September’s arrival brings with it a special holiday that not everyone celebrates or even notices, but there are good reasons for us to make the most of it:
Grandparents Day
… dedicated to honoring the incredible bond between grandparents and grandchildren.
This is a time to celebrate the unique role you play—the storyteller, the wisdom-keeper, the endless source of love and support. Maybe your role is one filled with lots of hugs and fun time with your grandkids, or maybe your grandparenting involves overcoming physical or emotional distance, or even some heavy struggles and burdens.
Still, it’s worthwhile to make Grandparents Day meaningful and connect in whatever ways you can. It’s really more about the heart you bring to it. It’s about cultivating an attitude that transcends distance and circumstance. Here are three thoughts to embrace on Grandparents Day, no matter where you are.
Embrace the Power of Connection
In our busy, modern world, it’s easy to feel let down when we can’t be with our grandchildren in person. We might feel a pang of sadness or disappointment. But a powerful shift in attitude is to focus on connection over presence. Think of it this way: your love isn’t limited by geography. You can connect with your grandchildren in a thousand ways that don’t require you to be in the same room. A video call where you share a story, a text message with a funny memory, or a heartfelt letter in the mail—all of these are powerful forms of connection. By reframing your mindset from “I wish I could see them” to “I can’t wait to connect with them,” you open up a world of possibilities for expressing your love.
Practice Gratitude for the Relationship You Have
Grandparents Day is an ideal time to reflect on the incredible gift of your grandchildren and your unique relationship with them. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have—more time, less distance, or a different set of circumstances—focus on the beautiful reality you do have. Think about the joy they bring you, the lessons you’ve learned from them, and the precious memories you’ve already created. Maybe it’s a favorite drawing they sent you, a silly inside joke you share, or the memory of teaching them a skill. An attitude of gratitude reminds you that your role as a grandparent is a profound and meaningful part of your life, regardless of how the specific details work out.
Cultivate Joy in the Act of Giving Love
Grandparents Day is about celebrating the love you give. The most rewarding attitude to cultivate is finding joy in giving. As grandparents, we’re all about giving. We’re experts at it! And even on a holiday designed to honor us, our hearts still seek out ways to bless, encourage, and support. We gain happiness in making our grandchildren feel loved; there’s nothing like the joy of being a source of love and strength for them. This might be the ultimate, most authentic way we could ever celebrate our role as grandparents.
Connection. Gratitude. Joy. What better thoughts to hold close on Grandparents Day?
How do you celebrate Grandparents Day, if at all? What would make it most rewarding and meaningful for you? Please leave a comment and celebrate with other grandparents on our Facebook page here.
