On Grandparenting

Grandparents’ Day is marked on the second Sunday in September since 1995. Too late to celebrate this year, but I think we should start thinking about ways of making the day as important as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day in the years to come. And why not?

          Those of us who are fortunate enough to be grandparents know how important grandchildren are in our lives and how much they contribute to our overall wellbeing. But there is also the fact that grandparents are important to grandchildren and add much to their maturity in terms of positivity, of confidence, of joy. Grandparents are fortunate to see their grandchildren grow physically as they grow emotionally surrounded by a very special kind of love.

          That point was made clear to me recently when one of my granddaughters stayed with me overnight in my spare bedroom. It was a thrill for her and it made her feel special that “just the two of us” were spending time together. Youngsters look up to grandparents and feel cherished when they interact with them. It’s a special bond that lets you know all is well with the world.

          And both generations learn from each other. I know I’ve learned from my grandchildren about their views of the world which are certainly different from the way I saw things when I was a youngster. And they answer my technical questions when it comes to modern communication devices. Very handy!!

And kids learn from grandparents with all their questions on anything and everything. As one said: “Grandparents know a lot of stuff.” And well they should after spending decades living and learning. It’s only fair that that “stuff” be handed down and remain alive in young minds.

Let’s celebrate grandparenting. We’ve earned it!