Message from Bishop Denis Nulty

Happy Grandparents Day to all the fantastic grandparents in our school. We think of you in a special way on this day. We will continue to pray for all those who are still with us and those who have gone to God. Take a look below for some ideas on how to celebrate…

1. Make a Collage: Grandparents love getting photos of what their favourite little ones have been up to. Laminate a photo collage that you and your children have put together or put together a photo album full of special memories. Write a little note together and include it on the collage or as the front page of the photo album.
2. Have Some One-on-One Time: Have your children sit down with their grandparents and ask some questions about what it was like when they grew up (this could be done through Facetime/ Zoom or Skype). Your little ones will be fascinated to find out how much things have changed. It’ll give them a great chance to get to know their grandparents and it’s a great way to learn a little more about their family history – which may come in handy for a school project!
3. Stage a Performance:  Create a dance routine or have all the cousins and children sing a song together, and dedicate it to their grandparents. This will be a lovely memory for everyone so be sure to record it. If grandparents live a long way away, think about setting up a video call or record the performance and send it in the post.
4. Bake a Treat: Help children bake some of their grandparents favourite cakes or muffins. Alternatively, organise a baking day so the family can spend some time together. Buy in the ingredients and let grandparents and grandchildren make something yummy together.
5. Offer Thoughtful Services: This is a great way to get your children helping out their grandparents, whilst also encouraging thoughtful and helpful behaviour. Create a few vouchers, such as ‘Help Grandma with the gardening for a day’, ‘Wash the car with Grandad’ or ‘Make some cupcakes for Nanny and Grampa’. Make sure the activities are something grandchildren and grandparents can do together, so they get the opportunity to have some personal time.
6. Record Your Family’s History: Family trees, scrapbooks and personal anecdotes gathered from various relatives can all be special keepsakes. Create something together that has your child’s input, perhaps some cute drawings or have the children practice their writing skills with some nametags for each family member.
7. Pray for Your Grandparents: Some grandparents have gone to Heaven to live with God. On this day light a candle in your home amd pray for them in an extra special way.
8. Send a Homemade Card: A card is a loving gift for grandparents both near and far, especially if it’s handcrafted.
9. Cook a Meal: The kids can plan, prepare and serve a meal to Granny and Grandad. Include some of the grandparents’ favourite foods. Deliver it to their house or invite the whole family over to enjoy the meal together.