In a day and age when iPads are beginning to replace schoolbooks, your children may be surprised to learn their grandparents did not have the Internet when they were growing up. There was no Google to answer questions and they had to use paper maps to help them find their way when they were lost. Phones were rotary landlines in the home and there was no texting or social media. However, this lack of technology was not necessarily a bad thing. We can learn a lot from our grandparents and their experiences.

1. LIFE SKILLS

Grandparents are a great resource for life skills that are no longer commonly taught in school. Things like sewing, baking, woodworking, and even car mechanics were necessary skills for their generation, and were even taught in the public school systems. Ask your grandparents what kinds of things they learned when they were young. They can teach you something new!

2. GAMES

What do you think your grandparents did for fun before video games and smart phones? Ask them to share how they and their siblings entertained themselves when they were kids. Be sure to ask about inside and outside fun.

3. FAMILY HISTORY

Ask about your family tree— where are your relatives from? Who are their siblings?
What did their education look like? What types of jobs did they have?

4. WISDOM

Job 12:12 says, “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?”

Your grandparents have lived long lives and have experienced a lot. They can be a great
resource for you when you’re making difficult choices and life decisions. Don’t be afraid
to ask them hard questions and involve them in your life—don’t discount them because
they are older … it usually means they’re wiser!

5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

If you have a grandparent, you know there is always someone who thinks you’re wonderful, no matter how often or how badly you mess up. Grandparents know how to love in ways that are bigger and deeper—because they have learned what is important in life, and loving their baby’s baby is at the top of that list.