The Importance of Grandparents

The relationship between a child and their grandparent is amazing. I remember when  my father, who always let my mom do the “kid” stuff, picked up my hours-old daughter and held her like it was the most natural thing in the world.  His smile was so big and his eyes shone so brightly, I honestly did not recognize him.  Watching him dote on her for the next three years, before he passed away, was such a blessing. I’d never seen him so happy. 

This year, I got to discover the wonder of being a grandma.  Someone shared the phrase, “You love your kids, but you’re in love with your grandkids.”  Wow, so true.  I literally thought perfection had been born. I’m constantly in awe of every little thing he does. 

At our school we see it as well.  There is just a special bond when grandparents come by. Each year we honor that relationship, whether it be near or far with our Grandparent’s Day event.  We have songs, and crafts, and a professional photographer comes out to do portraits. Our grandparents far away can join a video chat and be included. This year, we are going to have grandparents record reading story books that can be dedicated to their grandchild and heard in the class over and over again.  A few fun facts about Grandparent’s Day are 1) it is the first Monday after Labor Day each year, 2) The official song is. “A Song for Grandma and Grandpa” by Johnny Prill. 3)   The official flower for the day is “forget-me-not”.  

I’m glad there is a Grandparent’s Day. It’s really important to instill in our children to honor those individual relationships as well as understanding the need to have love and respect for our elders.  It can be considered a lost art, but one we need to bring back.  The Bible has some great words of wisdom to remind us of this:  Leviticus 19:32 “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged.”  I Peter 5:5 “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders.  Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” And Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the Land your God is giving you.”  I’m sure that extends to our grandparents as well. 

So take this opportunity this month to make Grandparent’s Day a thing in your house.  Even if you don’t have grandparents to connect with, find someone who doesn’t have a grandchild or has one far away.  Make this a time to help our kids appreciate all the love and wisdom and life experience that flows from those with more years to their life.