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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 are spending too much time on their phones? 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
Grandparents stir the pot after dropping hints about the price of grandkids’ gifts
Starts at 60 Writers avatarStarts at 60 Writers
Grandparenting
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What happens when daily visits from your daughter and granddaughter leave you feeling more like a babysitter than a grandmother? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Too much of a good thing? Gran overwhelmed by granddaughter’s daily visits

Too much of a good thing? Gran overwhelmed by granddaughter’s daily visits

A grandmother shares the struggle of balancing love for her daughter and granddaughter with the overwhelming feeling of constant daily visits that leave her longing for some personal space and relaxation.
Do you think kids are spending too much time on their phones? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

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

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

A concerned grandmother is asking for help, saying her grandkids have "too" much free time and not enough family duties, a sharp contrast to the way many Baby Boomers were raised.
The online community wasted no time in rallying behind the mother, swiftly condemning the grandmother's actions. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma sparks outrage after cutting grandson’s hair despite mum’s objections

Grandma sparks outrage after cutting grandson’s hair despite mum’s objections

A grandma has come under fire after being accused of crossing the line with her grandson after cutting his hair without his mother’s permission.
Despite the challenging situation, support flooded in for the grandma from many who applauded her for standing her ground. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Why a grandma is facing criticism for offering healthy snacks for her hungry grandkids

Why a grandma is facing criticism for offering healthy snacks for her 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 issue? An innocent suggestion to have the grandkids snack on fruit before dinner.
Source: Goodshoot from Photo Images (Canva Pro).
Hobbies

Expert tips on hosting the perfect picnic

Expert tips on hosting the perfect picnic

Whether it's for the grandkids or for your friends, a summer picnic is a great way to strengthen genuine connections with loved ones.
A kind-hearted grandmother has found herself facing a challenge situation after opening her heart and home to support her daughter's struggling family. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Generous grandma faces difficult dilemma amid family financial challenges

Generous grandma faces difficult dilemma amid family financial challenges

A grandmother has shared the challenges she faces as she extends a helping hand to her daughter, son-in-law, and their growing family.
Source: Getty images
Investment

How to build a meaningful financial legacy for your grandchildren in 2025

How to build a meaningful financial legacy for your grandchildren in 2025

Explore how creating a small investment portfolio or an ETF for your grandchildren can become a lasting legacy. Learn the practical steps and legal guidelines to set up a trust that grows with them, providing financial security and a head start in their adult life.
Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandparents share their favourite ways to keep the grandkids entertained

Grandparents share their favourite ways to keep 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. What are your favourite ways to spend time with your grandkids?
Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

How to stay connected with your grandkids after a family separation

How to stay connected with your grandkids after a family separation

Grandparents play a vital role in their grandkids’ lives, but after a family separation, many struggle to maintain contact. A family law expert explains their rights and legal options.
After the grandma voiced her concerns online, support poured in from fellow users, many agreeing that expecting one person to care for all five grandchildren is simply too much. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Community rallies around grandma overwhelmed by nonstop babysitting duties

Community rallies around grandma overwhelmed by nonstop babysitting duties

A worried grandmother has reached out to the online community for advice after voicing her concerns about babysitting all five of her son's children at once.
How would you handle this delicate situation? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma seeks advice as she grapples with her grandson’s return to the family home

Grandma seeks advice as she grapples with her grandson’s return to the family home

Seeking guidance, a concerned grandmother has turned to the online community to share her worries about her grandson’s desire to move back home.
"I hate feeling like this. She throws money with expensive gifts and holidays etc. I feel like I get crumbs. I dare not say anything to anyone but to be honest she's hard work." Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma left feeling overshadowed by the competitive nature of the ‘other Nana’

Grandma left feeling overshadowed by the competitive nature of the ‘other Nana’

A grandma's admission about feeling overshadowed by the competitive antics 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 stop grandkids sleeping over

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

A gran has triggered debate after revealing that she's been forced to make excuses to prevent her grandkids sleeping over at her home.
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

The moment grandparents cradle their grandchild in their arms for the first time is often a surreal and profoundly emotional experience.
Source: Getty Images.
Bloggers

How Christmas changes for us over the years

How Christmas changes for us over the years

Even though the festivities remain largely the same, there are many phases that come with Christmas Day.
Some of these ideas are a great way to create new memories that you and the grandkids can look back on in years to come. Source: RgStudio from Getty Images Signature.
Arts & Crafts

5 easy DIY crafts to enjoy with your grandkids this Christmas

5 easy DIY crafts to enjoy with your grandkids this Christmas

Toss the phone and store the iPad — these 5 delightfully simple DIY craft projects are sure to delight you and the grandkids this holiday season.
A grandma has shared that she feels like she no longer has her own life, with her daughter and granddaughter visiting her home every day. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

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

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

For many grandparents, the only downside of having grandchildren is not being able to see them as often as they’d like. However, one woman feels differently, admitting that she actually sees her young granddaughter too much.
When a well-intentioned grandfather steps in for babysitting duties, the outcome is hilariously unforgettable. Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandfather’s hilarious babysitting blunders leave the internet in stitches

Grandfather’s hilarious babysitting blunders leave the internet in stitches

Despite his best intentions, a grandfather's attempts at babysitting his grandson have gone viral after a series of humorous misadventures.
Did this grandmother cross the line by cutting her grandson's hair without his mother's permission? Source: Getty Images.
Grandparenting

Grandma sparks outrage after snipping grandson’s hair against mum’s wishes

Grandma sparks outrage after snipping grandson’s hair against mum’s wishes

A grandmother’s well-meaning gesture turns into a family feud after she cuts her grandson’s hair without his mother’s consent.
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