A Season of New Beginnings — For Everyone

Back-to-school season marks a fresh chapter: sharpened pencils, new routines, and an energized sense of possibility. While children and parents prepare for the rush of academic life, there’s a group often left out of the back-to-school narrative—our beloved seniors. But there are countless ways grandparents can join the back-to-school season, adding richness, warmth, and connection to the family rhythm.

Including elderly relatives in this busy season isn’t just a sweet gesture—it’s a meaningful way to support their emotional well-being while helping them feel included and needed. Whether they live independently, with family, or receive home care support, there are numerous opportunities for seniors to engage.

Why It Matters: The Importance of Grandparent Involvement

Including seniors in back-to-school traditions isn’t just heartwarming—it’s profoundly beneficial. Older adults often experience a decrease in social interaction, especially if mobility or health issues limit their independence. Meanwhile, children benefit emotionally and cognitively from strong relationships with their elders.

Emotional Benefits for Seniors

• Reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness

• Reinforces identity, purpose, and routine

• Provides regular emotional connection with younger family members

Developmental Benefits for Kids

• Encourages empathy and respect for older generations

• Enhances storytelling and language development

• Offers practical life lessons and intergenerational wisdom

Bringing grandparents into the fold supports a deeper sense of unity—even during the hustle of the fall season.

7 Heartfelt and Practical Ways Grandparents Can Join the Back-to-School Season

1. Share “Back in My Day” School Stories

One of the easiest and most engaging ways grandparents can join the back-to-school season is by sharing stories from their own childhood. Whether it’s about walking to school in the snow or using chalkboards instead of tablets, these stories can:

• Build curiosity and empathy in children

• Offer humorous or touching moments

• Reinforce that learning is a lifelong journey

Try setting aside time over dinner or during a weekend visit to share school memories. Encourage the grandkids to ask questions!

2. Help With School Supply Prep

From sharpening pencils to labeling notebooks, school prep can be a whirlwind for parents. Grandparents can step in and:

• Assist with organizing supplies

• Help assemble backpacks

• Accompany kids to shop for school items (if mobility allows)

These tasks offer both a sense of purpose for seniors and relief for busy parents. Even if the grandparent is homebound, they can help sort or prepare items from home.

3. Write Encouraging Notes for the First Day

Even a small handwritten note in a lunchbox can make a child’s day. Grandparents can:

• Write motivational messages

• Share personal mantras or poems

• Create “thinking of you” cards for that nerve-wracking first week

This simple gesture builds emotional bridges and gives grandparents a gentle way to stay involved.

4. Participate in Homework or Reading Time

Many seniors have the time—and the patience—to support homework routines. Whether it’s reading aloud with young children or reviewing flashcards with older students, this interaction is:

• Cognitively stimulating for seniors

• Encouraging and enriching for children

If in-person visits aren’t possible, consider virtual check-ins via Zoom or FaceTime. A 15-minute video call can go a long way.

5. Be Part of the Morning or Afternoon Routine

Involving grandparents in school-day routines can reduce chaos while giving them regular, cherished interactions with grandchildren. Options include:

• Walking children to the bus stop

• Greeting them after school with a snack

• Sitting with them while they decompress after a long day

These small roles can be joyful and fulfilling, especially when part of a consistent routine.

6. Attend School Events and Performances

Encourage grandparents to attend:

• Back-to-school nights

• School plays and recitals

• Sports games or Grandparents’ Day events

Even if mobility is a challenge, many schools now offer live streaming or recording options. Caregivers or family members can help facilitate access to these.

7. Share Seasonal Traditions or Cultural Wisdom

Back-to-school doesn’t have to be all logistics. It’s also a time to pass down traditions that align with family values, such as:

• Cooking a favorite fall recipe together

• Sharing a family blessing before the school year

• Teaching a craft, language, or custom

These deeper connections contribute to a child’s sense of identity and help seniors feel valued and remembered.

How Home Care Can Support Grandparent Involvement

Ways Grandparents Can Join the Back-to-School Season — With a Little Help

Not all seniors are able to participate independently—but that doesn’t mean they should miss out.

Home care providers can:

• Assist with grooming or meal prep so seniors are ready for visits or video calls

• Provide transportation to school functions

• Facilitate video conferencing for reading time or family chats

• Monitor for fatigue or overstimulation to ensure a positive experience

At Home Matters, we understand that connection is part of health. That’s why we strive to create opportunities for meaningful involvement between generations—even during busy seasons like back-to-school.

Start the School Year with Inclusion and Intention

The back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean seniors are left behind. In fact, it can be a beautiful time to re-integrate elderly family members into the daily life of younger generations. From sharing stories to attending school events, there are countless ways grandparents can join the back-to-school season in ways that feel natural, dignified, and joyful.

When families make the effort to connect across generations, everyone benefits. Let this fall be the beginning of a richer, more inclusive rhythm in your family’s life.