Asking Eric: Grandpa Avoids Holding Babies. Is He Missing Out on Something Important?

Asking Eric: I don’t like holding or kissing my grandbabies. Should I try to change?

DEAR ERIC: I have a situation that’s bothered me for years. I’m a grandfather. I’m going to be 78 this year. I have five children and eight grandchildren.

Asking Eric: Is it weird that I don’t want to hold my grandbabies?

Dear Eric: I have a situation that’s bothered me for years. I’m a grandfather. I’m going to be 78 this year. I have five children and eight grandchildren.I’m not a baby person. I don’t like holding them and doing all the things some people do with babies.

Asking Eric: Grandfather doesn’t want to hold grandchildren

Advice columnist R. Eric Thomas answers his readers' questions in this May 6, 2026 edition of Asking Eric.

Asking Eric: Is it weird that I don’t want to hold my grandchildren when they’re infants?

Advice from R. Eric Thomas.

Asking Eric: Can I bond with my grandkids without holding them?

Dear Eric: I have a situation that’s bothered me for years. I’m a grandfather. I’m going to be 78 this year. I have five children and eight grandchildren.

Asking Eric: Grandpa avoids holding babies. Is he missing out on something important?

Dear Eric: I have a situation that’s bothered me for years. I’m a grandfather. I’m going to be 78 this year. I have five children and eight grandchildren.