Celebrate Grandparent’s Day With Young Children

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Grandparents are an invaluable part of our lives, providing love, wisdom, and a unique bond that only they can cultivate. As this day approaches on Sunday, September 8, 2024, it presents a beautiful opportunity to celebrate and honor these remarkable individuals. For parents of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, organizing a memorable and engaging celebration will make precious memories for everyone in the family.  This blog post will explore its history and create a guide for parents to celebrate Grandparents Day. This guide will emphasize the importance of building lasting memories and fostering meaningful relationships on this special day. 

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History of National Grandparent’s Day in America

Marian McQuade was a mother of 15 children in West Virginia in 1964. She was an American elder rights activist best known as the founder of Grandparents’ Day in the United States. When her children started leaving home, she started advocating for this to be a national holiday. In 1978 President Jimmy Carter called her to the White House and declared it a national holiday. National Grandparents Day is celebrated each year on the Sunday following Labor Day. 

Guide for Celebrating Grandparents Day

Preparing for the Celebration:

Parents should involve the children by explaining the significance of the occasion to kick off the preparation for this special day. They should explore the concept of family and the role of grandparents in their lives, highlighting the incredible love and care they provide. Encourage toddlers and preschoolers to share their feelings and memories about their grandparents, fostering a sense of gratitude and excitement about the upcoming celebration.

Planning Meaningful Fun Activities:

One of the best ways to celebrate is by engaging in activities that help foster strong bonds and create cherished memories with the younger generations. Organize exciting crafts, such as making personalized cards, photo albums, or collages dedicated to grandparents.

Encourage children to showcase their creativity and personal touch, allowing them to express their love and appreciation for an older generation. Older kids should also be included in these special events! Here are some fun and classic activities the entire family can participate in:

• Hand Prints
• Picture Frames made with Popsicle Sticks
• Family Tree
• Favorite Family Recipes Book
• Little Coupon Booklet of Things
• Flowers made with paper

To further engage toddlers and preschoolers, consider interactive activities such as storytelling sessions or role-playing games emphasizing the unique relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. These activities allow children to learn from their grandparents’ experiences and help develop communication skills and empathy.

Nurturing Intergenerational Connections:

Grandparents Day is an ideal occasion for parents and older adults to emphasize the importance of intergenerational connections and strengthen the bond between their children and their grandparents. Encourage children to engage in conversations with their grandparents to foster active listening and understanding.

Encourage grandparents to visit and actively participate in their grandchildren’s lives. Promote active participation by asking open-ended questions, encouraging storytelling, participating in board games, sharing favorite hobbies, or sharing childhood memories. Cooking dinner together is a fun way to create strong relationships.

Additionally, it encourages toddlers and preschoolers to learn from their grandparents’ unique wisdom and experiences. Grandparents can teach valuable skills and share cultural traditions, allowing children to understand their heritage and family history better.

Celebrating Virtually:

In an increasingly digital world, connecting virtually has become more important, and it’s an excellent way to create quality time.  A great idea is for parents to facilitate virtual gatherings to invite loving grandparents to communicate with their young ones if distance or circumstances prevent in-person celebrations. Utilize video calls with conferencing platforms or dedications on social media to express love and gratitude. Consider organizing virtual games or activities that allow grandparents and grandchildren to engage in shared experiences and special occasions, even from a distance. Emphasize grandparents’ important role in their children’s and grandchildren’s lives.

Conclusion:

In celebrating Grandparents Day, parents have a unique opportunity to facilitate meaningful interactions, create lasting memories, and instill gratitude in their infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. By involving children in the planning process, organizing engaging activities, and emphasizing the value of intergenerational connections, parents can help forge beautiful relationships that will endure the test of time. Let us celebrate grandparents’ love, wisdom, and guidance, making this an unforgettable occasion and a great time for children and their beloved grandparents.

Remember that Grandparents Day may not be limited to a single day. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day should also include grandparent figures. Encouraging regular communication and connection with grandparents and other family members creates a lasting bond that transcends the calendar. Promote regular phone calls, letters, or even surprise visits to nurture the grandparent-grandchild relationship further.

References:

• Toy and Activity Guidance by Age
• Essential Toy Safety for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. 
• Whole Child Education: What is the Approach to Teaching?
• Developmentally Appropriate Toys: What and Why are They Important?
• Consumer Product and Safety Commission 
• Daily Mail WV

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