Grand Parenting – Retirement Postponed?

I have no statistics of how many grandparents are looking after their grandchildren in India. But with both working parents this is one of the most preferred options. There is a particular upward rise in this trend. As retirement age approaches they bravely don the hat of reparenting.

 

Yes, I agree considering the growing graph in expenses these days, financially it’s extremely viable to be a working couple. Couples often don’t prefer day care providers as many are not professionally up to the mark or are expensive to the pockets. They feel more secure delegating the responsibility to the grandparents. Many drop the children to their grandparents, move in with grandparents or have grandparents move in with them. Sometimes grandparents willingly oblige, but in many cases they resentfully give in. But unfortunately often the parents wash off their hands from parenting and expect the grandparents to feed, change, play, teach and take over day to day parenting activities. I have heard instances where the children are kept with grandparents in some other cities or towns. Parents pay a visit once or twice in a month.

With this trend the grandparents whether financially able or not are making huge sacrifices. When it is time for them to relax and enjoy, they are on their toes performing the duties of a parent to their grandchildren. From getting them ready for school, dropping them off to the bus, taking them for classes, making them play, taking care of their homework what ever it may be. I am a young mother and find it extremely taxing and tiring, so I ponder on how in spite of age they cope up keeping their energy levels high? Isn’t it very hard on their health?

In instances of emergencies when there is a relationship breakdown between the parents, travel or illness to one of the parents it is definitely a good idea to seek help of grandparents.  Yes grandparents can step up if they are willing to and the whole family should work united to make a win- win situation.

Grandparents are not getting any younger and have got their own health issues to worry about. It is unrealistic to think grandparents can support 24*7 all year round. Grandparents should draw a line and lay down the rules. They should set out the hours they are willing to help. The rest of the time they should spend enjoying retirement nonetheless.