by Ken Canfield, Ph.D.

Grandparents: I hope you’re aware that this Sunday is Grandparents Day.

It’s easy to miss that here in America, where life is so busy and every day is a “National Something Day.” For example, this week some people are apparently commemorating National Macadamia Nut Day, National Cheese Pizza Day, and National Read a Book Day. We grandparents share Sunday with Star Trek Day.

I won’t complain about all those quirky “holidays”; they can actually prompt some positive interactions with our grandkids, like reading a book together, a pizza outing, and so on. You might even keep an eye on these holidays and plan ahead for some fun with your grands. Coming later this month are National Teddy Bear Day, National Chocolate Milkshake Day, and National Play-Doh Day. Getting any ideas? Here’s one place where these are all listed.

We grandparents have our place on that list of holidays, and while some people do appreciate and honor us, in many ways we’re still largely overlooked. And that’s okay. Being a grandparent isn’t about receiving cards and gifts and recognition. Those things are nice sometimes, but our lives are more about investing in the next generations and leaving a strong legacy.

I’m sure you’ll agree that those goals are getting more and more difficult. We could all describe some ways the culture has shifted in recent years, and the trends are often worrisome. We could talk about changing values, educational practices, the growing use of screens and devices, a declining sense of respect for authority, less confidence in once-trusted institutions, and on and on.

I don’t want to discourage you. Actually, just the opposite:

As a grandparent, you have never been more vital to your grandchildren.

You are needed for your wisdom, your calming and comforting presence, your life experience, your unwavering encouragement, your broader perspective, your unconditional love.

So, this Grandparents Day, let’s all step up with more determination, more awareness of our grandkids’ needs and situations, and more positive investments. And just in case you don’t hear it from anyone else:

Happy Grandparents Day. Thank you for all you do.

What one change can you make to become a more involved grandparent? Check in with other grandparents on our Facebook page.

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