15 Things Our Grandparents Did That We Need to Do
Ah, grandparents—the wise, all-knowing figures who seemed to have life all figured out long before we even knew how to tie our shoes. They didn’t have smartphones, yet they managed to communicate just fine. They didn’t have TikTok to teach them life hacks, but somehow, they knew how to fix just about everything with a little elbow grease and some good old-fashioned common sense. They lived through wars, walked uphill both ways in the snow to school (or so they claim), and somehow managed to raise families without the aid of parenting blogs or YouTube tutorials.
While younger generations may roll their eyes at some of their “back in my day” stories, there’s no denying that our grandparents got a lot of things right. Here are 15 things our grandparents did right that we could all stand to learn from—or at least appreciate a little more.
Writing Letters by Hand
Before the days of emoji-filled texts and emails, people actually sat down and wrote letters—by hand, on actual paper. It was a lost art of expressing thoughts in complete sentences with proper punctuation. There was something special about getting a letter in the mail, knowing that someone took the time to write it out, seal it up, and send it your way. Nowadays, our idea of heartfelt communication is a well-timed GIF. Maybe it’s time to put pen to paper and give the ol’ mailbox something to do.
Fixing Things Instead of Replacing Them
When something broke, our grandparents didn’t rush to the nearest store to replace it. Instead, they rolled up their sleeves, grabbed a toolbox, and got to work. Whether it was a torn shirt, a leaky faucet, or a broken chair, they knew how to patch things up and make them good as new. Today, we’re more likely to toss things in the trash at the first sign of trouble. Perhaps we should learn to value what we have and try fixing it before we replace it.
Growing Their Own Food
Gardening wasn’t just a hobby for our grandparents—it was a way of life. They grew their own vegetables, canned their own fruits, and knew exactly where their food came from. The farm-to-table movement might be trendy now, but for them, it was just called “dinner.” Not everyone has the space for a full-blown garden, but even a few potted herbs on the windowsill can bring a bit of that green-thumb wisdom into our modern lives.
Living Within Their Means
Credit cards? Interest rates? Nah, our grandparents had a simple financial philosophy: if you don’t have the cash, you don’t buy it. They understood the value of a dollar and knew how to stretch it. Debt wasn’t something they took lightly, and saving for a rainy day was just common sense. Maybe we could all take a step back from our buy-now-pay-later mentality and embrace a little more financial restraint.
Being Neighborly
Remember when people actually knew their neighbors’ names? Maybe they even borrowed a cup of sugar from time to time or watched each other’s kids. Our grandparents knew the importance of community and looking out for one another. Today, we’re more likely to know our neighbors by their Wi-Fi names than by face. A little friendliness and neighborly help could go a long way in building a stronger community.
Cooking from Scratch
Fast food and microwave dinners? Not in Grandma’s house. Meals were made from scratch, with love—and probably a secret family recipe or two. Cooking wasn’t just about feeding the family; it was about bringing everyone together around the table. Sure, it takes more time than ordering takeout, but there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal from start to finish with real ingredients.
Hanging Clothes to Dry
Before dryers became a household staple, clothes were hung out to dry on a line, where they soaked up the sun and fresh air. It was eco-friendly before eco-friendly was even a thing. Sure, it takes a bit more effort, but air-dried clothes have a freshness that no dryer sheet can replicate. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce energy consumption—something our grandparents would certainly approve of.
Respecting Elders
It wasn’t just a suggestion; respecting your elders was a rule to live by. Grandparents, parents, and teachers were all treated with a level of respect that seems to have faded a bit in recent generations. Today, we’re all about challenging authority and questioning everything, which isn’t necessarily bad, but maybe we could do with a bit more old-school respect for those who’ve been around the block a few more times than we have.
Reading Real Books
E-readers and audiobooks have their place, but there’s nothing quite like holding a real book in your hands, turning the pages, and getting lost in the story. Our grandparents understood the value of a good book and made reading a regular part of their lives. It’s easy to get distracted by screens these days, but sometimes, the best escape is found in the pages of a well-worn novel.
Dressing Up for Occasions
Remember when people dressed up for church, family gatherings, or even just a trip to the grocery store? Our grandparents didn’t need an excuse to look their best—they understood that how you present yourself matters. Today, we’re all about comfort (hello, athleisure), but there’s something to say about putting in a little extra effort. Who knows, maybe dressing up a bit more often could make us feel a bit more confident.
Canning and Preserving
When the harvest was plentiful, our grandparents didn’t let it go to waste. They canned, pickled, and preserved fruits and vegetables to enjoy all year long. It was a labor of love that ensured nothing went to waste. While canning may seem like an old-fashioned skill, it’s a great way to reduce food waste and savor the taste of summer well into the winter months.
Saving for a Rainy Day
Impulse buying? Not in our grandparents’ world. They knew how to save for the things they wanted and were always prepared for unexpected expenses. A little bit of financial planning and restraint went a long way, and it’s something we could all benefit from today. Having a cushion for those rainy days can bring peace of mind that no credit card can match.
Taking Pride in Their Work
Whether they were farmers, factory workers, or homemakers, our grandparents took pride in their work. They understood that a job well done was its own reward and that there was value in doing things right the first time. Today, we’re often focused on shortcuts and getting things done quickly, but maybe we should take a cue from them and put a little more pride into what we do.
Practicing Patience
In a world of instant gratification, our grandparents knew the value of patience. Whether it was waiting for bread to rise, crops to grow, or the mail to arrive, they understood that good things take time. Today, we’re more likely to get frustrated if something takes longer than a few seconds to load. A little patience could go a long way in helping us slow down and appreciate the process.
Spending Time with Family
Last but certainly not least, our grandparents knew that family time was sacred. There were no smartphones at the dinner table, no endless stream of notifications pulling them away from the moment. They made time for family dinners, Sunday visits, and holidays spent together. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to let family time slip through the cracks, but maybe we could all benefit from putting down our devices and reconnecting with the people who matter most.
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