Hooray! It’s National Grandparents Day!

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We all want to enjoy a wonderful relationship with our grandparents. So how can we show them a little extra love?

1. Say “I love you”, whether you’re near or far: Set an alarm on your phone or a reminder in your diary right now for Sunday, October 31. Whether you’re able to drop by in person, or simply organise a video call, it is important to remind grandparents and other older members of our family that they are loved.
2. Take time to listen: We are so often caught up in our busy schedules and our mobile gadgets that the simple joy of sitting with our grandparents and having heartfelt conversations with them gets forgotten. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to physically sit beside an elderly loved one, then make a cup of tea, turn off devices and take a moment to ask how they are doing, and you’ll be surprised at the beautiful stories they have to share. If distance and restrictions get in the way, then reserving dedicated time on the video call without interruptions would also mean the world to them.
3. Put on a show: An engaging and memorable way for younger children to celebrate their grandparents is to put on a song-and-dance performance. Pick an easy and light-hearted song (You are my Sunshine seems to be a popular choice at kindergartens), choreograph some simple steps, have your little ones dress up in their favourite outfits and let them show off their performing talents! If a live in-person show is not possible, then a performance on a video call or recorded and sent via email or a messaging app will certainly do the trick!
4. You’ve got mail: In the age of emails and instant messages, there is still something very special about receiving a personal letter or card by post from a loved one. Encourage the younger kids to bring out the paints and crayons to create a special card or drawing for their grandparents. For grown-ups, find some quiet time to put pen to paper and tell the older people in our lives just how much they mean to us. Then, as a family, take a walk to your local post office, buy some stamps, and post these heartfelt messages to your grandparents the old-fashioned way!
5. Enjoy the outdoors: While leaving the home may become a little daunting for seniors, with Spring in the air, this is the best time to encourage them to put on their walking shoes and head out for a fun-filled family picnic. Opt for places that have tables and bench seating (sitting on a picnic mat on a lawn may not be too comfortable for older people), and create a picnic spread filled with all their favourite foods and treats. Be mindful to check the weather and bring along blankets and umbrellas to ensure your elderly loved ones are well-protected from Mother Nature and her unexpected weather changes.