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Becoming a Grandparent

Whether you are becoming a first time grandparent with all the excitement and joy, or have settled into the role of grandmother or grandfather and are trying to navigate the travails and the opportunities you have as a grandparent to impact the lives of your grandchildren, our grandparenting section of the Starts at 60 Retirement Guide is packed with information.

We’ve got real-life stories from grandparents struggling with a wide range of issues, things to do with your grandchildren when they come to visit, and important information for grandparent carers too.

Latest on grandparenting

The latest news, views, explainers and community stories about becoming a grandparent and grandparenting today

‘Am I in the wrong?’: Grandmother told to curb affection towards grandchild
Jessica Galley avatarJessica Galley
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Source: Getty
Bloggers

‘Infantese’: Learning the language of baby talk

‘Infantese’: Learning the language of baby talk

This grandfather is learning this his grandkid’s babbling is more than just sounds, here he shares his experience decoding what he calls 'infantese'
Source: Getty
Bloggers

Caring for my grandson keeps me young at heart

Caring for my grandson keeps me young at heart

According to this blogger, caring for his grandchild is extremely rewarding, bringing happiness to his old heart and making him feel young again.
A grandmother has ignited debate after saying kids of today don't have enough family responsibilities. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma sparks lively debate after concern for grandkids’ phone fixation

Grandma sparks lively debate after concern for grandkids’ phone fixation

One concerned grandmother has sparked debate after revealing her grandchildren are "glued" to their electronic devices.
The pandemic has given older people a chance to reevaluate the way they want to spend their senior years, with some making the decision that running a daycare service is not on the list.
News

Guilt-ridden grandparents close down ‘tiring’ free childcare

Guilt-ridden grandparents close down ‘tiring’ free childcare

A recent survey has found that a fifth of grandparents find daycare duties too tiring to continue.

Interesting features

News
News
Grandparenting
Grandparenting
Becoming a grandparent

Grandparenting Essentials

The dos and don’ts for first time grandparents
Grandparenting

The dos and don’ts for first time grandparents

There's nothing like becoming a grandparent for the first time.
Written byPenelope Pelecas
Grandparent carers: What payments are available?
Becoming A Grandparent

Grandparent carers: What payments are available?

Grandparents who look after their grandkids on a full-time basis can receive financial support from the government.
Written byJocelyn Nickels
How to talk to your grandchildren about death
Health

How to talk to your grandchildren about death

When discussing death with grandchildren, there's a fine line between answering their questions effectively and causing further confusion or fear.
Written byStarts at 60 Writers
The best things about being a grandparent as told by 13 actual grandparents
Ysabelle Alesna avatarYsabelle Alesna
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It's important to acknowledge not only the distinctive contributions you bring as a grandparent but also to grasp the essential strategies and insights needed to effectively fulfill this significant role Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Empowering grandparents: Conquering modern day hurdles to safeguard grandkids’ well-being

Empowering grandparents: Conquering modern day hurdles to safeguard grandkids’ well-being

As we approach Grandparents Day, the experts at the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program are shining a spotlight on the vital role that grandparents hold in their grandchildren's lives.
By understanding their world, sharing laughs, giving them space, and evolving together, you can ensure your best moments with your grandchild are yet to come. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

How to avoid being ‘cancelled’ by teenage grandkids and maintain your irreplaceable bond

How to avoid being ‘cancelled’ by teenage grandkids and maintain your irreplaceable bond

Maintaining a healthy grandparent-grandchild relationship is vital to the mental well-being of both groups, so we went right to the source for the best advice to rekindle this cherished bond.
As a grandparent, you hold a special place in the family structure. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

The essential do’s and don’ts for first time grandparents

The essential do’s and don’ts for first time grandparents

The arrival of a new grandchild is always a cause for celebration, and for first time grandparents, the journey into this uncharted territory is both exciting and, at times, a tad overwhelming.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it's not easy living far away from family. Source: Getty
Grandparenting

Granimosity: Dealing with resentment towards your grandkid’s other grandparent

Granimosity: Dealing with resentment towards your grandkid’s other grandparent

Grandparents being jealous of each other is never good, but it happens more often than you'd think.
Grandparents reveal their secrets to keep the grandkids entertained. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents share their favourite activities to keep the grandkids entertained

Grandparents share their favourite activities to keep the grandkids entertained

From baking to playing board games and gardening, grandparents have lots of fun activities to keep their grandkids entertained for hours.
The grandmother said she "wouldn’t dream of treating their home the same way." Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

