Why are grandparents now called 'grandfriends' at school events? Here's the controversial reason behind the new name
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Recently, there's been a lot of anger and frustration from Australians over the term 'grandfriends' being used in place of 'grandparents' at several school events.
Apparently, this new word is seen as more 'inclusive', but many people are disagreeing – especially grandparents themselves!
So, what's the story? Here's everything you need to know about the situation...
It started when a couple of schools NSW schools – Spring Farm, Bradbury, Concord, Drummoyne, Gillieston, Heathcote East, Kiama, Neutral Bay and Newton to be exact – decided to change the name of ‘Grandparent’s Day’ to ‘Grandfriends Day’. This was done to be more ‘inclusive’, reports say.
But this decision ended up sparking outrage in people, most of whom believe that this change takes away the importance and the meaning of the special day.
Ian Barnett, the Founder of the National Grandparent Movement, said it was an ‘odd move’, and that rather than being inclusive, it ends up excluding ‘one of the most significant people in a child’s life’.
‘The implication behind that is, of course, if “grandparents” are now “grandfriends”, it means that the next logical step is that parents become “friends”.’
He added: ‘It’s strange to do it and I don’t know the reasoning behind it either.’
Grandparent’s Day is a special occasion that lets them join kids in school for morning tea, or lunch, or spend time with them in general. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate their relationship and strengthen their bond.
Schools have made the move to expand the name to ‘Grandparents and Grandfriends’ Day’ lately. But the decision to remove the term ‘grandparents’ altogether seems like the importance of the day has been watered down – which annoyed many people.
‘I can understand maybe that they want to make it easier for others to come on board,’ said Mr Barnett.
‘It’s such a significant phrase and concept, and it’s disappointing to actually think that we can no longer use that and we’re changing into something like “grandfriends”.’
Many were quick to oppose the use of the term ‘grandfriends’ and expressed their disbelief online.
‘What a load of rubbish,’ someone said.
One commented: ‘I am a very proud grandparent. I am so over all the “do-gooders” wanting to change history and relationships just to confuse and include and wrap everyone in cotton wool so that they don’t get offended.’
‘I am a very proud grandparent; my five grandchildren call me “Nonna”. Stop offending me,’ added another.
Another said: ‘Grandparents have knowledge and experience no one will ever have until they are mature enough and lived through life.’
‘They deserve, and all grandparents demand the utmost RESPECT this title holds,’ they added.
In defence, the NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell addressed the situation in one particular school.
She said: ‘Spring Farm Public School used this term to promote their event as they had invited residents from a local aged care facility who are pen pals with the students.’
You can watch the news report here:
What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think it’s a wise move to rename the term Grandparent's Day to Grandfriend's Day to be more inclusive? Share your opinions with us in the comments below!
Apparently, this new word is seen as more 'inclusive', but many people are disagreeing – especially grandparents themselves!
So, what's the story? Here's everything you need to know about the situation...
It started when a couple of schools NSW schools – Spring Farm, Bradbury, Concord, Drummoyne, Gillieston, Heathcote East, Kiama, Neutral Bay and Newton to be exact – decided to change the name of ‘Grandparent’s Day’ to ‘Grandfriends Day’. This was done to be more ‘inclusive’, reports say.
But this decision ended up sparking outrage in people, most of whom believe that this change takes away the importance and the meaning of the special day.
Some people say changing the name to ‘grandfriends’ is strange. Credit: RODNAE Productions in Pexels
Ian Barnett, the Founder of the National Grandparent Movement, said it was an ‘odd move’, and that rather than being inclusive, it ends up excluding ‘one of the most significant people in a child’s life’.
‘The implication behind that is, of course, if “grandparents” are now “grandfriends”, it means that the next logical step is that parents become “friends”.’
He added: ‘It’s strange to do it and I don’t know the reasoning behind it either.’
Grandparent’s Day is a special occasion that lets them join kids in school for morning tea, or lunch, or spend time with them in general. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate their relationship and strengthen their bond.
Schools have made the move to expand the name to ‘Grandparents and Grandfriends’ Day’ lately. But the decision to remove the term ‘grandparents’ altogether seems like the importance of the day has been watered down – which annoyed many people.
‘I can understand maybe that they want to make it easier for others to come on board,’ said Mr Barnett.
‘It’s such a significant phrase and concept, and it’s disappointing to actually think that we can no longer use that and we’re changing into something like “grandfriends”.’
Grandparents are an integral part of every child’s life. Credit: Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas in Pexels
Many were quick to oppose the use of the term ‘grandfriends’ and expressed their disbelief online.
‘What a load of rubbish,’ someone said.
One commented: ‘I am a very proud grandparent. I am so over all the “do-gooders” wanting to change history and relationships just to confuse and include and wrap everyone in cotton wool so that they don’t get offended.’
‘I am a very proud grandparent; my five grandchildren call me “Nonna”. Stop offending me,’ added another.
Another said: ‘Grandparents have knowledge and experience no one will ever have until they are mature enough and lived through life.’
‘They deserve, and all grandparents demand the utmost RESPECT this title holds,’ they added.
In defence, the NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell addressed the situation in one particular school.
She said: ‘Spring Farm Public School used this term to promote their event as they had invited residents from a local aged care facility who are pen pals with the students.’
You can watch the news report here:
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