
For many of us, one of the most precious memories of our childhood was visiting our nani’s (maternal grandmother’s) home. The place has taught us what warmth and endless comfort mean. Times may have changed, but families visiting nani’s home during summer vacations have stayed the same.
For parents who are willing to raise grateful kids, this vacay is a perfect opportunity to teach children how they can give back to a place that gives them unconditional love and memories they’ll cherish forever.
Recently, parenting coach Gurpreet Kaur shared a heartfelt reminder for families visiting Nani's home this summer. Through a series of thoughtful suggestions she explained how children can express love, respect, and appreciation towards the home they love the most.
Here are five lessons parents should teach children before visiting Nani's home this summer vacation:

One of the most meaningful reminders she shared was to teach children to enter nani’s home with gratitude and not entitlement. “Someone rearranged their life for this visit, bought things your child loves, planned days around your child’s happiness,” she explained.A simple and sincere “Thank you for having us” can set the tone for the entire visit, says Gurpreet.

Parenting coach Gurpreet Kaur’s next suggestion is to teach your child to sit with their nani or their uncles and aunts. And too without distractions; phones away, at least once a day. “Not the whole day, just one meal, one conversation, one story. Nani's stories, Mamu's memories. A phone can wait,these moments cannot,”” says Gurpreet. These interactions may seem ordinary in the moment, but they often become the memories children hold closest years later.

Another important lesson is teaching children to contribute during the visit. Whether it is helping in the kitchen, carrying bags, setting the table, or looking after younger cousins. The parenting coach reminded families that “the people hosting this visit are doing it entirely out of love.”
When children learn to notice effort and help willingly, they develop empathy and respect for relationships.

“When nani gives something, when mamu brings something, teach your child to stop completely, look at the person, hold the gift, and say thank you so much.” This means so much to me. Specifically, genuinely,She explained that thoughtful acknowledgement matters because behind every small gift is time, effort, and affection. Teaching children to respond with sincerity helps them value emotional gestures.

Before leaving nani’s home, the coach encouraged families to teach children to say personal goodbyes instead of a quick general farewell. She suggested asking children to thank each family member individually and mention something specific they appreciated. “Nani, your khana is the best thing I ate all year” or “Mamu, thank you so much for taking us out every day.” According to her, these specific and heartfelt thank-yous become “the most beautiful goodbye a child can give.”

The parenting coach’s message is simple yet powerful. The essence is that children may remember the fun, but the quiet moments spent there are the values that stay with them for a lifetime. Expressing gratitude to the people who will be a part of their most fond memories will be one of the most human connections they will have.