What Expectations Should Grandchildren Meet on Grandparents Day?

Did you know that September is the hallmark month for the little known national holiday, “Grandparents Day?” No? Well, if not that’s totally okay, because this article will teach you about this special day and why it’s important to allow grandparents to assume the “grandparent role” with grandchildren. Grandparents Day, occurring the first Sunday after Labor Day, is a “family holiday,” where the most important people in life are celebrated with gifts, activities, attention, and love. This is the day Grandmas and Grandpas are spoiled rotten! But, even though Grandparents Day is all about grandparents, most still try to spoil their grandchildren. Why? Well, because they love them and want them to be happy.

A little love and attention by grandparents is perfectly acceptable on Grandparents Day, but it’s important that grandchildren also meet some of their grandparents’ expectations on that day. What are those expectations? And, what exactly is the “grandparent role” with grandchildren? The “grandparent role” with grandchildren involves showering grandchildren with love, attention, and anything else they can think of! In other words, it consists of letting grandparents be “grandparents.” It’s okay to indulge grandchildren from time-to-time, but there must be boundaries, so grandparents aren’t dismissed on their special day.

So, what does setting boundaries for grandparents mean? Well, it means not allowing grandchildren to take over and monopolize the day. On this day, grandchildren should spoil Grandma and Grandpa with hugs, kisses, and lots of love. Therefore, setting boundaries for grandparents means stopping them from only focusing on their grandchildren’s needs. The goal should be to surround Grandma and Grandpa in love. So, what’s the best way to do this? Well, listed below are four good ways to meet expectations on Grandparents Day.

Reconnecting

The role of grandparents in today’s society is slowly growing in prominence. In other words, many grandparents are now stepping into the cherished role of caregiver to young children and adolescents. Yet, for grandparents, who do not see their grandchildren a lot due physical or emotional distance, the natural bond between grandparent and grandchild is missing. These family members don’t really know each other; therefore, the connection isn’t there. The good news is that the role of grandparents in today’s society doesn’t have to be one of longing or lacking, no, grandparents can reconnect with their grandchildren.

How? Well, Grandparents Day is a good time to start! Reconnecting with grandparents can do a world of good for everyone involved. The key, however, is to do it away from parents. So, spend the day celebrating your grandparents by taking them out to eat, spending the day at the park with them, listening to old stories about their childhoods, learning more about them, and/or just being there for them in every way possible.

Learn Your Family History

Another way grandchildren can fulfill expectations on Grandparents Day is by learning their family history. Grandparents love to share stories of when they were tiny tots, so the best way to allow them to relive their past. Be patient and try to absorb the information because one day, these history keepers will not be available to share those missing puzzle pieces! Plus, learning the family history from grandparents allows them to relish in the “grandparent role” with grandchildren that they love!

Create New Traditions

Creating new traditions is always a great way to honor grandparents and celebrate Grandparents Day! The key is to create a tradition that is meaningful to both grandparents and grandchildren. Oh, and the tradition must be an annual event. The best way to change how others perceive the role of grandparents in today’s society is by celebrating grandparents 365-days a year. Another good way is to spend quality time with grandparents, letting them know how much they are truly appreciated.

Do Something Meaningful Together

Lastly, an expectation that grandchildren should meet on Grandparents Day is simply doing something meaningful Grandma and Grandpa. It could be something as “chill” as watching Grandma’s favorite sitcom or playing chess with Grandpa. It could even be preparing a meal that has been in the family for decades or centuries, or taking a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood together. It doesn’t matter what the activity is – just as long as you do it together. Grandparents are extraordinary human beings that deserve attention, respect, and love. So, setting boundaries for grandparents is a must-do on this day! Remember, grandparents need an opportunity to enjoy the “grandparent role” with grandchildren. So, don’t let the role of grandparents in today’s society disappear into the background – promote it, celebrate it, and honor it!