Let’s hear it for grandparents – why Grandparent’s Day should be celebrated more in the UK
“Grandparents are like a piece of string – handy to have around and easily wrapped around their grandchildren’s fingers.”
There is a lot of truth in this famous quote about grandparents but perhaps its unknown author should have given more credit to grandparents –they’re not just handy; they can be essential!
Craft supplies store Baker Ross has some great craft ideas and gifts that children can give grandma and grandad – items such as coasters, keepsake boxes, photo frames and vases. But do these little present-givers know when Grandparent’s Day is…
Not a lot of people know that Grandparent’s Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in October – in 2011 it falls on 2nd October. It is true that in the UK this day is not celebrated as widely as it seems to be in the US but it really should be – grandparents have a vital loving and nurturing role to play in the lives of grandchildren; it’s high time these senior role models got some recognition of their brilliance!
Grandparent’s Day in the USA
In 1978, US president Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation declaring that Grandparent’s Day’s purpose was “to honour grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information and guidance older people can offer”.
The US version of Grandparent’s Day even has its own official song (Johnny Prill’s A Song for Grandma and Grandpa) and its own official flower (the forget-me-not).
Grandparent’s Day in the UK
In the UK, we do things slightly differently. We have no official song (if there was perhaps it should be Clive Dunn’s Grandad or There’s No One Quite Like Grandma by St Winifred’s School Choir).
Grandparent’s Day was introduced to the UK in 1990 by the charity Age Concern and the occasion has been celebrated on the first Sunday in October since 2008.
David Beckham
David Beckham’s late grandad, Joseph West, is an example of how grandchildren can be inspired by the affection and advice of their grandparents. Beckham enjoyed a close relationship with Joseph, reportedly regarding him as a mentor. A tattoo on the footballer’s arm simply reads ‘Grandad’.
Eric Clapton
Grandparents can sometimes bring up their grandchildren; rock guitarist Eric Clapton was brought up by his grandmother Rose in the 1950s
Today, one in 20 families in the UK still live with their grandparents – a statistic which has prompted campaign groups to argue that grandparents should be given more childcare rights in recognition of the vital nurturing role they so often fulfil.
The argument is a compelling one as a report compiled by Grandparents Plus in 2010, concluded that one in three mothers in the UK rely on grandparents to provide childcare.
Ben Wheatley, campaigns assistant at national charity Grandparents Plus believes that it’s high time that grandparents got more credit and acknowledgement for all their good work.
He told me: “Some grandparents even act as carers for two or three of their grandchildren – a role which can sap their energy but which they find so rewarding. But, of course, even grandparents who don’t act as primary carers have so much to offer.
Ben added: “Just consider the contribution the make; for instance the financial support and the practical advice so many of them give. Grandparents can and do make an invaluable contribution – not just to their families but to society as whole.”
So, for all the reasons stated above, it is surely time to show Grandparents just how much they are appreciated.
Nans will love to receive a Design a Grandma Keyring and grandads will love to receive a Design a Grandad Keyring. These novelty-shaped practical items are such fun for kids to decorate and colour – they even have space to add a favourite photo.
Large White Porcelain Mugs are also fantastic for kids who love their grandparents and arts and crafts. These mugs can be personalised with messages of love using porcelain pens. When grandma or granddad raises a mug of tea they will be able to see a reminder of just how much they are loved and appreciated.
Brilliant grandparents deserve brilliant presents!
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