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Wanted: Grandparents! Thoughts?

11 replies

ThousandCows · 14/12/2018 16:50

Am fully prepared to be told this is a ridiculous idea... Should probably just stick the telly on rather than idle on the sofa with my thoughts

I've got two DC, aged 2.5 and 5m. Both my parents have passed away, as has DH's dad - so they have one granny, who we see about once a month as she lives a couple of hours away. She's great, loves them to bits, etc.

But we go to various playgroups where a lot of grandparents bring their grandchildren (presumably they're doing childcare) and my older son has 'latched on' to one lovely grandad in particular! Which is fine, and I think there is mutual enjoyment, but I can't help wishing my boys had more of their own grandparents to spend time with. I'm not looking for anyone to take on childcare, but maybe a two-way relationship with an older person who perhaps doesn't have grandchildren, or who lives far away from them.

A quick Google suggests a few people have tried starting some sort of scheme, but nothing seems to be properly established. Short of sticking up an ad in the local shop/church/cafe, any ideas where we can find ourselves a spare grandad or two?!

OP posts:
Lucylugs · 14/12/2018 16:55

There might be a scheme in a local day care centre where they invite people to spend time with elderly people.

Finfintytint · 14/12/2018 16:57

Probably relatives of friends or neighbours would be start. How could you ensure safety though?
I think you'd have to build on an existing relationship wherever you may find it. Advertising for Rent A Grandad might pose problems.
(If you are in a small village in Mid Wales, I'll be a granny, lol).

dreamingofsun · 14/12/2018 16:57

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ThousandCows · 14/12/2018 17:04

Fin you're probably right about building on existing relationships. We have lovely neighbours who enjoy looking after our boys occasionally, so perhaps we should try and make more of that! The only thing is I don't want to force it on anyone, or tread on any toes if they already have grandchildren that they spend lots of time with... We are in South Wales though! Smile

OP posts:
Snowwontbelong · 14/12/2018 17:04

My dc have zero dgps. It is a shame I agree.

Alwaysdrama · 14/12/2018 17:06

Age UK and other agencies run befriending schemes

Also how about you pop into your local residential home and ask if any of the residents don’t have family and would appreciate a regular visit?

Wintermam · 14/12/2018 17:08

Isn't there a scheme where you can volunteer to start spending time with an elderly person who is suffering from loneliness?
Probably won't get childcare but could grow a lovely relationship with someone who needs it.
Either way, I think it sounds like a lovely idea

ThousandCows · 14/12/2018 17:10

Lucy and Always good suggestions, thank you!

OP posts:
jenthelibrarian · 14/12/2018 17:20

Is there a Contact the Elderly group in your area?
They're lovely!

www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk/

HJWT · 14/12/2018 17:38

My DD has 2 nans & 2 Grandads, none bother with her! Sounds like a good idea OP

TheWeatherGirl1 · 14/12/2018 18:55

Where I live there are a few schemes where parents take their babies/toddlers into an old folks home one morning a week and everyone hangs out (plays with lego).
They've been set up by local mum's, perhaps it's something that you could look into setting up?

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