This week, Dina sits down with Isabel Tom to talk about the importance of building meaningful connections between grandparents and grandchildren. Drawing from her experience growing up with her grandparents and working in senior living and hospice care, Isabel shares practical ways families can bridge the generational gap through curiosity, conversation, and intentional time together.

The conversation explores caregiving, honoring older generations, and how children can have a profound impact on the lives of aging loved ones. Isabel also introduces her Grandkid Investigator Kit, a resource designed to help kids uncover family stories and create lasting memories with their grandparents.

A powerful reminder from this episode: every generation has value, purpose, and more to share.

This week in the kitchen:

Since we are at the tail end of the school year we want quick and easy! Isabel loves to turn to pesto pasta, in solidarity here is Dina’s recipe for Pesto Pasta Salad.

Featured recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

ingredients

 1 lb dried pasta such as elbows or cavatappi, cooked according to package directions

 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped

 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese

 1 tsp kosher salt

 1/2 tsp black pepper

 1/2 cup mayo

 1/3 cup olive oil

 1 cup fresh mozzarella cubes or Bocconi cut in half

 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

instructions

1. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and set aside
2. In a blender add basil, parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and mayo.
3. Blend until mixture is smooth and combined.
4. Place the pasta in a large bowl and pour the pesto sauce over the pasta. Toss gently and make sure pasta is coated.
5. Fold in the mozzarella and tomatoes gently. Let the pasta chill for about 30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
6. If you have balsamic glaze a little drizzle prior to serving is nice!

Resources: Dina’s Cookbook-https://www.amazon.com/At-Kitchen-Sink-Recipes-Cookbook/dp/0593728939

Dina’s Web Site: https://www.dishitgirl.com/recipes/pesto-pasta-salad

Grandparent Investigator Kit : https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/store

Connect with Isabel: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/

Diane’s Instagram: @isabelctom

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

DishItGirl is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org