History of Grandparent's Day |
The first Sunday after Labor Day marks National Grandparents Day in the United States. Marian McQuade, a coal miner's wife, began celebrating Grandparent's 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. In 1978 Grandparents Day was declared a national holiday by President Jimmy Carter.
Every year on this day we honor Grandparents and celebrate the special place they hold in our families. We also thank them for all they do.
This Sunday, September 8th, don't forget to visit with your Grandparents or take your children to see their grandparents. We all know how much grandparents enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, no matter how big or small they are.
Don't have a grandparent nearby? Consider "adopting" a grandparent just like Marian McQuade suggested. Take a small potted flower, home made card or other small gift to really make their day.
Happy Grandparents Day!
Every year on this day we honor Grandparents and celebrate the special place they hold in our families. We also thank them for all they do.
This Sunday, September 8th, don't forget to visit with your Grandparents or take your children to see their grandparents. We all know how much grandparents enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, no matter how big or small they are.
Don't have a grandparent nearby? Consider "adopting" a grandparent just like Marian McQuade suggested. Take a small potted flower, home made card or other small gift to really make their day.
Happy Grandparents Day!
Interview A Grandparent- Learn About History |
It's amazing that sometimes we can know people well, but don't really know anything about their past. Specifically, grandparents. Now that it's Grandparents Day, why not make this a chance for your kids to "interview" grandma and grandpa and learn some interesting facts?
Here are 25 questions that can help get them started:
1. What was your bedroom like growing up?
2. Did you have stuffed animals or special toys you played with?
3. Did you have pets? What kind?
4. Did you fight with your brother or sister (if applicable)?
5. What were your favorite foods as a kid?
6. What is your first school memory?
7. Do you remember any of your teachers or have a favorite?
8. Did you go on vacation and where do you remember going?
9. Did you like or play sports?
10. What music did you listen to? Who was your favorite singer/band?
11. When did you get a TV and what did you watch?
12. Did you ever go to another country?
13. How did you meet (your spouse)?
14. Who were your best friends and what do you remember doing with them?
15. What did you want to be when you grew up?
16. What was your Christmas/Hanukkah/Holidays like growing up?
17. What do you wish you did as a kid but never got to do?
18. Did you have any idols?
19. What wars did you live through (and tell me about those times)?
20. What was your wedding like?
21. What was it like when you had your first baby?
22. What was your first car?
23. What was your first job?
24. Did you go to college? Trade school, etc?
25. What were your parents like?
Oh, there's so many more questions they can ask. But start with one and see where that leads. I'm sure your kids will remember this conversation forever. If you're present during the conversation, you may learn a thing or two yourself. I was shocked to learn that my father snuck into a wedding when he was about 20. It just gives you a new perspective and also reminds you that no matter how old people get, they were kids and they did many things we still do. They have rich experiences to share. Don't let your kids miss out on these fun and worthwhile conversations.
Grandparent's Day Craft |
Grandparent's day is September 12th and if your family is like mine we all live very far apart. So I had my children make "hugs" to send to them across the miles. Of course this also could be slipped into the mailbox if they live nearby.
Materials:
- washable paint
- paper
- scissors
- ribbon the length of your child's arm span
- tape
Print handprints out of paint onto paper.
When dry cut them out.
Attach the hands to the ends of the ribbon.
Mail to your grandparents with a note saying "Hugs coming your way!"
Lessons Learned From Grand Parents |
In addition to honoring grandparents and those who have been like grandparents to your kids, it's also a great opportunity for your kids to learn some valuable lessons from another generation. Here are three things your kids can learn from grandparents.
History – Our grandparents were alive for some significant points in history. Have your kids ask their grandma or grandpa where they were and what they remember about the day that Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech, or the day that man first landed on the moon, or the day of any other important event. Knowing that a member of their own family knows and remembers what happened makes history come alive!
Perseverance – Many grandparents had to overcome adversity to get to where they are today. Some were immigrants from other countries and had to adjust to a new life in America. Some worked long hours to provide for their families. Regardless of their circumstance, the lesson is that hard work and never giving up brings you closer to your dreams!
Respect – Nurturing strong relationships with grandparents or others from an older generation is a great way to teach your children respect for their elders. Our grandparents grew up in an era where teaching and learning manners and virtues like respect were second nature, making them the perfect teacher!
