Show grandparents how much you care

As your family jumps into the back-to-school season, the thought of Grandparents Day might not be top-of-mind. But Grandparents Day, which was specially created to appreciate the millions of grandmas and grandpas of the world, is only a short time away, on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Here are some creative ideas for those much-loved people who make such a difference in our kids' lives.

Creative bookmarker

Help your children cut a strip of colored construction paper, and let them decorate it with ribbon, beads and stickers. Leave room at the top for a recent photo of your child, and trim it to fit the marker. Glue the photo onto the bookmarker. When dry, send it in an envelope with a card and a book. If grandparents live close by, your child might want to add a note like this: "Here's a picture of your reading partner to remind you that reading together is the most fun."

Musical cassette tape

All you need is an audiocassette recorder, a tape of songs everyone knows by heart and some strong singing voices. Record your family singing your favorite and traditional tunes, like "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," or even a family original. Include individual musical wishes for a happy Grandparents Day. For extra fun, the older kids might enjoy making their own label on the computer for the cassette case. Send it through the mail for their listening pleasure!

Only a phone call away

The telephone is still one of the greatest inventions of modern times. Starting this fall, set up weekly telephone calls with grandparents. The voice-to-voice connection will give everyone something to look forward to each week. Not only does the regular call keep kids and grandparents up to date on each other's activities, but also it creates a special bond when they actually see one another again.

Write Donna with your questions and ideas at www.donnasday.com. Donna's latest book, "Donna Erickson's Fabulous Funstuff for Families," is available in bookstores nationwide. ? Donna Erickson. Dist. by King Features Syndicate

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