Grafton County

Have You Honored Your Grandparents Lately?

Recently, we celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of Grandparents Day, held the first Sunday after Labor Day.  During that day we honor the grandparents in our lives. 

Grandparents Day had its beginnings in 1970, when West Virginia housewife, Marian McQuade, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents. Through concerted efforts on her part and that of civic, business, church, and political leaders, this campaign expanded statewide. The first Grandparents Day was proclaimed in 1973 in West Virginia. That same year a resolution was brought to the United States Senate. The resolution languished in committee.

Mrs. McQuade and her team turned to the media to garner support. They also began contacting governors, senators, congressional representatives in every state. They sent letters to churches, businesses, and numerous national organizations interested in senior citizens.

In 1978, five years after its West Virginia inception, the United States Congress passedlegislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.  The proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. The organizers chose September for the holiday, to signify the "autumn years" of life.  Today this event, begun by only a few, is observed by millions throughout the United States.

Suggested Family Activities

 Ideally, the creators envisioned Grandparents Day as a family day. Schools, churches, and senior organizations often honor grandparents with special events. Some families enjoy small, private gatherings. Others celebrate the day by holding a family reunion. Board games which are easily played by young and old add enjoyment to family gatherings, enhancing "inter-generational interaction".

For those who entertain large groups, it can be fun to have a story-telling time, allowing grandparents to relate stories of their past, enlightening children about "the old days." Some families take a census of those who have gathered together, such as the oldest and newest grandchild, the family with the most grandchildren, and families with five generation present.

Even though Grandparents Day has passed you can still honor those special people in our lives.  Help your children and/or grandchildren to identify and date all photos in old family albums. Have children prepare a list of questions they can ask about what life was like when their grandparent was their own age.  Ask about school, clothing, food, transportation, friends, and books they read, music they listened to and trips they may have taken. Everyone is a grandchild—and can use their time to discover one's roots and learn patience, understanding and appreciation for the elderly. Conversations between grandchildren and grandparents are a perfect way to enhance communication between the generations.

Other activities than can encourage conversation involve sharing special talents and skills, such as cooking, sculpting or quilting that can be passed on to those who display an interest. Old family music, songs and dances, along with their meanings and origins, are important in maintaining a strong sense of family background. Together, family members can construct a family tree, giving children the opportunity to learn the ancestral line of their family. Strive to preserve ethnic or religious beliefs.
Many times, only grandparents have answers to questions about family histories. When this information is passed down to the grandchildren, everyone can be assured of his or her heritage being preserved.

Most importantly, days like Grandparents Day or family get-togethers at holidays can signify a loving spirit that lives within us throughout the year--a spirit of love and respect for our elders.

Unexpected Grandparenting Roles

There is a group of grandparents that could be considered the unsung heroes of today. Over 6 million grandparents have grandchildren living with them, almost half of them providing most of the basic needs. They may have chosen this role, or had it thrust on them unexpectedly because of death, health reasons, incarceration, drugs and alcohol or neglect. This link gives you a better idea of just how many grandparents have assumed the role of mother and/or father along with grandparent.

Whether your grandparents are near or far, or no longer with you, take time every day to honor their contributions to your life.

Information compiled by Deb Maes, Grafton County Extension Educator in Family & Consumer Resources.