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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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 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

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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
Worried grandma pleads for help as grandkids become ‘glued’ to their phones 
Matthew Hart avatarMatthew Hart
Grandparenting
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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.
Facing competition for attention between grandparents can lead to feelings of jealousy. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Granimosity: Tackling feelings of resentment towards your grandkid’s other grandparent

Granimosity: Tackling feelings of resentment towards your grandkid’s other grandparent

The animosity between grandparents can be a tricky issue to face, whether it's because one set of grandparents is spending more time with the grandbabies or perhaps in a better financial position to spoil them, a festering animosity - or granimosity as it's been coined - can soon spoil more than just one relationship.
After 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 is unfair. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Community comes together to support grandma overwhelmed with babysitting multiple grandkids

Community comes together to support grandma overwhelmed with babysitting multiple grandkids

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.
Messages of support quickly flooded in from fellow sympathetic grandparents, offering valuable advice to navigate this delicate family situation. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Distressed grandma seeks support as grandkids favour ‘other grandparents’

Distressed grandma seeks support as grandkids favour ‘other grandparents’

In a heartfelt plea for guidance, a grandma has turned to the online community seeking advice on how to cope with the heartbreaking situation of feeling left out by her grandkids.
The grandmother 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

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

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

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 has bucked the trend and admitted she actually feels as if she sees too much of her young granddaughter.
Her call for help was met with much support from fellow grans. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

‘Worried’ grandmother questions daughter’s confidence in her childcare abilities

‘Worried’ grandmother questions daughter’s confidence in her childcare abilities

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.
Study shows that support from a maternal grandmothers can have far reaching benefits for kids as they face life's challenges. Source: Getty Images.
News

New study shows that a grandmother’s love can protect grandkids from life’s challenges

New study shows that a grandmother’s love can protect grandkids from life’s challenges

Whether operating as a second parent or becoming a grandchild's partner-in-crime, grandparents fulfill various roles throughout their grandchildren's lives to enjoy the rewards of one of life's most joyful relationships.
The online community has united in support of a retired grandmother after her daughter made an unreasonable demand. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Online community rallies around retired grandmother after daughter’s insensitive request

Online community rallies around retired grandmother after daughter’s insensitive request

A retired grandma has garnered considerable support online after refusing to babysit her daughter's newborn child for free, demanding an hourly rate to care for her grandchild.
The grandmother explained that she and her husband have been married for nearly 16 years now, and her granddaughter is almost two. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Family feud: ‘My daughter doesn’t want my husband to be called grandpa’

Family feud: ‘My daughter doesn’t want my husband to be called grandpa’

An upset grandmother has turned to the online community to vent her frustrations, after her daughter insisted her stepfather be called 'uncle' instead of 'grandpa' by the new granddaughter.
Grandparents reveal their secrets to keep the grandkids entertained.
Grandparenting

Grandparents reveal their top activities to keep the grandkids entertained

Grandparents reveal their top activities to keep the grandkids entertained

Grandparents have an array of enjoyable pastimes, from baking and engaging in board games to gardening, ensuring their grandchildren remain entertained for hours on end.
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.

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