Growing up, my grandparents’ home was a place of comfort. It was where we spent every holiday, where I spent our sick days from school, and where I felt the most loved. To our family, my grandparents were the definition of perfection. They loved us all relentlessly. I could do no wrong in their eyes and they could do no wrong in mine.
Across the country, children are thriving because of their grandparents. Grandparents take on different roles within the family. They are advice givers, caregivers, and sometimes even guardians. Each one is important and while there are so many other roles grandparents take on, here are three reasons why we should celebrate grandparents on Grandparents Day.
1. They Are Teachers
There are no better teachers than grandparents. They teach with love and compassion. The stories they tell and the life lessons that they give are invaluable to our young ones. They teach cooking, family history, life skills, and trust. They give never ending love and their time while teaching family traditions. My grandparents taught me good manners through writing thank you notes and showing me how to respect others. My grandmother was the one to teach me how to read by reading me books from the library. Some of my fondest memories are of her reading to me while I laid my head in her lap.
2. They are Advice Givers
One thing is certain: Grandparents give excellent advice. Why? Because no matter the situation, chances are that they have been through it themselves. The wisdom that comes from living through obstacles cannot be matched. Once I had a report card with a bad grade on it. I was scared to show my parents so I asked my grandfather what I should do. He told me honesty was the best policy and that I should be honest with my parents. He said that hiding my grades would only make the situation worse so I followed his advice and all was well, of course. His advice is still something that I carry with me to this day.
3. They Give Never Ending Love
The love that grandparents give is a different love that parents give their children. Parents love with worry and grandparents love in the moment. Parents are the ones who discipline and grandparents are the ones who console. Going to your grandparent’s house is usually a fun time because whatever you want, it’s yours. A grandparent’s love increases a child’s self-esteem which translates to better grades and a better sense of pride. They feel special and wanted because of the attention that grandparents give.
To most, grandparents are the epitome of a perfect love. They are there when we need them and always by our sides. They deserve their own day of celebration. There are many ways to celebrate on Grandparent’s Day. Cards, phone calls, and spending time together are the least that we could do to show our appreciation for everything that grandparents have done, and continue to do, for us and our children.
Misty Roussa is a Louisiana native who lives with her husband and two children. She has contributed to Red Stick Mom, The CF Foundation, and Cystic-Fibrosis.com. When she isn't writing, you can find her reading, listening to podcasts, or trying to cook something her family will enjoy.
