Grandparents Day is a nationally recognized holiday celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day as a time "to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer." Congress passed the legislation and President Jimmy Carter signed the official proclamation for the holiday on August 3, 1978.
Grandparents Day is a great opportunity to help your kids learn more about your family's stories and history by spending some time with a grandparent.
Plan now to invite grandma, grandpa or both to lunch, if they don't live nearby make a date to call them via phone, or connect with them over video chat or email to give them the opportunity to share their memories about the family - from childhood to grandparenthood.
Create a list of questions with your kids that you can ask to not only learn more about them, but also your family!
Here are a few questions to get you started:
Grandparents Day is a great opportunity to help your kids learn more about your family's stories and history by spending some time with a grandparent.
Plan now to invite grandma, grandpa or both to lunch, if they don't live nearby make a date to call them via phone, or connect with them over video chat or email to give them the opportunity to share their memories about the family - from childhood to grandparenthood.
Create a list of questions with your kids that you can ask to not only learn more about them, but also your family!
Here are a few questions to get you started:
- What was your favorite toy / game growing up?
- How much did a candy bar or stick of gum cost when you were my age?
- Do you remember . . . how you felt when the first man landed on the moon, what about other important events? Ask several of these questions with different dates and events. This will help you craft a family history that intersects with significant historical events.
- Tell me about your first job, your wedding day, your first house.
- What was it like to be the parent of my parent - kids always like to hear what you were like as a child directly from your parents!
After you've spent some time listening, now it's time to compile your family stories!
Depending on how you spent time with your grandparent / grandparents, there are many options available:
- Create a video to share with relatives.
- Design a story book with different family "tales."
- Make a family timeline with pictures and words.
Have fun with learning about and preserving your family memories and celebrating your grandparents!
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Publisher's note: If grandparents don’t live nearby, try a virtual visit or a simple phone call to connect. We also know that some families may no longer have living grandparents. In that case, kids can still enjoy the wisdom and stories of older generations. Try reaching out to a neighbor or family friend who would love a visit, or contact a local nursing home and ask the activities director if there are residents open to visitors on Grandparents Day. The questions may not bring back your own family’s memories, but the answers will still be full of insight and heart - offering your children a special chance to learn from someone else’s grandparent.
