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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 scale down displays of affection towards grandchild
Jessica Galley avatarJessica Galley
Grandparenting
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Grandparenting
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Becoming a grandparent
 Do you think kids of today spend too much time on electronic devices? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma triggers lively debate after concern for grandkids’ phone obsession

Grandma triggers lively debate after concern for grandkids’ phone obsession

A worried grandmother has triggered fierce debate after revealing her grandchildren are "glued" to their electronic devices.
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.
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.
The current social distancing measures are taking a particular toll on one grandmother from the UK. Source: Pexels.
Grandparenting

Grandmother shares heartbreak at not being able to hold grandson

Grandmother shares heartbreak at not being able to hold grandson

"I just want to cry."
More grandparents are choosing to take their grandkids on holidays. Source: Getty
Driving & Caravanning

Pack your bags! Gramping is the new travel trend you should embrace

Pack your bags! Gramping is the new travel trend you should embrace

Holidays are one of the top 10 activities enjoyed with grandkids.
A new study has revealed many grandparents feel they don't get enough credit for the help they provide. Source: Getty
Grandparenting

‘We don’t get enough credit’: Grandparents feel undervalued and unappreciated

‘We don’t get enough credit’: Grandparents feel undervalued and unappreciated

Time with grandkids is valuable, but for some grandparents it’s having a negative impact on their finances and they need help.
The judge ruled that the matter fell within the scope of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation. Source: Getty (stock image)
Grandparenting

Court orders grandmother to delete Facebook photos of grandchildren

Court orders grandmother to delete Facebook photos of grandchildren

The children's parents complained that she posted the photos on social media without asking their permission.
Some social distancing restrictions have been relaxed in certain states and territories in time for Mother's Day. Source: Getty.
News

Is it safe to have your adult children over this Mother’s Day?

Is it safe to have your adult children over this Mother’s Day?

Mother's Day celebrations may be a little different this year.
Prue Leith has four grandchildren but says she's a terrible gran. Source: Getty.
Grandparenting

‘I don’t think I’ve ever remembered a birthday’: Prue Leith admits she’s a ‘bad granny’

‘I don’t think I’ve ever remembered a birthday’: Prue Leith admits she’s a ‘bad granny’

"As for doing all those things grannies are meant to do like go to football matches [and] concerts — forget it!"
Denise Fergus - the mother of James Bulger (left) - and husband Stuart are set to become grandparents for the first time. Source: Getty.
News

‘Couldn’t be happier’: James Bulger’s mum to become grandmother for first time

‘Couldn’t be happier’: James Bulger’s mum to become grandmother for first time

Denise Fergus announced the happy news on social media as she revealed that son Mikey, 26, is expecting his first child.
It's a challenging time for those that are used to seeing their grandchildren regularly. Source: Getty.
Grandparenting

Grandparenting during the pandemic: Is it safe to babysit?

Grandparenting during the pandemic: Is it safe to babysit?

Here's what you need to know to keep you and your family safe.
Stay connected with grandkids via technology during the coronavirus outbreak. Source: Getty
Grandparenting

Expert: It’s important for grandparents to stay connected during isolation

Expert: It’s important for grandparents to stay connected during isolation

It's important for grandparents to stay connected to avoid feelings of loneliness.
Grandparents are using technology to stay connected to their grandkids. Source: Getty
Becoming a grandparent

How technology can help you stay connected as a long-distance grandparent

How technology can help you stay connected as a long-distance grandparent

Don’t let distance get in the way of a strong relationship.

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
Grandma sparks outrage after snipping grandson’s hair against mum’s wishes
Starts at 60 Writers avatarStarts at 60 Writers
Grandparenting
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From our community

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What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with the grandma? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma’s heartbreak: Family feud erupts over what to call step-grandpa

Grandma’s heartbreak: Family feud erupts over what to call step-grandpa

A frustrated grandmother has turned to the online community to share her concerns after her daughter insisted that her stepfather be called 'uncle' rather than 'grandpa' by the new granddaughter.
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? How would you handle such a dilemma?Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma struggles with feeling upstaged by the competitive ‘other Nana’

Grandma struggles with feeling upstaged by the competitive ‘other Nana’

A grandma's candid admission about feeling upstaged by the competitive nature of the "other Nana" has sparked a wider conversation on the challenges of modern grandparenting.
Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Gran sparks debate after ‘making excuses’ to prevent grandkids sleeping over

Gran sparks debate after ‘making excuses’ to prevent grandkids sleeping over

A gran has triggered debate after admitting she's been forced to make excuses to stop her grandkids sleeping over at her home.
Source: Getty images
Grandparenting

Navigating discipline differences with adult children

Navigating discipline differences with adult children

Discover when and how to intervene, from minor issues to serious concerns.
Source: Getty images
Grandparenting

