BY BETTY HACK
MANY TIMES WE SEEK ANSWERS TO VEXING PROBLEMS without realizing a terrific answer is right under our noses. Such is the case with schools and their relationships with grandparents. They can be an enormous marketing resource; an investment that costs nothing while, at the same time, possessing a growing yield that is long term!
The role of grandparents today is greater and
different than in the past. There are more single-parent households than ever. Also, the two-income family is now the norm. In both situations there are usually the twin demons of economic worry and stress about time allocation. The help of grandparents is a huge relief, for they bring a
more patient and tolerant attitude to sooth the hurly-burly. The grandparent can be the one to give the “quality time” that every child must have. Granddad or Grandma is often only too willing to contribute time and effort.
Giving credit reaps dividends
There are many different ways to sponsor Grandparents Day. One is to invite them in to share their lifetime experiences with the class. Some grandparents might have been nurses, teachers, creators of businesses built from scratch, or the best cooks this side of the Mississippi. The list of careers is endless. Such informal talks might surprise not only the students but also the grandchild. “Gosh Grandma, to think I never knew you did that!”
Grandparents can offer eyewitness accounts of historical topics that are currently only abstractly discussed in class. For example, they can talk about their grandparents and how they faced life’s challenges. They can relate experiences about World War II. They can compare news coverage today to what it was decades ago. Grandparents could discuss how the local community has changed over time, what the early days of television were like, how things like candy stores, bakeries and butcher shops existed before mass-market chains took over. Through their memories such aspects of Americana would come to life. Maybe, Granddad might even validate that Yogi Berra was indeed one of the best baseball players of his era!
Grandparents Day does not need to be a singular event but could be held often throughout the year. This way, progress can be better assessed, progress not only of the student but also the program. Periodically, the principal could talk about the school’s future and present needs to an audience that is very receptive—and may be able to provide help to the school in a wide variety of unanticipated ways!
If the school hosts dramatic plays, musicals or comedies, grandparents are the best potential audience. Many parents might have younger children at home or, for any number of reasons, not be able to attend. Therefore, besides sending communications to parents, send communications geared to grandparents. They want to know what is going on. The more they know, the more they will feel valued by the school. In consequence, they will be more supportive of the school.
Spreading
the word
Grandparents typically have many friends. Your school can target this general age group to provide additional support. They are the largest demographic that still reads the news-paper. Grandparents want to stay active and involved. They know who does what, and the good word will get out and be heard. A school principal has nothing to lose and everything to gain by enlisting a grandparents’ advisory panel to discuss relevant issues as they emerge. In this age of the acronym, it could be called GIFT, standing for Grandparents Involved with Furthering Teaching!
A good relationship between the school and grandparents takes no more effort than thinking up ways to communicate and involve a group with vast creative and caring potential. They are eager to join the team, and who is better as a volunteer or a mentor?
Who better than a grandparent knows that there is nothing more precious and valuable than time to give? They have the potential to be a potent marketing force! 
Betty Hack, a grandparent, is a psychiatric nurse. Contact her at info@psi-solutions.org.