Fun Freetime: Grandparents Day

Since 1978, the first Sunday after Labor Day has been officially designated as Grandparents Day.  More than a reason to sell greeting cards, this annual event recognizes the strength, love and guidance grandparents provide to families.  Although the recognized date is September 7th this year, any day is a great opportunity to celebrate grandparents. 

Our children can learn so much simply by spending time talking with their grandparents and comparing their life stories.  To start the process, Kiddie Academy has developed a free downloadable Family History project that includes both a family tree and a list of questions for children to ask grandparents.

“Children love knowing that they’re part of something bigger than themselves.  Family history projects also help children to understand that they are in fact characters in a larger story that began before they were even born,” says Kiddie Academy’s Vice President of Education Richard Peterson.  “Hearing about how grandma lived in a very different type of house, or how grandpa also had a pet dog can create connections through the generations that are both powerful and heartwarming.”

Be sure to record the interview with your favorite audio or video application so your family can revisit that new bit of family history in the future.  Of course, you can also share bits via your favorite social media outlets now to friends and family, too.

For more tips and free downloadable activities, parents can visit the Kiddie Academy Family blog.