Do you remember special times spent with a grandparent?  Did you call them Grandma, Nan, Granny, Nonna, Grandpa, Pop, Grandad or one of the many names given to those special people in our lives? I had a very special relationship with my Granny. As we lived in the country, I stayed with my Granny on Thursday nights so I could go to ballet classes. She always walked me to the hall and then walked back to collect me as she never drove and would not let me walk on my own. We always watched the news together, and she taught me how to play cards, particularly a game called Canasta. My Granny got much joy from her four grandchildren, and she still has a very special place in my heart.

Today we welcomed many of these special people to the College for our Grandparents’ Day hosted by our Years 5 and 6 students. The purpose of the day is to invite grandparents, who play such an important role in the lives of our girls, to be part of our Santa Maria College community.  What a great day they had! The grandparents visited their granddaughter’s class and saw and heard all about the wonderful work they do and the opportunities they have at school. Then they enjoyed Mass and morning tea in the MacDonald Hall with their granddaughters.

Why are grandparents so important?

• They offer unconditional love, they can listen and offer advice and encouragement
• They often have more time to share with their grandchildren. We want children to share time with as many invested, loving adults as possible.
• They can be a wise source of information and experience.
• They can help celebrate the milestones and achievements of their grandchildren with pride.
• They can share with their grandchildren their life stories and challenges. This can help children understand family history, traditions and rituals which help develop their identity.
• They can help make their grandchildren feel connected and special!

9 Ways grandparents can develop stronger relationships with their grandchildren:

Some ways to encourage the bond between your parents and their grandchildren include inviting them to:

1. Share activities such as picnics, shopping, walking the dog, movies or taking art lessons together, going for coffee, ice cream or dinner together
2. Share skills such as cooking, crafts, woodworking, sewing, car maintenance, language or art
3. Share knowledge about nature, history, politics or an area of passion
4. Attend events such as sporting, music, assemblies at school
5. Share games such as cards, chess, darts, boules
6. Share favourite music, teaching a musical instrument or attending a performance
7. Share stories behind family photos
8. Read books a child is reading for school or reading the same book they are reading
9. Use technology to connect, make it a regular family event through social networking or by sending photos or videos

Grandparents can play an important role in helping their grandchildren thrive, and the most valuable gift they can give their grandchild is their time.