Grandparents Day Celebration Friday, September 24, 2021
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Sixty-five children at Midland College’s Helen L. Greathouse Children’s Center are celebrating their Grandmas and Grandpas, Abuelos and Abuelas, Nanas and Papas, Omas and Opas, Grammies and Grampies, Mimis and Pops throughout the day on Friday, Sept. 24, at the Helen L. Greathouse Children’s Center on the MC campus.

In previous years, grandparents were invited to celebrate in person, but due to current COVID-19 numbers, this year they can join the event virtually. Several children will be personally Zooming or FaceTiming with their grandparents throughout the day.

“The kids love special days and celebrations, and Grandparents Day does not disappoint!” said Tayna Frantz, Director, Helen L. Greathouse Children’s Center. “COVID-19 has kept so many grandparents and grandchildren apart for so long, it gave us all a greater appreciation for that generation than ever before. Some children's grandparents live here in town, and some live far away; all the students love talking and learning about each others' families. We try to encourage the older children to learn more about their grandparents’ lives.”

This year the celebration will also include the children making cards for their grandparents. Each little student will take a picture with a sign saying “Happy Grandparents Day!” which will be shared on the center’s Facebook page. To make the kids feel special, teachers will have pictures of grandparents, and they have learned the special names each child calls them.

Grandparents Day is officially celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year it fell on Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021. It is an opportunity to treasure the grandparent/grandchild connection and spend quality family time together. The first Grandparents Day was in 1978. According to experts, grandparents and children have a special connection that is proven to both make grandparents live longer and make children more emotionally resilient.

The Helen L. Greathouse Children’s Learning Center provides care for children 4 months to 5 years old. It is open to MC employees and students, as well as members of the community. Teachers follow a curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten and a life of curiosity and learning. Students develop important academic, social and emotional skills, all while having fun!