The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Grandparents Day
- Who: Marian McQuade, a coal miner's wife, started celebrating Grandparents Day in West Virginia in 1973. In addition to raising her children, she took pride in comforting the old and encouraged people to "adopt" a grandparent just for the joy and wisdom the experience would bring.
- What: In 1978 Grandparents Day was declared a national holiday by President Jimmy Carter.
- When: The first Sunday after Labor Day
- Where: Anywhere and everywhere - but especially wherever grandparents and grandchildren can spend time together.
- Why: There are three main purposes, first is to honor grandparents, second to give them an opportunity to show love for their grandchildren and third to help children learn about the strength, information, guidance and wisdom older generations offer.
Happy Grandparents Day!
👉 Learn more about Marian McQuade and her mission to create this holiday.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day
Make Grandparents Day About Time Together
One of the best gifts you can give won't cost you a thing - it's time. What a bargain! Time is one of the most valuable gifts you have to offer, and in exchange, grandparents might share an amazing story or teach you how to do something you didn't know how to do. Grandparents don't need a fancy gift to feel loved. Give kids a chance to spend some one-on-one time with Grandma, Grandpa or another special older adult in their lives. Now if you do want to give them a fancy gift they may not say no!
Here are a few ideas to get you started
- Share a favorite meal: Cook or bake something together, or have the kids help make a favorite family recipe.
- Look through old photos: Ask grandparents to tell stories about the people, places and adventures in the pictures. Ask them if they have any old slides or home movies you can look at together.
- Play a favorite game: Break out a board game, cards or a game grandparents loved when they were kids.
- Ask about their childhood: Kids can ask about their first job, favorite toy, school days, family traditions or what their parents were like.
- Make a memory: Take a photo, record a short video or write down a favorite story to save and share with the family.
- Watch a movie or TV show together: Let them share their favorites with you, or you with them.
Now if you want to give them a token of your appreciation we have a few craft ideas you can try. Now don't be confused by the fact that some of these crafts might have originally been for mothers, fathers or even teachers, they work just the same for grandparents too. We are pretty crafty here at Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas and we know how to recycle one idea into another.
Here are some fun and easy DIY gifts ideas for you kids to create for their grandparents:
- Coloring pages: Print the free pages that kids can color to celebrate a grandparent they love.
Three Lessons Kids Can Learn From Grandparents
Grandparents have lived through decades of changes, challenges, adventures and everyday life. Spending time with them isn't just fun - it's also a chance for kids to hear stories, ask questions and learn things they can't get from a textbook.
- History - Grandparents were around during some pretty significant moments in history. Have your kids ask Grandma or Grandpa where they were and what they remember about important events. Whether it's the moon landing, a historic event they remember watching on the news or something that happened in your own family, hearing about history from someone who actually lived through it makes it come alive!
- Perseverance - Many grandparents have had to overcome challenges to get where they are today. Some may have moved to a new country, started over somewhere new, worked long hours to provide for their families or faced challenges we know nothing about. Their stories can remind kids that life doesn't always go exactly as planned, but hard work, determination and not giving up can help us move forward.
- Respect - Building strong relationships with grandparents and other older adults is a wonderful way for kids to learn about listening, kindness, patience and respect. Grandparents have a lifetime of experiences to share, and giving kids the opportunity to listen, ask questions and learn from them can help build a connection that lasts for years.
And here's the best part: You never know where one question or story will lead. Kids may discover a family story they've never heard before - and grandparents may love having the chance to tell it.
Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas, wants to wish all the amazing grandparents and great-grandparents out there a very happy Grandparents Day! Join us as we celebrate the heart and soul of our families with fun ideas and meaningful ways to make this day special.
Happy Grandparents Day!
Now Find Something Fun to Do Together!
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Grandparents Day? Check out our local events calendar and find something you can enjoy together! From family-friendly events to activities for all ages, pick something that sounds fun, make a plan and go make some memories.
💌 And here's a Macaroni Tip: If Grandma, Grandpa or another special grandparent in your family loves finding things to do with the kids, share Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas with them! Our free weekly newsletter is filled with fun things to do with kids at home and around town, so they can find their next adventure too.
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