Parenting Tips That Support the Mission of Adopt a Grandparent Day

Children possess natural curiosity, kindness, and a remarkable capacity for understanding complex concepts when given the opportunity. Introducing conversations about aging, empathy, and intergenerational friendships isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for raising compassionate, well-rounded individuals.

At Adopt a Grandparent Day, we’ve seen firsthand how these conversations shape children’s worldviews. Here’s how you can approach these meaningful discussions with your children:

The Power of Storytelling

Children make sense of the world through stories. Personal anecdotes about your own grandparents or relatives create powerful mental images that help children understand aging as a natural, valuable part of life.

“When my grandmother taught me to bake her famous apple pie, she would tell stories about learning the recipe from her own mother. Those moments in the kitchen showed me that wisdom passes through generations.”

Books featuring older characters in positive, realistic roles can also spark conversations about aging, wisdom, and respect.

Honesty Meets Age-Appropriate Explanations

When your child notices physical signs of aging and asks questions—which they inevitably will—use these moments as opportunities rather than awkward situations to avoid.

Instead of changing the subject when your child asks about someone’s walker or gray hair, try: “Our bodies change throughout our entire lives. Just like you’re growing taller and stronger, older adults experience different kinds of changes. Those changes don’t make them any less important or interesting—in fact, they’ve had so much time to learn amazing things!”

Empathy in Action

Empathy develops through practice, not just discussion. Involving your child in initiatives like Adopt a Grandparent Day provides hands-on opportunities to exercise compassion.

Guide them through creating meaningful connections: “Let’s make a special card for someone who might be feeling lonely. What would brighten your day if you were feeling alone? What questions would you ask someone who has lived through so much history?”

These simple acts help children understand the emotional needs we all share, regardless of age.

Building Meaningful Connections Across Generations

Children who develop relationships with older adults gain unique perspectives that enrich their understanding of the world. These connections benefit both the child and the older adult in profound ways.

Consider incorporating these connection-building activities into your family routine:

• Regular video calls with distant grandparents that include structured activities
• Volunteering together at community centers or retirement homes
• Participating in skill-sharing where an older adult teaches a traditional craft or skill

Challenging Age-Based Stereotypes

Our youth-focused culture often portrays aging negatively. Counter these messages by highlighting the value of experience and wisdom.

“The stories Mrs. Johnson tells about growing up without technology are like time travel for us. She’s teaching us history in a way no textbook could.”

Help your child understand that people don’t “age out” of needing connection, purpose, and joy.

Small Conversations, Lasting Impact

These discussions don’t need to be formal or lengthy. The most effective approach incorporates these themes naturally into daily life—pointing out examples of respect in movies, praising your child when they show empathy, and modeling kind interactions with older adults you encounter.

Every conversation plants seeds of understanding that will continue growing throughout your child’s life.

Ready to help your family take meaningful action? Visit adoptagrandparentday.org to discover how your child can forge connections that span generations and build a foundation of empathy that will serve them—and our communities—for years to come.