It's Almost National Grandparents Day

One of my favorite days is right around the corner: National Grandparents Day! My grandchildren have been some of my biggest blessings, and I know that as seniors, many of us feel the same way. This September 9^th, gather the family for some fun and make some memories that will last a lifetime.From one grandparent to all of you, I wanted to thank you for all you do. The support we give our children and grandchildren is undoubtedly one of the most important gifts we can give them, as well as our love, attention, and time. Some grandparents are lucky to live near their grandchildren, and therefore may have more opportunities to spend time with them. Others may be separated from their grandchildren by states, or even by countries.For you long-distance grandparents out there, fear not. Today’s technology has enabled us to stay connected with our children and grandchildren, no matter where they are. FaceTime, Skype, and the good, old-fashioned telephone make connecting with our families as easy as a few clicks.Psychologist Dr. Nancy Kalish has some recommendations for long-distance grandparents, including cooking and mailing treats to grandchildren, choosing a special song to share, and sharing funny or sentimental family anecdotes. During an in-person visit, have older grandchildren teach you how to use a new technology like video-chatting or texting, creating a bonding experience that will have lasting effects and enable you to be in better communication long-term.For those grandparents lucky enough to live close to their grandchildren, involve them in a special outing this September 9^th. A trip to the park, a fun restaurant, or movie theater can be a great way for grandchildren of different ages to bond with each other, and most importantly, bond with you. Not only will you be giving their parents a much-needed break, but you will be showing the grandchildren that celebrating this special day is an important family tradition that, one day, they can carry on themselves.If you are able to, make sure to participate in Generations United’s #TakeAGrandie competition! You can submit intergenerational “selfies” with this online form, and the “grandie” with the most votes from the public wins a prize. You can also share your pictures with us on our Facebook and Twitter.As grandparents, we give so much to our families, and they give so much to us. Let’s make sure to celebrate with them this September 9^th and make even more fantastic family memories.