6 life lessons my grandparents taught me
Last week, on Grandparent’s Day, we asked you, the Over60 community, to share the life lessons they were taught by their grandparents and which ones they’re passing on to their own grandchildren. Your responses blew us away! Here are six of our favourites.
1. The importance of unconditional love
“I learnt love from my grandmother. Not huggy sentimental love, but the love that’s shown by being there, always being available and welcoming and being my backup person for my whole childhood.” – Sandy Bishop.
2. Hands-on skills
“As a grandma l am just there... the rock behind the scenes offering space to be themselves and passing on sewing, cooking, painting, crafting skills for them to use in this electronic world where basic skills seem to be forgotten sometimes… and being teenagers they need that space to chill! Isn't it such an amazing reward to watch and be involved in this generation evolution?” – Judy Anderson.
3. Integrity and baking
“My grandma taught me integrity, she said you can lose everything in life but without your integrity you have truly have nothing. She also taught me how to bake. When I suddenly get the urge to bake at some ridiculous hour of the night, which happens, I feel she is still around and having a chuckle with me.” – Ishca Anna Graham.
4. The simple things
“As a grandparent myself... I will show my littles ones, love, laughter, books and board games, nature kindness and love for animals, lots of arts and crafts, walks along the beach finding shells, and never-ending patience and unconditional love.” – Nikki Munday.
5. Time is precious
“My grandmother died when I was nine. I learned from her that the time spent with grandchildren is like gold. I always felt I was the most important person when I was with her, and I hope my grandchildren feel the same about the time they spend with me.” – Robyn Marconi.
6. The value of family
“All of my grandparents taught me the value of family. We had wonderful Christmas dinners with family, where everyone came together and we all knew each other. My maternal grandmother taught me bush medicine, while my paternal grandmother taught me how to make wool and wire shamrocks and butterflies and how to be frugal, without being mean. Of course, they always gave heaps of love, all. I love them all too.” – Beverley Speight Mottrom.
What did you learn from your grandparents? Are you passing those lessons on to your own grandchildren? Let us know in the comments!