5 reasons why Grandkids should be caregivers

Today, April 2, is National Caregivers Day. It's a day to honour all caregivers - a job that can feel lonely, and be thankless at times, but it can also be the best job in the world. I didn't know what a caregiver was when I first started - I thought I was just helping out my Grandparents and my Mom. But with time I've been able to see the crucial role caregivers play.

What is a caregiver?

The Ontario Caregiver Organization defines a caregiver as ordinary people who provide physical and emotional support to a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour.

Why should young people be caregivers?

When we think about caregivers to seniors, most of us think of adult children taking care of their aging parents. Today, I want to make the case to younger people why they should be caregivers to their Grandparents. Here's 5 reasons Grandchildren should be caregivers.

1. The stories.

I'm telling you, the stories you will hear are incredible. It can be hard to think of grandparents as their younger selves, but they were your age at one point. You may hear stories that make you laugh and cry, be inspired and in awe - you might even hear some stories your parents have never been told. Just the stories alone are worth it.

2. Life lessons.

Your Grandparents have lived through times we can hardly imagine. The world has changed a lot in the 20th and 21st century, and it will continue to change. Your Grandparents have lived through it, and they have incredible perspective. Sure, they might not be on Tik Tok, but you will learn a lot by listening to what they have to say.

3. Moments.

You will create so many snapshots in time that you will cherish. When I reminisce about my Grandparents, the big events and celebrations are great, but it's the spontaneous moments that make me smile. It could be something that happened at lunch, an inside joke you shared, really anything. You can't predict when you will create these moments, but if you keep showing up, they will happen.

4. Family history.

Maybe you don't really care about your family history today, but I bet one day you will. When your Grandparents are gone, parts of your family history will be harder to piece together. Take the opportunity to learn about where your Grandparents grew up, what their parents were like, and what traditions they had.

5. It feels good.

Whether you are helping with daily tasks, or chatting over a cup of coffee, you have the power to make your Grandparents day. Even if they can't show it, making time to be there matters, and it feels pretty damn good to be able to brighten up someone's day.

You don't have to be a nurse or have any medical training to be a caregiver, you just have to be present. Some days will be hard, and at times life will get in the way, but I'm telling you that you wont regret the time you spend together.