Grandparents are key source of childcare
Grandparents are now the most common source of informal childcare in the UK, with nearly two thirds providing childcare to grandchildren under the age of 16
The amount of time grandparents spend giving care has almost doubled since 2009, due to parents having to return to work, longer working hours and the increase in childcare costs in the UK
For many people, when they finally hit retirement they are delighted to have time on their hands and the world becomes their oyster. New hobbies, holidays, seeing friends – it’s wonderful to have the freedom to do what you want, when you want.
However, for many retired grandparents it won’t be long before a request comes from their children, asking for them to lend a hand in the care of their grandchildren
Of course many will have helped out at weekends in the past, but no longer saddled with the 9-5, retired grandparents suddenly become a rather attractive form of childcare for many UK families
Affordable childcare has become almost impossible to find in recent years so it’s little wonder so many older people are having to get back into the swing of parenting – a second time round
Here are the top ten best things about looking after your grandchildren according to members of Grannynet:
1. Not only will you be closer to your grandchildren, but you get the chance to spend time with their parents
“Looking after your grandchildren is hard work and some days wears you out but cements a strong bond with them and you tend to see more of your adult children.”
2. You can enjoy being in the company of children without the stresses of first-time parenting
“Being a grandparent so much more fulfilling as I don’t have all of the pressures I had as a young mother. I have more patience, more time, more money and certainly less life pressure.”
3. Widen your social circle
“It helps you to build social contacts as you push the buggy around with neighbours, other buggy pushers and the people who serve in shops, the library, the tea shop and so on.” (One of our members takes her two year old grandchild to a church toddler group where she’s one of about eight grannies who attend – she says it’s a fun social event for them as well as the kids!)
4. They keep your mind open and your limbs supple!
“I wouldn’t say it keeps you fit, but it doesn’t allow you to dwell on ailments and you find you laugh and smile a lot more, making you feel generally ‘better’.”
5. They fill your life with the excitement of youth once again
“It gives you a fresh chance at life, especially if you have experienced the empty nest. I had six children and for years the house was buzzing with activity; not only my own children but their friends… then nothing. Now we have our grandson two nights a week, the house is a tip, but we get to experience our chests bursting pride on a daily basis.”
6. You become more adventurous in trying new things
“You get to go to places either you wouldn’t ever go to or it is years since you have been… how many people get to bounce on a trampoline at our age or go down slides, paddle in rock pools, roll down a hill without people thinking you are mad?!”
7. You get to be creative and make things for the best most appreciative recipients
“It gives grandpa an opportunity to make toy boxes, bird boxes, dumper trucks and so on!”
8. You see life through new eyes and get to share your wisdom with eager ears
“I love the joy I get from teaching my granddaughter something new and she does it then on her own I get really good satisfaction from that. She sees everything as new and interesting so things I took for granted I now see in a different light as I explain to her what that something is.”
9. They help you to stay in touch with how the world has changed
“Keeps you in touch with popular culture. You learn all the latest children’s TV, pop songs and what the latest toy or game is. This gives you the authority to speak with great confidence about anything to do with children as you really are in the thick of it.”
10. You get the priceless gift of unconditional love
“Best of all you get unconditional love from them – they don’t care what you look like that your hair is going grey or you have another wrinkle or whether you’re fat or thin. Childhood is a magical time and I for one feel blessed that I got to share it. Relish their imaginations and their affection.”
Grannynet was set up 6 years ago by Verity Gill when she had her first child. Her mother was a huge support for her, but Verity realised that hands-on grannies like her mum had no support network out there. Grannynet was born as the first grandparenting social network in the UK and now has 6,500 members. We have advice and articles on a broad range of topics for grandmothers such as things to do and education, as well as blogs from real grannies and product reviews on the best presents and baby equipment. The beating heart of our site is our forum though, where grandmothers from all walks of life come to talk everyday about not just grandparenting but many other aspects of their life such as gardening and retirement plans.
By Charlotte Lloyd Owen, Grannynet
