimmel had just announced the arrival of his first grandchild and was eager to get some tips from a seasoned pro. Winkler didn’t disappoint.
Grandparenting isn’t about quantity, it’s about quality
One of the most valuable pieces of advice Winkler gave was simple but profound: it’s not about how much time you spend with your grandkids, but the quality of that time.
“I spoil them,” Winkler said with a grin. “It’s not the amount of time. It’s the quality of the time that you are spending. I promise you.”
That really struck a chord. In today’s fast-paced world, sometimes we think that just showing up is enough. But Winkler’s perspective reminds us that being truly present—fully engaged and enjoying those moments—makes all the difference.
Fun, simple activities create lasting bonds
Winkler’s seven grandkids all live nearby, which gives him lots of chances to connect. From birthday parties to casual Slip N’ Slide playdates, he keeps things light and fun.
“You just hang out,” he said, describing the vibe. It’s about creating memories, not scheduling elaborate plans.
That casual approach makes it easier for grandparents to stay involved and keeps kids excited to spend time with them. The message is clear: it doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive—just genuine.
Jimmy Kimmel’s new role: Grandpa
The night before, on the May 20 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, Kimmel revealed that he had just become a grandfather. His daughter Katie Kimmel, 33, and her husband Will Logsdon welcomed their first child, a healthy baby girl named Patti.
“The baby is healthy,” Kimmel shared, glowing with pride. “It’s a big responsibility to be a grandfather.”
You can feel the mix of excitement and nerves in his voice. Becoming a grandparent can be a joyful but also a daunting experience, especially when thinking about the kind of world you’re bringing a child into.
The future is a little scary—but hope remains
Kimmel wasn’t shy about expressing some concerns about the future his granddaughter faces.
“It is kind of scary though to bring a child into this world and say, ‘OK, you’re in this now at least until the year 2100. Good luck,’” he joked, but with a hint of seriousness underneath.
His humor helped to lighten the mood, but it’s a relatable feeling for many new grandparents. Raising a child in today’s uncertain times can be intimidating. Still, the joy of welcoming new life often outweighs those fears.
From killer bees to the Bermuda Triangle: Kimmel’s childhood fears vs. today’s challenges
Kimmel reminisced about the threats that scared kids when he was growing up. They were, quite frankly, a bit quirky.
“The most dangerous scenarios the future held when I was a kid, honestly, quicksand, the Bermuda Triangle and killer bees,” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.
It’s wild to think how much things have changed. While those dangers sound almost cartoonish compared to today’s challenges, the core feeling of worry about what lies ahead is timeless.
Why grandparents like Winkler are invaluable in today’s world
Grandparents bring something unique to the table: a lifetime of experience, love, and a different perspective. Winkler’s approach emphasizes enjoying every moment, whether it’s a birthday party, a day outside, or just hanging around.
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Grandparenting tip #1: Spoil your grandkids—but in a way that’s meaningful.
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Grandparenting tip #2: Focus on quality over quantity.
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Grandparenting tip #3: Keep things simple and fun.
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Grandparenting tip #4: Be fully present during the time you spend together.
These nuggets of wisdom remind us that grandparenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection. And in today’s fast-moving, tech-heavy world, those real connections are more important than ever.
Looking forward: What Kimmel and Winkler can teach us all
Whether you’re a grandparent, a parent, or just someone thinking about family, the conversation between Winkler and Kimmel is a heartfelt reminder. Life’s biggest joys often come from the little moments we share with loved ones.
Kimmel’s excitement about meeting his granddaughter Patti, mixed with his concern for the future, shows the full spectrum of grandparent emotions. Meanwhile, Winkler’s easygoing but wise approach offers a roadmap for making those moments count.
“You just hang out.”
Simple words with a big message.
In conclusion: Becoming a grandparent is a gift—and a responsibility. But thanks to seasoned pros like Henry Winkler, new grandparents like Jimmy Kimmel have some solid advice to lean on. At the end of the day, it’s about love, presence, and having fun.
So if you’ve got grandkids or you’re about to become a grandparent, remember these takeaways:
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Don’t stress about how much time you spend, focus on making it count.
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Find joy in everyday moments—birthday parties, backyard playdates, or just chilling.
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Embrace your new role with excitement, but also acknowledge your fears about the future.
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Laugh often, spoil a little, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Grandparenting is one of life’s sweetest chapters. And with wisdom from Winkler and humor from Kimmel, you’re ready to dive in.
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