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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 dial back displays of affection towards grandchild
Jessica Galley avatarJessica Galley
Grandparenting
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 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.

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
Grandparents reveal their top activities to keep the grandkids entertained
Matthew Hart avatarMatthew Hart
Grandparenting
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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 fun ways to create cherished memories with your grandkids this Easter

5 fun ways to create cherished memories with your grandkids this Easter

From Easter egg hunts to making handcrafted decorations and gifts, there are plenty of activities to enjoy with the grandkids this Easter that are both entertaining and meaningful.
Her plight struck a chord with members of the online community, who offered empathetic responses and practical advice. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

‘Heartbroken’ grandmother’s desperate plea for recognition after caring for granddaughter

‘Heartbroken’ grandmother’s desperate plea for recognition after caring for granddaughter

In a heartfelt plea for guidance, a grandmother has turned to the online community, expressing her profound sense of being taken for granted in her role as caregiver for her granddaughter.
People came forward with tips and suggestions to help her keep up with her beloved grandkids. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

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

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

In the whirlwind of grandkids' boundless energy, one grandmother found herself in need of a lifeline. Exhausted but eager to keep up with her little ones, she turned to the online community for solace and advice.
Grandmother expresses concern over losing freedom to grandkids. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Gran worries over losing her cherished ‘freedom’ to care of her grandchildren

Gran worries over losing her cherished ‘freedom’ to care of her grandchildren

Despite being thrilled about the news, a soon-to-be grandmother harbours hesitations about sacrificing her "freedom" to care for her new grandchild.
Messages of support flooded in from sympathetic grandparents, offering valuable advice to navigate this delicate family situation. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Desperate grandma seeks support as grandkids favour ‘other grandparents’

Desperate grandma seeks support as grandkids favour ‘other grandparents’

In a heartfelt plea for help, a grandmother has taken to the online community seeking advice on how to cope with the heartbreaking situation of feeling left out by her grandchildren.
"The other Nana is very competitive and makes me feel not good enough even though I have a lovely relationship with our sons child". Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandmother feeling overshadowed by the competitive nature of the ‘other Nana’

Grandmother feeling overshadowed by the competitive nature of the ‘other Nana’

A grandmother's candid admission about feeling overshadowed by the competitive antics of the "other Nana" has sparked a wider conversation on the challenges of modern grandparenting.
A grandmother has shared her concern about her grandchildren "using the same spoon and cup at the same time". Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Bad manners or just kids being kids? Grandma not happy with grandkid’s dining behaviour

Bad manners or just kids being kids? Grandma not happy with grandkid’s dining behaviour

While it's common knowledge that kids often exchange both food and germs, a grandmother feels apprehensive about her grandkids sharing utensils.
As the grandmother shared her concerns online, a wave of support flooded in from fellow users, all echoing a common sentiment – that burdening one person with the responsibility of all five grandchildren isn't fair. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Community rallies behind grandma overwhelmed with the babysitting multiple grandkids

Community rallies behind grandma overwhelmed with the babysitting multiple grandkids

In a challenging dilemma, a concerned grandmother has turned to the online community seeking advice after expressing her reservations about babysitting all five of her son's children at once.
Becoming a grandparent is a life-changing experience that brings a unique set of emotions and challenges. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents revel in the joy of holding their grandkids for the first time

Grandparents revel in the joy of holding their grandkids for the first time

The instant grandparents cradle their grandchild in their arms often unfolds as a surreal and profoundly emotional experience.
Have you encountered the phenomenon of granimosity? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Granimosity: Tackling resentment towards your grandkid’s other grandparent

Granimosity: Tackling resentment towards your grandkid’s other grandparent

It's not ideal when grandparents experience jealousy towards each other, but surprisingly, it occurs more frequently than one might think.
A new mother has been chastised onine after expecting her mother to drop everything to look after her child. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Retired gran garners overwhelming support for refusing to babysit grandkid without compensation

Retired gran garners overwhelming support for refusing to babysit grandkid without compensation

A retired grandma has received considerable support after refusing to babysit her daughter's newborn child for free, demanding an hourly rate to care for her grandchild.
An ER doctor has described her top five gifts to avoid giving the kids this year to avoid a stressful trip to the emergency room these holidays. Source: Getty Images.
News

Doctor shares the five gifts to avoid giving your grandkids this Christmas

Doctor shares the five gifts to avoid giving your grandkids this Christmas

Amidst the festive hype, a doctor has outlined the gifts to avoid giving the grandkids this year to avoid a stressful trip to the emergency room these holidays.
In celebration of Grandparents Day, we spoke to the Starts at 60 community to find out why this phase in life is so incredible. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

The best things about being a grandparent as told by 13 actual grandparents

The best things about being a grandparent as told by 13 actual grandparents

In honour of Grandparents Day, Starts at 60 takes a closer look at the wonderful aspects of being a grandparent.
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.
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.
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
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.

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