With Grandparents Day on September 13, local grandparents are reflecting on the special role they play in the lives of their grandchildren and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Among them are Springs residents Carin and Andrew Irvine, who shared with the Springs Advertiser their personal experience of becoming grandparents, the memories they treasure and the values they hope to pass on to the next generation.

For the Irvines, becoming grandparents has brought a new understanding of love, family and the importance of being present.

“You think you know what is love when you have your own kids. When you become a grandparent, your love feels as big as the universe,” said Carin.

They remember the moment they first became grandparents as an overwhelming experience.

“You look at this perfect little human and see your child at this age. Your heart sits outside your body,” they said, describing the emotions as running like rivers and calling it one of the biggest moments anyone can experience.

Andrew said that their grandchildren have also brought a renewed sense of pride and love into their family.

Among their most treasured memories is when their grandson Ruben called Carin “My ouma” and said, “I want to go to my ouma.”

For Carin and Andrew, the words were beyond description, particularly because Ruben was only two years old at the time.

Carin shared that the joy their grandchildren bring is found in the simple things through fun, laughter, love and acceptance.

They have also learned valuable lessons from them, including that it is okay to make mistakes and that tomorrow is another day.

In a world they describe as scary at times, the Irvines believe kindness can go a long way. They are determined to pass this value, along with honesty and humility, on to their grandchildren.

They encourage their grandchildren to remember that no one is better than another person and believe that a smile or a soft answer can make a difference, even on a difficult day.

Andrew emphasised the importance of not judging others when angry and of keeping faith at the centre of life.

Family traditions are another important part of what the Irvines hope to pass down through the generations.

Carin believes birthdays should always be made special and that Easter and Christmas should be celebrated together as a family, with children understanding the meaning behind these occasions.

The Irvines believe grandparents have a unique role in children’s lives. They encourage grandparents to listen, make time for their grandchildren and spend quality time with them rather than judging their actions.

They believe children should be allowed to make their own mistakes and decisions, with grandparents there to support, guide and help them when things go wrong.

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“Teach them life is about choices and you are the master of your own destiny while also encouraging young people to surround themselves with positive people who build them up rather than pull them down,” said Carin.

For the Irvines, watching Ruben mimic his grandfather and father is a particularly proud moment.

“That is a very proud moment you can only understand when you are a grandparent yourself,” said Andrew.

Looking across the generations has also encouraged the couple to reflect on their own family history. They researched their great-grandparents on both sides of the family, an experience that left them with an immense feeling of pride.

They believe history is often repeated through family traditions and that the influence of previous generations continues through parents, children and grandchildren.

Above all, Carin and Andrew want their grandchildren to understand the importance of protecting their name and reputation.

“You have one name. Look after your name,” they said, warning against seeking attention at the expense of one’s character.

Their message to grandparents is to embrace the opportunity with the grandchildren. They describe grandchildren as a second chance in life – an opportunity to love and be present in a way that can sometimes be difficult during the working years of raising children.

“Embrace your grandchildren, live in the moment and say thank you every day to God’s grace for making you a grandparent,” concluded Andrew.