By Gary Bennett
National Grandparents Day is one of the lesser-known and widely underappreciated national observances. Like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, it’s not a federal holiday, but it pales in recognition beside the other two.
President Jimmy Carter first proclaimed National Grandparents Day in 1978. The following year, Congress enacted a law requesting an annual presidential proclamation designating the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.
It rolls around again Sunday, Sept. 13.
A 9-year-old boy in 1969 is often credited with first suggesting the idea of honoring grandparents with a special day.
Russell Capper sent a letter to President Richard Nixon suggesting such an observance. Nixon’s personal secretary, Rose Mary Woods, wrote back, thanking Russell for the idea and explaining that the president ordinarily issued proclamations for special observances only when authorized by Congress.
From there, West Virginia resident Marian McQuade made it her business to build support for a national observance. West Virginia Sen. Jennings Randolph eventually took up the cause, and McQuade spent years campaigning for recognition of grandparents and older Americans.
President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first National Grandparents Day for Sept. 10, 1978. In 1979, Congress enacted the law establishing the annual observance, and Carter issued a proclamation designating the first Sunday in September after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day each year.
The National Grandparents Day Council describes the day’s purposes as honoring grandparents, giving grandparents an opportunity to show love for their grandchildren and helping children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.
An honorable goal for sure.
Unfortunately, National Grandparents Day has not caught on the way its founders might have wanted.
If we go by national greeting-card sales — not a scientific method by any means, but valuable information nonetheless — Grandparents Day barely registers compared with the better-known observances.
The Greeting Card Association’s published figures put Christmas at about 1.3 billion cards, Valentine’s Day at 145 million, Mother’s Day at 113 million, Father’s Day at 72 million, Halloween at 20 million and Thanksgiving at 16 million. Grandparents Day doesn’t even appear among the association’s top seasonal card-sending occasions.
Why is this? It can’t be because grandparents don’t matter.
AARP estimates there are about 70 million grandparents in the U.S. Its 2026 research found that 69% of grandparents provide care for their grandchildren, averaging more than 500 hours annually among those who provide care.
Nine in 10 grandparents provide financial support for their grandchildren, spending an average of $2,654 per year. Altogether, AARP estimates grandparents provide about $172 billion in direct financial support to grandchildren each year.
All this should add up to a robust, loving and nostalgic celebration like Mother’s Day. But it does not.
No doubt many families are estranged for one reason or another. But perhaps part of the disconnect is that some parents simply aren’t instilling in their children an appreciation for the wisdom and guidance grandparents can provide.
In other words, grandparents can be taken for granted.
Like most things, this situation can be remedied if we have the will to do so.
GRANDCHILDREN (AND THEIR PARENTS) CAN DO THEIR PART
For grandchildren — with the help of parents if the grandchildren are very young — there are many things that can be done.
Simply spend some time with your grandparents. Make an appointment if you have to. Sometimes we forget just how important and special our grandparents are. Even a short visit could make them very happy.
Have a family dinner. Family time is hard to come by these days, but organizing a dinner with your grandparents, parents and siblings is a great way to spend time together. Plus, everyone gets to have some good old-fashioned home cooking, possibly with a fabled family recipe.
Enjoy a hobby together. Grandma might like to go to a farmers market, and Grandpa might love to go to a ballgame. A bit of company and transportation could brighten their day.
Play a board game, make a craft or buy some decorations. Even for the video generation, these old-school activities offer something new and different to do and can light up grandparents’ lives.
GRANDPARENTS NEED TO DO THEIR PART
So many relationships wither because some grandparents become set in their ways and preoccupied with their own wants and needs. Don’t be like that!
Meet your grandchildren where they are. If the grandkids are into soccer, gymnastics or even video gaming, give it a try or show up to root for them, even if it’s in your own living room. A little positive reinforcement without the threat of discipline goes a long way.
Initiate the conversation. Don’t complain that your grandkids never visit or call. Go to them! You’d be surprised that even the most jaded or selfish grandkids sometimes need just a little nudge to become more caring and empathetic.
Plan special days. Parents are busy. Take it upon yourself to come up with something grandkids normally wouldn’t do, like going to a water park, theme park, zoo or even just McDonald’s.
Get the cousins together. Families don’t always see eye to eye, and sometimes cousins don’t get many opportunities to spend time together. Grandparents can step in to provide a welcoming environment for everyone.
KEEP IT LOCAL
You’re a proud grandparent, and Sept. 13 is your day. Take advantage of it! Here are a few current discounts and outings that grandparents in the Frederick area might enjoy.
Michaels
For crafty grandparents, Michaels offers customers age 55 and older 10% off eligible purchases every day. The discount can be linked to a Michaels Rewards account for use online and in stores. Some exclusions apply.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ Rewards members can earn 100 bonus points on Mobile Monday orders each Monday through Sept. 28. On Sept. 12 and 13, members can also earn 100 bonus points each day with the purchase of select Tennis Beverages at participating locations. Offers must be activated in the Dunkin’ app.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Green Meadows Petting Farm, 10102 Fingerboard Road, Ijamsville, offers its own Grandparents Day every Wednesday it is open: One grandparent receives free admission with one paid general admission. On other days, seniors can receive $3 off general admission at the gate. Visit greenmeadowsevents.com for current hours and admission information.
Maryland Florals
Maryland Florals in Frederick offers a Grandparents Day collection and local flower delivery. Visit marylandflorals.net for available arrangements and delivery information.
Gary Bennett is a longtime Frederick resident who spends his time hiking, biking, volunteering and providing childcare for grandchildren. He is married and retired from his career as a nonprofit marketing executive.