MIL upset about my DC growing up

[WingBingo]

MIL lives in our annexe so DC and her are close.

MIL doesn’t do a huge amount, spends time alone, daily dog walks and dinner with us every Sunday.

We spend time together most days, and she picks up / drops off DC from school twice a week.

Lately, as my two DS’ get older , they are not so reliant on her , and they play independently (they are 7 & 8)

Today I noticed MIL was quiet and seemed sad. She is sad that my boys are growing up, don’t need her so much and it’s leaving a big while in her life.

I am not sure how to feel about this. It’s not like they are teenagers.

She is free to play with them, take them places and do fun stuff all the time.

I should say, they do spend time on their devices, usually after school so she feels redundant when she is taking care of them.

I guess I want to know if she is being unreasonable really.

“We are her world” - this is a bit problematic IMO. There is nothing wrong with prioritising your family but she needs other interests and a social life of her own. The children may find her a bit cloying as they get older.

It's 13.59 on a Saturday and I've already had to give Dc1 a bit of a counselling session. (lighthearted) Supporting them when they're older takes more emotional intelligence. Grandmas who only like tiny children must lack this inclination to or ability to grow the relationship with their grandchildren I think.

Things my mum does (aged 74)

-Walking group (slowly as they talk so much). They stop for nice lunches, sounds lovely!
-volunteers as front desk at a charity
-meets friends to go to the cinema
-sings in a choir (except that had moved outside so I think it's suspended till it's warmer)
-book club

She still gets bored!