Honoring grandparents for role in raising children

There's a Mother's Day, a Father's Day, and a National Kids Day. Now some overlooked members of the American family will get the attention and recognition they deserve. Grandparents are the primary caregivers for nearly six million children in the country and the numbers are growing.

In fact, 75 percent of all nonparent care of children in America is now provided by grandparents. To honor the love, wisdom and growing importance of grandparents and help bring more recognition to National Grandparents Day, Sept. 9, the local children's crisis charity KidsPeace and GRAND Magazine will present the second annual GRANDParent of the Year Award to an individual nominated by the general public.

The winner will receive a seven night Caribbean cruise for two from Royal Caribbean International. The top 10 finalists will receive a $100 gift certificate, and their photos and essays of nomination will be published in the November/December issue of GRAND magazine and on www. grandmagazine. com.

To nominate someone for the GRANDparent of the year award, find the form at www.grandmagazine. com. Children should use the kid-safe site www.grandcontest. com - no personal information is asked. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 5.