A Day to Honor and Connect Generations

Grandparents Day, established by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day, offering a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and connect with the older generations in our families. The day was created with three main purposes in mind:

• To honor grandparents.
• To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their grandchildren.
• To help children recognize the strength, knowledge, and guidance that older adults can offer.

While it may not have the same recognition as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, Grandparents Day is a special occasion to appreciate and celebrate the legacy, love, and wisdom of our grandparents. It’s a time for families to come together, bridging the gap between generations and creating meaningful memories.

This year, Grandparents Day falls on September 8, 2024. If that date doesn’t work for your family, feel free to pick another time that does. The concept of dedicating time to honor and connect with grandparents is a valuable one—for grandparents, grandchildren, and parents alike. And remember, it’s not just about biological grandparents; anyone who plays a grandparent-like role in your life, such as a “grandfriend” or surrogate grandparent, can be honored on this day. Whether you celebrate on the designated day or another time, the importance of this concept remains.

Honoring Grandparents and Creating Lasting Connections

Grandparents Day is as much about honoring grandparents as it is about giving them a chance to pass on their love and legacy to the younger generations. It’s a day of celebration that involves the entire family, where both young and old can learn from each other and create cherished memories.

It’s a time for grandparents, older adults, and those who fill the role of a grandparent to share their wisdom, perspectives, and values with young people. Engaging in activities that foster connection between generations can be both fun and meaningful.

“Then and Now” Conversations and Games

One great way to celebrate Grandparents Day is by initiating a “Then and Now” conversation or game. This activity allows grandparents to share stories from their past, compare them with the present, and reflect on how things have changed over the years. It’s an opportunity for young and old to find wisdom and inspiration in each other’s experiences.

Ideas and Activities to Celebrate

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to celebrate Grandparents Day, the Legacy Project offers a variety of activities and resources that can help make the day even more special. From creating family trees to storytelling sessions, these activities are designed to strengthen family bonds and honor the important role that grandparents—and grandfriends—play in our lives.

The Legacy Project’s Grandparents Day resources has lots of ideas for activities and conversation starters.

This Grandparents Day, take the time to honor the grandparents in your life, create the atmosphere for you and your children to learn from their experiences, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s through a simple conversation, a fun game, or a special family gathering, make sure to show the grandparents—or grandfriends—just how much they mean to your family.