To think this is cruel on the children?

I used to prefer being with my grandmother, than with my mother.

I think older people are better at raising kids. It can be a good dynamic.

Older people are retired and have more time for a start.

YABU. I used to spend every school holiday with my grandparents in their council flat in London. Single parent family, Dad not around.
My grandparents took me abroad as well - I very rarely went on holiday with my Mum as she worked about 3 jobs.
Such happy memories. I miss my grandparents dearly. It’s only now I feel like my Mum was distant towards me as a child, but she did her best.

Same. My parents (and grandparents when they were alive) always asked to take my daughter for the holidays since she was a toddler.

My parents volunteered and loved it.

I was that kid. Mostly loved it. Ocasionally I grumbled about it but I was spoilt rotten, had 100% attention from wonderful grandparents and have very fond memories of my summers.

What about the grandparents? Full-time childcare and responsibility for 6 weeks is a big ask!

My parents wouldn't have been up for it, and I'd never have asked them. My ILs were a dead loss.

Either way I couldn't have been without my children for weeks on end!

This was normal back in the day but I could never do this , I would miss my kids to much and I’m sure they would miss us

My happiest childhood memories are weekends & school holidays spent with my Nan & Pa. I loved being there & stayed there as often & for as long as possible.

I think in alot of countries it’s just what everyone does! And their holidays would be longer than in the UK probably.

Kids go to GPs for the holidays because working parents need to work.

Not six weeks but me and my sister would get shipped off to our grandparents for weeks at a time over the holidays it was amazing. My grandparents lived near the beach, everyday was full of adventures, we had such a strong relationship with our grandparents it was just the best upbringing. I never missed my parents they’d call and sometimes visit. My uncle would also visit with my cousins, we’d have parties. I try to recreate that feeling with my children over the summer.

The alternative would be staying at home with overworked and grumpy parents self entertaining.

I would have loved this as a child!! My nanny used to make us lovely dinmers and take us out and played cards with us! Takes a village and all that!

Does it not occur to you that some people have a good relationship with their parents, others less so, or are even no contact? That some GPs might be working rather than retired, have different fitness/energy levels - or even interest in looking after GC full time for much f the year?
There was also a recent thread where a poster was concerned about her FiL being very touchy feely & questioning whether he had paedophile tendencies - clearly using him as a full time holiday carer would be very different to a GP with a healthy relationship with offspring and GC.

If the grandparents enjoy it bit ot does seem like a very long time and I don't know anyone who does this. Wouldn't say cruel but am curious as to why for so long, same with boarding school. Surely the whole idea of being parents is to be that, not only parts of the year.

Some of my best summer memories are times spent with my sister and cousin at my grandmother's. She was an amazing woman who we still miss tremendously, and we still talk about her fondly 20 odd years later.

My sister, cousin and I are still as thick as thieves and my relationship with my parents still very much intact.

Children can't have too many people loving and caring for them.

Obviously no one else's business but I agree with you.
I couldn't not see my daughter for 6 weeks ...I really wouldn't like it and I wouldn't do it even if I had the option.
However I was never that close to my grandparents (they seemed so far removed and ancient to me! 🙈😆) so I don't really understand it.
My daughter isn't very close to my parents either.
But each to their own. I'm sure it works for some people.

I used to go to my grandparents for up to a week several times a year - started when I was about 2 and I loved it, it was a massive treat. I was (am) very close to them, and their home is very much my second home, even now. They lived around 2.5 hrs away from us. If everyone is happy with the arrangement I don't see a problem.

On the other hand, my son is almost 8 and my husband and I have never had a babysitting offer for a childfree night together 😅 I'm a bit jealous tbh!

I spend all of my holiday with my children. As does my husband to the extent we never go on holiday together. it still leaves over a month where alternative provision must be found.

My husband and his siblings was sent to stay with aunties in Ireland every summer. He is very close to his immediate and extended family and cherishes his memories of childhood staying in Ireland... why are the children in the OP's post going to 'have a lot of issues' for staying with their grandparents!? Lol

Given the standard of parenting in this country, it’s probably beneficial for them.

This sounds lovely. I want someone to pop me on a train with pic n mix and have grandma waiting for me when I get there 😭

I think you should mind your nebbin

Yes, but are parents not spending any holiday periods with the DC? If that is the case it seems pointless having kids not to see them.

A week might be nice if you have the option but personally I would have missed mine too much, also my DC’s GP’s weren’t interested in looking after mine at all and they lived much closer and it depends if the GP’s are capable, interested and in good health too.

They probably still see their parents more than the kids shipped off to boarding school during term time.

If they‘ve done it since little then the kids probably have a lovely relationship with their grandparents and don’t necessarily miss home the way that kids who do the odd sleep over might.

Each to their own. Not cruel though.

😂😂😂😂

yes, honestly! They should really be upset!

I think that is sweet and a real chance to bond with grandparents without the parents. I am guessing that both parents work?

that is a beautiful way of keeping family close despite the miles. If everyone is happy, then there is no issue.