After Mother’s Day and Father’s Day come and go in May and June, many of us assume that the holidays for honoring family have been wrapped up for the year. Red Apple Reading would like to remind our readers of another important holiday for honoring some pretty special people in our lives – Grandparent’s Day. While we should be thankful for our grandparents year round, this Sunday, September 8, is the official holiday for celebrating our grandmothers and grandfathers! Don’t let this important day pass without paying proper respect to the patriarchs and matriarchs in your family. We would like to offer a few suggestions for making Grandparent’s Day extra special this year!
Conduct an Interview
This is a project your kids will love doing with their grandparents! When my husband was getting his master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy several years ago, he had to conduct extensive interviews with close members from both sets of our families. We were blown away by all the interesting details we didn’t know about those who were closest to us. Your little ones can discover fun tidbits about Grandma and Grandpa by conducting an interview of their own (on a smaller scale of course!). Have your children prepare a list of several questions to ask their grandparents. For example, “What was your favorite toy when you were a kid?”, “How old were you when you got your first car?”, or “How many states have you visited?”. Then have the grandparents over for dinner and let your kiddos conduct their interview. Not only will your children enjoy this, but the grandparents will love reminiscing as well. Does your family live far away? No problem! Have the kids conduct a phone or Skype interview. Everyone will love the experience of getting to know a treasured family member better!
Send a Picture
Because my parents have just about everything they need or want, it can be hard to shop for them. However, I never go wrong when I send them pictures of the grandkids! There is always room on the coffee table or refrigerator for another picture of a beloved grandchild. Plus, little ones grow up and change fast. Updated photos are a good way to show the grandparents how much your little one has grown (especially important for out of town grandparents!). Check out websites such as Shutterfly which let you upload pictures from your computer to make photo books and other photo gift items. This year send some pictures of the kiddos to Grandpa and Grandma. After all, pictures are gifts that can be enjoyed all year long!
Give a Book
Of course, everyone knows that a book is the perfect gift! OK, maybe that is my personal opinion. However, there is a plethora of great reading material out there for the grandparents in your life. For example, Lois Wyse’s book, Funny, You Don’t Look Like a Grandmother contains various anecdotes and writings celebrating the joy of being a grandmother. Your grandmother will be both amused and touched when she reads this one. And Granddad will enjoy, Grandpa Rules by Michael Milligin, an enjoyable book about what the role of Grandpa entails. Perhaps your grandparent is more into fiction or biography; whatever book you choose, they will be reminded of how much you love them every time they crack it open!
Grandparents are a vital part of our lives and the lives of our children. Make sure you honor them this weekend with a special token of appreciation. They will feel loved and your kiddos will be reminded of the importance of these extraordinary family members!
