Grandparent’s Day is not as widely spoken about as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, however we know that your grandparents may be just as important to you. Maybe your grandparent has died and you would like to use this day to remember them. Or you may live with your grandparent and they may be your primary caregiver, and you want to tell them you love them and spend time with them on Grandparent’s Day. Which is why we’d like to recognise this day as a special day for some children and young people.
You may find comfort in sharing memories of your grandparents who have died. If they died before you were born and you didn’t get to meet them, maybe you could ask your family members to share stories about them with you today. If you did get to meet them and spend time with them, maybe you could reflect on some of the good times you shared together.
Here are some memories from children at a primary school in Bristol who have set up a Growing Hope garden in memory of someone they know who has died.
“I like going to the Garden of Hope because it makes me think of my Nan, and I miss the hugs and kisses. I have grown sunflowers for her, and I am going to take them to her grave.”
Billy
“I really like gardening because it reminds me of my Nan’s garden that was full of flowers. It makes me feel happy as I spent most of my time with her as a I am the oldest grandchild. She was always cheerful and happy and make a joke out of anything and I miss her.”
Max
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“I like gardening it reminds me of my Nan and all the things we did together. We always had fun I miss her the hugs and kisses and presents.”
Jack
“When I have my lunch, I always go to the Garden of Hope to find the lavender as it was her [Nanny] favourite. I talk to her about school, and it makes me feel calm.”
Maisie
For these children, setting up a Growing Hope garden has been a lovely comfort to them and they have a space they can visit when they feel some of the emotions we experience in grief. Remembering our special person who has died can feel overwhelming sometimes, but all of the emotions you might feel are normal.
Grandparents Day can be a day of remembering or spending time with your loved ones. You may like to look at photos of your grandparents if you have some, or you can listen to stories about them, or remember your own memories of them.
How to get help
If you’re struggling with grief right now, Winston’s Wish is here to help and here to listen. Winston’s Wish provides support for grieving children and young people (up to the age of 25). We offer one-to-one and group support sessions. We also have lots of online resources and a Helpline, email and live chat service where you can talk to bereavement professionals.
You can call us for free on 08088 020 021 (open 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday), email ask@winstonswish.org or use our live chat (open 3-8pm, Monday to Friday) and find out more on our Get Support page.
If you need urgent support in a crisis, you can contact the 24/7 Winston’s Wish Crisis Messenger by texting WW to 85258.