This post is part 4 of 4 in the series Grandparents: Celebrating a Legacy of Love.
Grandparents play an important part in our lives. Whether they are there to support parents hands-on or from afar, they are the vital reason we are here. They go by many names – Nana, Papa, Grandma, and Grandpa are what they are called in our house. Grandparent’s Day is an important day to celebrate the generations who have come before us and who have shaped us to be who we are.
I sat down with my daughter, Tessa, to ask her a few questions about grandparents.
Me: What does having grandparents mean to you?
Tessa: Fun – sleep overs – happiness.
Me: What is the most important thing to know about your grandparents?
Tessa: That their kids are my mom and dad.
Me: Do you think it is important to learn about your grandparents when they were young?
Tessa: Yes – because if we didn’t we wouldn’t know what our parents were like when they were young, either.
Tessa and I were able to reach out to her grandparents to hear what they had to say about being grandparents.
Q: What is the best part of being a grandparent?
Grandma Sherry: When I see all my grandkids playing together, I love that.
Grandpa Rick: Having my grandchildren around – watching them grow up and spending time with them.
Q: What is your favorite activity to do with your grandkids?
Grandma Jetra: I just like to play! Whatever they like to do, I like to do.
Nana Jill: Drawing and coloring pictures.
Q: What is your favorite memory as a grandparent?
Grandpa Art: Getting to hold a new grandchild. Also, there is a picture of me sitting on the sofa surrounded by all my grandkids. Being close to everyone is pretty amazing.
Grandpa Rick: Being in the hospital right after every one was born and getting to see them for the first time.
Q: What is your favorite memory of your grandparents?
Grandpa Rick: My grandpa and grandma gave me a pig and I got to raise the pig on the farm. We named him Chester.
Nana Jill: When my grandma would read to me. Ferdinand the Bull was my favorite book.
Grandma Jetra: Grandpa always played with us — went in the yard and played ball or tag. We would get to stay overnight at their house and get to stay up and watch TV. (Tessa got excited and said this is what they get to do at her grandparents’ houses, too!)
Q: What advice do you have for a new grandparent?
Grandma Sherry: Things have changed from when we raised kids. Be prepared to do things the new way.
Grandpa Art: Take advantage of having the grandkids when they are little and have fun with them.
Grandma Jetra: Enjoy every minute with your grandkids — spend as much time as possible with them.
Grandpa Rick: Love their grandchildren and give them hugs.
Nana Jill: Best advice would be for them to enjoy every moment with their grandkids and to always be present when you are with them.
Happy Grandparent’s Day to all the grandmas, grandpas, nanas, and papas out there! You are loved and appreciated!
Read more from our Grandparents: Celebrating a Legacy of Love series:
- When Grandpa Is in Heaven: How to Celebrate Those We’ve Lost
- The Grandma Journey: An Interview with My Mom
- Living with the Grandparents
