Why we celebrate Grandparents’ Day

(Advertorial Feature)

Grandparents’ Day in its current form began in West Virginia, USA more than 40 years ago. It was founded by Marian McQuade as a way to recognise the role that grandparents play in shaping traditional family values. Serving on both the West Virginia Commission on Aging and the Nursing Home Licensing Board, Marian campaigned for a national holiday to be set aside to show appreciation for all the work that grandparents do for society.

In 1973 the first Grandparents’ Day was recognised in the state of West Virginia, with the rest of the United States following suit in 1978. President Jimmy Carter officially signed a bill designating the Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents’ Day, beginning in 1979 and continuing every year thereafter. In 1990 the occasion eventually came to the over side of the Atlantic when it was introduced to the UK by age conscious charity Age Concern.

Recent studies have shown that children who spend time regularly with their grandparents develop better personal and social skills. With 70% of grandparents seeing their grandchildren at least once a week, that’s a lot of good that can come from spending time together. It seems we have so much to thank the older generation for.

Celebrating Grandparents’ Day on Sunday 7th October is a great way to show your appreciation for everything the older community has done for us. As with Mothers Day and Fathers Day, it is a time to say thank you for the help and support you have received from your grandparents all year round.

Interflora are offering 10% off* all online orders placed for Grandparents’ Day up until 31st October, making it even easier to send your thanks and best wishes. To take advantage of this special offer enter ‘grand2012’ when prompted at the online check out.

*Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and only one offer code can be used per transaction. Discount applies to product value only and excludes overseas and gift card purchases.