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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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Interesting features

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Grandparenting
Grandparenting
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.

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
Grandmother’s heartache after son asks her to tone down affection toward granddaughter
Starts at 60 Writers avatarStarts at 60 Writers
Grandparenting
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From our community

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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.
When a well-meaning grandfather takes on babysitting duties, the results are hilariously unforgettable. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandfather’s hilarious babysitting blunders take the internet by storm

Grandfather’s hilarious babysitting blunders take the internet by storm

Despite having the best of intentions, a grandfather's attempts at babysitting his grandson have taken the internet by storm following a series of humorous misadventures.
What’s your take on this? Did you step in to look after your grandkids?Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandmother fears losing her cherished ‘freedom’ as she takes on care of her grandchildren

Grandmother fears losing her cherished ‘freedom’ as she takes on care of her grandchildren

The announcement of a new baby is news that most grandparents eagerly await, but one soon-to-be grandmother has revealed she's reluctant to give up her "freedom" to care for her new grandchild, despite being "thrilled" about the news.
Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents share their favourite activities for keeping the grandkids entertained

Grandparents share their favourite activities for keeping the grandkids entertained

Grandparents have a number of enjoyable pastimes, from baking and engaging in board games to gardening, ensuring the grandkids remain entertained for hours on end.
The online community came forward with messages of support, many calling out the in-laws for their inappropriate behaviour. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents land themselves in hot water after hinting at the price of grandkids’ gifts

Grandparents land themselves in hot water after hinting at the price of grandkids’ gifts

A grandmother and grandfather have landed themselves in hot water after spending the majority of a recent family gathering pointing out the cost of the presents they gave their grandkids.
What amusing nicknames have your grandkids given you? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents share the adorable and hilarious nicknames their grandkids have given them

Grandparents share the adorable and hilarious nicknames their grandkids have given them

While some grandparents choose their own names, others are given nicknames by their grandkids, whether they want them or not.
It remains to be seen whether this family feud will be resolved or if it will serve as a cautionary tale for others navigating the delicate dynamics of intergenerational childcare. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandmother unfairly criticised for encouraging healthy snacks for hungry grandkids

Grandmother unfairly criticised for encouraging healthy snacks for hungry grandkids

The generational clash over parenting practices has once again reared its head, leaving a grandmother on the receiving end of some harsh criticism from her own daughter. The controversy? An innocent suggestion to have the grandkids snack on fruit before dinner.
Do you believe the youth of today are spending too much time on their phones? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Worried grandma pleads for help as grandkids become ‘glued’ to their phones 

Worried grandma pleads for help as grandkids become ‘glued’ to their phones 

A worried grandma is pleading for help, claiming her grandkids have "too" much leisure time and not enough family responsibilities, a stark contrast to how many Baby Boomers would've grown up.
Becoming a grandparent for the first time is an adventure filled with love, laughter, and learning. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Advice for first-time grandparents: Navigating your new role

Advice for first-time grandparents: Navigating your new role

Becoming a grandparent for the first time is an exciting and fulfilling experience. However, it can also be overwhelming and challenging, as you navigate the new and ever-evolving role of being a grandparent. The good news is that you don't have to go it alone.