On Sunday 29th October, 2023, it was National Grandparents Day - a day to recognise the contribution grandparents, grand-friends, relatives, and those who generally take on the role of a grandparent make to families and communities. It is celebrated on the last Sunday in October each year. 

Grandparents Day dates back to 1956 when an American mother named Marian McQuade was helping organise an aged care celebration. While doing this, she became aware of the many aged care and nursing home residents who were missing their families. Therefore she wanted a day for everyone to honour all grandparents and bring the generations together.

A child’s interactions with their grandparent are often their first interactions with an older person. High quality intergenerational relationships between grandparents and young people help to create and foster positive attitudes toward ageing and older people, and combat ageism. 

To mark this annual event, Wheelers Hill Child Care Centre hosted a very special Grandparents Day afternoon tea. There was lots of yummy food, including a delicious sticky date pudding. Alongside their grandparents, the children created beautiful artwork, squished playdough, and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine from the centre playgrounds. 

The children absolutely adored having their grandparents visit. It was so lovely seeing the children's faces light up when their special guests arrived, and the joy they had showing their grandparents around and introducing them to their friends. 

You can view photos from the Wheelers Hill Child Care Centre Grandparents Day afternoon tea here:

• Wheelers Hill Gallery
  
  

Sources:
Oryx Communities - National Grandparents Day - 5 Ways to Celebrate
Queensland Government - National Grandparents Day