
Photo from Melbourne Public Library
When I picked up the kiddo from school today, an adorable card was sitting in his cubby…a not-so-subtle reminder that Grandparents Day is this Sunday. Yeah! Another forgotten holiday to chastise myself about. He had drawn a picture of himself, Grandma and Grandpa, topped off with a blue handprint. A seriously cute card, which got me thinking…
Honestly, this holiday is not on the same level Valentine’s Day in terms of popularity. But it would be a great opportunity to help the kids make a sweet little something for their g-rents and to spend some quality time together.
A handmade card is always a sure fire, easy craft that grandparents luurve. Take the kiddo’s classroom example: all you need is construction paper, a marker and some paint. There are, of course, more intricate and pretty ideas out there. These Valentine’s Day card ideas from FamilyFun could be easily altered for Grandparent’s Day.
Idea Box has several easy and cute gift ideas, generally using only three to four supplies. I love the“My Grandkids Walk All Over Me!” apron, the little scoops of love, and the keepsake handprint craft.
No time for a craft? I truly understand. Give the g-rents a call and see if they can get together with your family Sunday, then get the kids to help you make lunch or dinner, or at least a pan of sweets. The Veggie Tortilla Lasagna and Strawberry Bars from the Kids Health website are very easy and sound super delish.
Creating memories of the time spent together as an extended family is an especially heartfelt way to celebrate Grandparents Day, one that can be enjoyed for years to come.
While you’ve got the family together, get out the ol’ school cassette recorder and capture your parents and child as they play and talk. If your child is a bit older, ask them to write down some questions to ask their grandparents and record the “interview” session. You could also use a video camera or a digital recorder, so you could upload the session to your computer and make copies to share with the grandparents or other family members.
Go to the store and pick up a couple of disposable cameras and ask the kids to take pictures of your afternoon together, or snap a few pictures on your digital camera. Have the printed and send them/drop them off to the grandparents with a note from your children, thanking them for the time spent together.
On the other hand, if your children’s grandparents are no longer living, contact an assisted living facility in your area to see if your family could visit on Sunday to celebrate Grandparents Day with their residents. Go ahead and make that pan of brownies and some small “Happy Grandparents Day” cards-made perhaps on index cards with crayons and stickers-to bring with you. Just having a child in the room can be therapeutic for an elderly person, and the visit will enforce a sense of generations and community in your child.
I hope everyone can find a moment to celebrate Grandparents Day with their families this weekend! Talk to you later-
Leigh