By Evetta McGriff
There is nothing like the bond between grandparents and their grandchildren. Grandparents spoil, support, and protect their grandchildren, and grandchildren give hugs and kisses back. Sharing memories, life milestones, and celebrating successes is an important part of the relationship. Grandparents attend sporting events, awards ceremonies, and performances at school and church. Summertime is one of the best times to spend together. This year, simple things like sleeping over at their houses has been put on hold for many. Time spent with grandparents during the pandemic is very different than any other time. Right now, spending that special time together is not happening as often, in order to keep grandparents safe. Many grandchildren and grandparents are limited to seeing each other through the window or outside wearing masks sitting at least six feet apart. Visiting and traveling to their houses has now been replaced with phone calls and video chats. Online communication is being used more and face-to-face communication is happening much less.
Sunday, September 13, 2020 is National Grandparents Day. It is a day to honor grandparents and to give grandchildren a chance to show love and affection to their grandparents. Usually, grandchildren can visit with their grandparents on this special day. Because of the pandemic, grandchildren will have to find more creative ways to celebrate their grandparents. All grandparents love pictures, and they especially love pictures of their grandchildren. This is the perfect time to create a photo collage, or make a frame with a magnetic strip on the back to put on the refrigerator. During this time of physical and social distancing, drive-by parades have been very popular for different celebrations. With help from your parents, drive in front of your grandparents’ houses, blow the horn, and decorate cars to show your love. If your grandparents are in a nursing home, visitors aren’t currently allowed inside the facility. Have your grandparents sit at the door or window and watch a movie with them. If you have a favorite book that you both enjoy, read it aloud to them.
Homemade cards are also an option. If they were unable to attend any of your special events or activities, create a photo album or scrapbook that document the fun times. Include letters and notes with words of appreciation, letting them know how much you love them. If your grandparents know how to use technology, send them a video showing some special times you have shared. You can also create a list of “I love you because” and read it on the video. Make a special meal, and bake a special treat and drop it off on their porch. If you want to share a meal, set up tables that are far apart and sit in the backyard. You can also have a social distancing dance party listening to your favorite songs. Remember to wear a facial covering, keep any gathering to no more than ten people, and try to stay away from those who do not live with you for at least fourteen days prior to spending any time together. Hopefully, next year’s National Grandparents Day will allow for more traditional activities.
Sep122020
