I want my children to really KNOW my parents, and this is how I plan to do it.

By JO ABI

It was one of the cutest moments I’ve ever witnessed.

It was winter and my 76-year-old father had built himself a small fire in his backyard to warm his hands. He couldn’t light the fireplace inside the house because my mother had a respiratory condition that was irritated by the smoke.

So my dad, the problem-solver, built himself a little fire, sat down on a milk crate and warmed himself up.

 Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by Aerogard. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.

The first time my three children saw what he was doing they were fascinated. They sat down and held their hands up near the fire, firing a million questions at him

Then Philip, 9, suggested we roast some marshmallows.

It was 8.15 am but I thought, “Why not?” I bought marshmallows, skewers and we sat down to start roasting.

My dad had never roasted a marshmallow in a fire in his life. He’d thrown in potatoes wrapped in foil and the occasional sausage, but never marshmallows.

His first attempt was a complete failure. He held the skewer in the middle of the flames, the marshmallow caught on fire, melted and fell off.

The kids thought it was hilarious, because Nonno was good at everything. They were delighted to see him do something badly.

It was then that Philip decided to teach him exactly how to do it.

“Nonno, you need to hold it near the flames, not on them and keep turning and turning and until it is lightly browned, like this, see? Then, once it’s all toasted evenly and a little bit browned and bubbled like my one, can you see my one Nonno? Then, just blow on it and eat it, like this.”

It took him a couple of attempts but he soon nailed it.

My 9-year-old son had just taught his 76-year-old grandfather something new. It was adorable. Just adorable.

My mum soon joined us and we ate the entire packet. It made me want to do more outdoor activities with my children and my parents because it’s one of the most important relationships in their lives.

I’ve never been camping. We’re not a camping family. We’re Italian and my dad grew up in the war. His first memory is of stealing potatoes because he was so hungry. It was during World War II. Times were extremely hard.

He just didn’t see the point of family camping. After fighting so long to have a home in which his family was safe, why on earth would the voluntarily sleep outside? It made sense when he said it like that, but my mum and I are way more adventurous than that. We want to clock up as many experiences as possible with all the grandkids before they are too old to do anything with them.

It was then that we decided to go camping, and not just any old family camping.

We are going ‘gramping’. It’s camping for families and grandparents. There’s no hunting animals, no difficult hiking tracks, no trying to figure out the time using the position of the sun…

We have decided to take part in the Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout event on Cockatoo Island in Sydney on 30 NOV and you can join us. Or, organise a ‘grampout’ in your area and a park or even in your own backyard and don’t forget to register your event for chance to win some great prizes*.

Register here.

We’re so excited about our inaugural ‘gramping’ event. It’s going to be the perfect first experience for us and I just know the kids will want to go often. And who knows? We might just share our marshmallow-toasting technique with everyone and teach them about s’mores.

We’re going to have a blast and if anyone has trouble toasting their marshmallows, well, I have the perfect little boy who will be more than happy to show them how it’s done.

Please always check the current fire conditions in the areas in which you are camping and always comply with any fire restrictions in place.

“Aerogard is launching a nationwide Grampout – “The Aerogard Great Gran and Grampout” to celebrate 50 years of protecting Aussie families, and being part of all those happy summer memories you cherish!
Spending quality time with all the family is important and Aerogard wants to continue to create more special moments, and what better way to do this than bringing families together for a campout! (with the Aerogard packed of course!)

Register at aerogardgrampout.com.au and have a chance to win $5,000 worth of gift cards* to spend on your backyard! Go on, register your own Grampout today!
If you are in Sydney on the 30^th of November, Aerogard is showcasing the Great Gran and Grampout on Sydney’s Cockatoo Island. Families lucky enough to attend will enjoy a fun packed entertainment schedule! Apply* at aerogardgrampout.com.au

*Terms and Conditions apply. Visit aerogardgrampout.com.au. Authorised NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/07905, ACT Permit No. 13/03625

 What are some of your favourite memories shared by your parents and your children?