Celebrating Grandparents

I have a lot of memories of spending time at Grandma and Grandpa’s house when I was growing up.  At that time, I was blessed to have grandparents that lived less than 2 miles from our house and the other grandparents within a couple hours.  I have many good memories of time spent with my grandparents.  We spent time together camping, telling stories, riding their 3-wheeler, etc.  It was never anything big, but it all came down to one thing they gave me, my siblings and cousins: Time.  They spent time with us.

So as we look forward to National Grandparents on September 10^th, I would like to share a few ways you and your children can show appreciation to your grandparents and for all the time they spend supporting your family.

Send some love through the mail

When our grandparents were young, there was no email, text, or video chat.  Some might not have even grown up with a phone.  They could, however, send letters.  Who doesn’t love receiving fun things in the mail?  Try this with your grandparents, they will love it!  This could be as simple as writing a letter or card.  Young children can draw or color a picture.  Send pictures of things your family has done lately.  Send small gifts or treats.  You will definitely make their day.

Visit

Visit your grandparents as often as possible.  They love to get all the grandkid time that they can: hugs, kisses, stories, games, and etc.  Put away all distractions, like cell phones, and just be with them.  While you are there, maybe make them their favorite dinner or dessert.  Ask if you can help them with anything.  Show them that you love and care for them.

     
                                                                                    Invite them to important events

I still remember my grandma being there for my dance and piano recitals when I was younger, and then concerts and graduations when I was older.  They might be the crazy ones on the front row cheering for you and talking 100s of pictures, but it’s because they love you and want to be there.  They love knowing what is going on in your life.  Invite them to be a part of it. 

Because of distance or death, these things might not be possible for everyone.  Consider this.  If you want your child to have influence from an older person, consider adopting a grandparent.  It could be a neighbor that could benefit from these things as much as you could benefit from spending time with them.

Even though we celebrate grandparents on September 10^th, these are things you could do year round.