National Grandparents Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day, making this Sunday, September 11, 2016 the big day.

Initiated by Marian McQuade, National Grandparents Day isn’t just about celebrating grandparents, it is about creating and strengthening intergenerational connections. In fact, National Grandparents Day serves three purposes:
1. To honor grandparents.
2. To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.
3. To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

And while Mother’s Day and Father’s Day have apostrophes, Grandparents Day does not. What may have been a simple oversight has actually served the holiday quite well. This is because Mrs. McQuade didn’t envision the holiday as “belonging” to grandparents so much as having it as a day to connect different generations.

5 Ways to Celebrate Grandparents Day

1. Connect with others in the community who are outside of your generation to share stories and wisdom as well as keep them company.
2. Do activities with your grandkids – teach them a favourite song from your childhood or how to cook a family dish, and in turn have them teach you something – maybe a new dance move or computer use.
3. Encourage multigenerational collaboration by joining groups of varying ages and learning about what interests them, the lessons they have to share, and the advice and different perspectives they can offer.
4. Record your family’s history by creating a family tree, including names, dates, special memories and any other important events of your family’s past.
5. Share stories of your past with your grandchildren. Include your own memories from childhood and growing up as well as those passed down to you from your parents and grandparents.

On this day grandparents and older adults are urged to share their wisdom, perspectives and values with younger generations. Children, youth and younger adults are asked to reach out and connect with their grandparents or other older adults in their community. And all together, generations united, we can learn from each other, teach each other and work together for a better future.

Written by Christine Tompa for Amintro, the social app designed exclusively for those 50 plus who are looking to meet new people, make new friends and take advantage of the many opportunities available to them at this stage of their life.