Effortless ways to remove crayon stains left by the grandkids

Effortless ways to remove crayon stains left by the grandkids

From toothpaste to WD-40, these household items will save the day.
Are you happy to look after your grandkids or has it started to impact your independence? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Woman suggests adult children are holding grandparents ‘hostage’ over babysitting duties

Woman suggests adult children are holding grandparents ‘hostage’ over babysitting duties

One woman has questioned whether grandparents are being relied upon too heavily by adult children, asking whether they feel any resentment at being effectively "held hostage" by their children's demands or expectations.
Support quickly flooded in from fellow sympathetic grandparents, offering valuable advice to navigate this tricky family situation. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Heartbroken grandma seeks support as grandkids favour ‘other grandparents’

Heartbroken grandma seeks support as grandkids favour ‘other grandparents’

In a desperate plea for guidance, a grandmother has turned to the online community seeking advice on how to cope with the heartbreaking situation of feeling left out by her grandkids.
What do you think? Is there a fine line to tread or should you dote on your grandchildren as much as you can? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandmother’s heartache after son asks her to tone down affection toward granddaughter

Grandmother’s heartache after son asks her to tone down affection toward granddaughter

Should grandparents dote on their grandchildren? That's the question one worried gran has asked after her son suggested she was "too intense" when it comes to caring for her only granddaughter.
Should grandparents be free to choose how they spend their golden years, or are they being stretched too thin by their children's demands? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparent guilt: Are retirees being ‘held hostage’ by childcare expectations?

Grandparent guilt: Are retirees being ‘held hostage’ by childcare expectations?

A heartfelt discussion on Gransnet explores the fine balance between embracing grandkids and protecting your well-earned freedom in retirement.
What do you think? Is she within her rights to refuse? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Gran triggers debate after ‘making excuses’ to prevent grandkids sleeping over

Gran triggers debate after ‘making excuses’ to prevent grandkids sleeping over

A gran has sparked debate after admitting she's been forced to make excuses to stop her grandkids sleeping over at her home.
The grandma received widespread praise for her commitment to bonding with her grandchildren. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

‘Super Granny’ melts hearts after going the extra mile to bond with her grandkids

‘Super Granny’ melts hearts after going the extra mile to bond with her grandkids

A grandma dubbed "Super Granny" has become an internet sensation after she was filmed going above and beyond for her grandkids.
The online community were quick to offer their support to the retired grandmother after her daughter made the unreasonable demand. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Online community unites in support of retired grandma after daughter’s insensitive demand

Online community unites in support of retired grandma after daughter’s insensitive demand

A retired grandma has been met with considerable support online after refusing to babysit her daughter's newborn child for free, demanding an hourly rate to care for her grandchild.
Have you ever found yourself facing a similar situation? How would you handle such a dilemma? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma struggles with feeling overshadowed by the competitive ‘other Nana’

Grandma struggles with feeling overshadowed by the competitive ‘other Nana’

A grandmother's candid admission about feeling overshadowed by the competitive nature of the "other Nana" has sparked a wider conversation on the challenges of modern grandparenting.
What are your thoughts on this situation? Have you ever faced an issue like this before? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Gran’s heartbreaking struggle with grandson’s absence ignites debate over trust and family dynamics

Gran’s heartbreaking struggle with grandson’s absence ignites debate over trust and family dynamics

A worried grandmother is concerned that her bond with her grandson may deteriorate, fearing that her daughter no longer trusts her to care for the child.
A grandmother has revealed that she feels as if she doesn't have her own life anymore as her daughter and granddaughter arrive at her home daily. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

How much is too much? Gran left overwhelmed by granddaughter’s daily visits

How much is too much? Gran left overwhelmed by granddaughter’s daily visits

For many grandparents, perhaps the only downside of having grandchildren is not being able to see them as often as you might like. However, one woman feels different, admitting she actually feels as if she sees her young granddaughter too much.
Her desperate plea struck a with many who empathised with the complexities of the situation. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma seeks guidance as she struggles with her grandson’s return to the nest

Grandma seeks guidance as she struggles with her grandson’s return to the nest

In a heartfelt request for advice, a grandmother has turned to the online forum Gransnet to express her concerns about her grandson's wish to move back into the family home.
Her plight resonated with members of the online community, who offered empathetic responses and practical advice. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

‘Heartbroken’ grandma’s desperate plea for acknowledgement after caring for granddaughter

‘Heartbroken’ grandma’s desperate plea for acknowledgement after caring for granddaughter

In a heartfelt plea for guidance, a grandmother has reached out to the online community, sharing her deep feeling of being "taken for granted" in her role as her granddaughter's caregiver.
While grandkids fill their grandparents' lives with joy and laughter, matching their boundless energy can sometimes be quite a challenge. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma’s heartwarming efforts to bond with grandkids inspires outpouring of support

Grandma’s heartwarming efforts to bond 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.
Holding your grandchild for the first time can be a surreal experience. What was the experience like for you? 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 deeply emotional experience. These touching stories reveal the pure joy and deep love experienced when holding a grandchild for the first time.
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