‘Bloody cheeky’: Grandma enraged by son-in-law’s ‘rude’ parents

‘Bloody cheeky’: Grandma enraged by son-in-law’s ‘rude’ parents

A grandmother has reached her limit after her extended family's poor treatment of her and her home.
A recent study has shed light on the declining use of these titles, confirming the shift away from these traditional designations for grandparents. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

End of an era? Traditional ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandad’ titles facing uncertain future

End of an era? Traditional ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandad’ titles facing uncertain future

The cherished titles of "Grandma" and "Grandad" may be facing an uncertain future after a recent survey found the traditional monikers are beginning to die out.
Grandmother expresses concern over losing freedom to grandkids. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Gran fears losing her cherished ‘freedom’ to take care of grandchildren

Gran fears losing her cherished ‘freedom’ to take care of grandchildren

Despite her genuine excitement about the news, a soon-to-be grandmother has hesitations about sacrificing her "freedom" to care for her new grandchild.
Get creative and entertain the grandkids with a homemade Easter wreath. Source: Getty
Crafts

Egg-cellent wreaths to make with the grandkids this Easter

Egg-cellent wreaths to make with the grandkids this Easter

This Easter, decorate your home and entertain the littlies with hours of wholesome, crafty fun.
Whether you're looking for simple activities or more involved projects, there are endless ways to enjoy this special time with your family. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

5 ways to make unforgettable memories with your grandkids this Easter

5 ways to make unforgettable memories with your grandkids this Easter

It is important to ensure that Easter is not simply an excuse to indulge in chocolate, but rather a time to create lasting memories with your grandkids
Becoming a grandparent is a life-changing experience that brings a unique set of emotions and challenges. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents share the joy of holding their grandkids for the first time

Grandparents share the joy of holding their grandkids for the first time

For many grandparents, the moment they first held their grandchild in their arms was a surreal and deeply emotional experience.
People came forward with tips and suggestions to help her keep up with her beloved grandkids. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma’s attempts to keep up with grandkids inspires outpouring of support

Grandma’s attempts to keep up with grandkids inspires outpouring of support

One worn-out granny, who found herself struggling to keep up with her energetic grandkids, embarked on a quest for advice to help her stay active and engaged.
Becoming a grandparent for the first time is an adventure filled with love, laughter, and learning. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Tips on navigating grandparenthood for the first time

Tips on navigating grandparenthood for the first time

Over 60s give their best advice to those becoming a grandparent for the first time
Grandparents dish the dirt on their competitive in-laws. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents dish the dirt on their competitive in-laws

Grandparents dish the dirt on their competitive in-laws

From showing up unannounced to causing a fuss over who holds the baby first, it seems like some people never learn to share, no matter how old they are! Have your kid's in-laws ever overstepped?
A strong core is important for a number of reasons, including giving the grandkids a good time at the park. Source: Getty
Experts

How a strong core can help prevent balance issues

How a strong core can help prevent balance issues

5 key exercises to increase balance by building your core, as shared by expert Jane Kilkenny.
Whether you have large groups or a few friends over, it's always fun at holiday parties to play a few Christmas games.
Hobbies

8 fun family games to bring joy to your world this Christmas

8 fun family games to bring joy to your world this Christmas

It just isn’t the holidays without a bit of Christmas cheer, and what better way to create those precious moments than with some festive competition.
Christmas traditions may be changing. Source: Getty
Food

Are new age ideas fundamentally changing the way we do Christmas?

Are new age ideas fundamentally changing the way we do Christmas?

Are new age ideas changing the way we do Christmas? We asked 5 ladies about their Christmas traditions to answer the age-old question; when does Christmas really begin?
Remember that by creating more conflict, you will most likely be hurting your own son or daughter. Source: Getty
Grandparenting

Navigating the difficult mother vs daughter-in-law relationship

Navigating the difficult mother vs daughter-in-law relationship

Grandparents all around the world are wondering how to deal with difficult daughters-in-law. Here are some helpful ways to build these relationships using some simple techniques for positive relationship management.
Not all baby names are adored by grandparents, according to Gransnet. Source: Getty
Grandparenting

Nothing’s sacred! Grandparents vote on their most hated baby names

Nothing’s sacred! Grandparents vote on their most hated baby names

The list included a mix of traditional and more modern names, and definitely took us by surprise!

From our community

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