50 Life Lessons From The Greatest Generation That Every Grandchild Should See

Well, you’d have to be around 100 years old to be part of the Greatest Generation, so there’s a good chance you’re like me: a baby boomer!

But most of us had parents or grandparents in the Greatest Generation, and, to be honest with you, I think the name suits them well. They stuck things out, they were hard workers, they knew what it meant to not have and appreciated what they did have.

Unfortunately, most of them are just not around now to impart their wisdom on our grandchildren (and, quite frankly, some of us at times!). So, this article is dedicated to the Greatest Generation – the ones who grew up in the Depression and really knew what life was all about.

It’s both a reminder to us and lessons for our grandchildren – 50 lessons in fact! Let’s get into them.

1. Make Do And Mend: A lesson in frugality and resourcefulness straight from the war years. Before throwing something away, try fixing it. Stitching up a torn shirt, fixing a squeaky hinge—these acts cultivate patience, creativity, and respect for what we have.
2. Mind Your Manners: A firm handshake, a timely thank you note, an earnest apology – these simple gestures never go out of style. They learned it, we learned it, and our grandchildren should too.
3. The Power of a Penny Saved: Grandma always said, “A penny saved is a penny earned,” and she was right. Financial savvy is timeless and worth more than any inheritance.
4. Embrace the Great Outdoors: Before the internet and video games, children played outside till the streetlights came on. Encourage the grandkids to experience the joy of climbing trees, catching fireflies, and homemade mud pies.
5. Home Cooked Meals: The smell of grandma’s cooking was the highlight of any visit. Teach your grandkids that secret family recipe and the value of meals cooked with love.
6. Respect Your Elders: This one seems a bit self-serving, but respect for those older and wiser has always been a timeless virtue, even when they can’t quite figure out how to mute themselves on Zoom.
7. Listen to the Radio: Introduce your grandchildren to the joy of the radio. Whether it’s old-time radio dramas or the daily news, there’s a certain charm to be found in this auditory experience.
8. Pen Pals: Before the age of instant messages, waiting for a handwritten letter from a friend was truly exciting. Encourage your grandkids to write letters, fostering patience and the art of written expression.
9. The Victory Garden: Gardening not only connects us with nature, but it also teaches us about hard work, patience, and the joy of eating what you grow.
10. Tell Stories: Keep the past alive by sharing stories of your youth, your parents, and grandparents. These tales teach children about their roots and build a familial bond.
11. Importance of Family Traditions: Holiday rituals, Sunday dinners, summer reunions—these aren’t just fun; they are threads that bind a family together.
12. Charity Begins at Home: Teach the importance of kindness and empathy. Small acts of charity can make a big difference.
13. Learning Never Stops: Even in their later years, the Greatest Generation valued learning. Instill this love of knowledge in your grandkids; after all, every day is a school day!
14. Honor the Flag: Respect for the country and gratitude for those who fought for our freedom was paramount for the Greatest Generation.
15. Learn to Dance: Teach your grandkids the Foxtrot or the Charleston. Dancing is a joyous expression of life and a fantastic way to keep fit.
16. Borrow, Don’t Buy: Encourage borrowing and sharing, especially books. It teaches children about trust, respect, and community.
17. Preserve Food: Share the skills of canning and preserving, it’s a wonderful homage to self-sufficiency and comes with the added bonus of delicious pickles and jams.
18. Keep Your Word: The Greatest Generation believed that your word was your bond. This lesson in integrity is worth its weight in gold.
19. Appreciate Silence: Teach your grandchildren the value of quiet moments and the ability to enjoy their own company.
20. Sing Together: Singing brings joy and unity. Teach them your favorite songs from yesteryear.
21. Handmade Gifts: A hand-knit scarf or homemade cookies, nothing matches the charm of a handmade gift. Teach them the joy of creating something from scratch.
22. Work Hard: The Greatest Generation knew the value of hard work. Encourage a strong work ethic in your grandkids; nothing worthwhile ever came easy.
23. Care for the Environment: They reused and recycled long before it was trendy. Teach your grandkids about sustainable living.
24. Dinner Table Conversations: Reinforce the importance of eating together as a family and using this time for meaningful conversations.
25. Walk More: Walking is good for the heart and the soul. Share walks with your grandchildren, exploring the beauty of your neighborhood or a nearby park.
26. Remember Your Roots: Teach your grandchildren about their heritage. This helps them understand their identity and build a connection with their past.
27. Sacrifice for the Greater Good: This generation understood the need to make personal sacrifices for the good of others.
28. Value of Time: Teach them the importance of punctuality. Being on time is a simple yet critical life skill.
29. Read Books: Cultivate their love for reading. A good book can be a loyal friend and a magical escape.
30. Be a Good Sport: Encourage them to participate in sports, not just for the physical aspect but also for the lessons in teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.
31. Resilience: Share stories of how people bounced back from hardships. Resilience is an essential skill for all generations.
32. Enjoy Simple Pleasures: A beautiful sunset, a homemade meal, a good book – remind them to cherish life’s simple pleasures.
33. Learn a Craft: Sewing, knitting, woodworking – these skills instill patience, creativity, and self-reliance.
34. Self-Respect: Teach them that self-respect is the cornerstone of all virtues.
35. Pay Attention to Details: This can apply to everything from cooking a family recipe to mending a torn dress.
36. Speak Less, Listen More: Wisdom often comes from listening.
37. Take Care of Your Things: From toys to clothes, teach them to care for their belongings.
38. Pray or Meditate: Spiritual or reflective moments can provide comfort and perspective.
39. Help Your Neighbors: Teach them the importance of community and looking out for each other.
40. Love Your Country, But Know Its History: Patriotism coupled with an understanding of the past creates well-rounded citizens.
41. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument: Music enriches the soul and fosters discipline and creativity.
42. Keep a Clean Living Space: Cleanliness is not just about hygiene, but it’s also a nod to personal discipline and respect for one’s surroundings.
43. Stay Informed About the World: Encourage them to read the newspaper or watch the news.
44. Play Board Games: A fun way to teach strategy, patience, and good sportsmanship.
45. Take Pride in Your Appearance: Looking your best can make you feel confident and respectful towards yourself and others.
46. Speak Clearly and Politely: Good communication is key to personal and professional success.
47. Honesty Is the Best Policy: The importance of truthfulness cannot be overstated.
48. Keep Your Promises: Teach them that a promise is a sacred commitment.
49. Practice Gratitude: Encourage them to appreciate what they have and express gratitude regularly.
50. Laugh Often: A good sense of humor can lighten any situation and make life much more enjoyable.

Take the lessons that our parents and grandparents taught us and pass them on to our own grandchildren. Yes, times have certainly changed and not everything in their day holds true in 2023, but I personally am a believer in their values and wisdom!