Get together with the grandparents this Sunday. Credit: Getty Images
Cynics often hear the words "Grandparent's Day" and shake their heads, under the widely mistaken belief that the national holiday, established in 1978, is nothing but another excuse to get people to buy gifts and cards. In reality, Grandparent's Day was the brainchild of Advocate for the Elderly (and grandmother of 40 herself) Marian McQuade. Mrs. McQuade was a West Virginia coal miner's wife whose regular visits to her community's nursing homes in the '50s and '60s spurred her to campaign for a day to be set aside for grandparents -- especially those in assisted living who rarely get visitors. The day is meant to foster relationships between old and young, with time being the most valued gift a grandchild can give.
If your children have grandparents who live nearby, it's possible that they frequently get to spend time with them already (lucky you!). Even if a visit to Grandma's isn't rare event, you can help make Grandparent's Day special for both your children and your parents.
Preschool-aged grandchildren give their grandparents joy just by being around -- a day at the park with a picnic lunch packed by Mom or Dad is a nice early-autumn family outing for Grandparent's Day. While gifts aren't necessary, if your little one is old enough to use crayons, have her make a simple paper card that you sign. Even a few scribbles from a toddler's crayon makes a more treasured gift than a purchased card.
Elementary school-aged grandchildren are old enough to start learning how to make special family recipes, either a batch of cookies or a nice dinner. Kids can help measure, crack eggs, mix and decorate -- and, of course, clean up! Grandchildren should leave with their own handwritten recipe cards from Grandma or Grandpa. Put them in a safe place for them; these little cards will be prized possessions one day.
Tweens may seem bored with everything, but show them photograph of Grandma when she was twelve (long before the word "tween" existed), and they'll have her attention. Sort through old family photos, and let the storytelling begin. Expect a few embarrassing stories about your own pre-teen days, but it will be well worth it. Making reprints of old photos has never been easier, so be sure to to copy a few for the grandkid's own family photo collection.
Teens might feel uncomfortable around much older family members, especially if they don't spend a lot of time with them on a regular basis. They shouldn't avoid Grandparent's Day, but take the time to learn about common interests they may have. Maybe Grandpa drove a cool car when he was a teen, or Grandma knew all the popular dances. Maybe they have stories of college in the '60s. These bits of personal history sometimes go over the heads of younger kids, but it can help teens see their grandparents as people who really are a lot like them. Encourage an outing (if possible) to a favorite restaurant, without Mom and Dad -- your treat.
Do your child's grandparents live far away? Check out our tips for celebrating across the miles!
