Celebrating Grandparents

By Andreas Wilson-Spath

In our fast-paced world, where constant innovation and instantaneous online gratification are the norm, we can, at times, overlook the vital roles members of previous generations play in society. On Grandparents day, we celebrate the many invaluable contributions these incredible people make to our lives.

Grandparents and other special older people are remarkable in helping parents raise families, offering unconditional love and attention to children, and connecting us all to our traditions and heritage.

"Grandparents are so important in our family, but it can be a tricky relationship to navigate" says Zayaan Shroeder, author of the popular blog Surviving the Madness. She explains that while her parents offer unwavering support, they also believe that it is their right to spoil their grandchildren. "That said, they lavish the kids with buckets of love, and sanity would fly straight out the window without them".

Studies show that young people who have regular, positive interactions with their grandparents or other older folks in their community tend to suffer from fewer behavioral and emotional problems. Not surprisingly, this positive effect works both ways: elderly people are less likely to expereince depression if they are actively involved in the lives of children.

We owe our grandparents a debt of gratitude for sharing their deep sense of family history along with their welath of experience and wisdom with us. They are amazing repositories of good advice and great teachers of useful skills, passing on treasured family recipes as well as handy tips on knitting, fishing, and more.