Relationships

‘I’ll have no purpose’: Gran worries her grandkids will no longer need her

Aug 30, 2018

One grandmother admitted she's worried what will happen once her kids and grandkids no longer need her. Source: Getty

As your children or grandchildren get older and gain independence, they tend to need you less and less, which can be quite tough to deal with. That’s the situation one grandmother has found herself in after admitting she’s worried what will happen once her kids and grandkids no longer need her.

Writing to The Sun‘s advice column Dear Deirdre, she said: “My kids and grandchildren are my life. What purpose will I have in life when they no longer need me?”

The woman, 58, explained her ex-husband was a womaniser and drinker, adding: “I eventually walked away with nothing but I picked myself up and made a life for the kids and myself.”

The grandmother said she spends a lot of time with her son and daughter – who are both married – and often minds the grandchildren, who are all under 10. However, as of late, the woman admitted she’s been thinking a lot about what her purpose will be once they grow up.

“I have been very low lately,” she added. “Thinking I’ll have no purpose when they get older. I get upset about stupid things, such as them going on holiday with friends rather than with me.”

Deidre sympathised with the disheartened woman, advising her to not underestimate how treasured and valuable she is to her family.

“I can sympathise,” the reply read. “You are clearly a lovely mum and grandma, your family’s rock.

“But you underestimate how treasured and valuable you are to them all for being you, not just fulfilling a practical role like looking after the grandchildren. You instilled strength and courage in them, which will stand them in good stead,” she wrote.

Instead of worrying, Deidre reassured the woman that now may be the perfect opportunity for her to “work on her life beyond family”.