Grandparents the world over are finding that they are being thrust into parenting roles, which leaves them drained and some unable to cope. The situation is driven by the need of parents to get ahead and they are pushed by financial burdens and desires into a situation where their children have to be cared for outside of the home. This involves child-thinking by others and it usually falls to the seniors in order to save money.
The world has changed considering from the days when women were home makers. Now it is accepted that they must do their own but bring in income and share the burden of home ownership and other things they require. It is, however, a case of whether or not the older folk can actually replace the parents in their new role.
Many are older and some infirm and just taking a child in is a burden. In recent conversations with grandmothers who have this situation one, who is over 60, has to look after some 12 grandchildren during school holidays an at other times 6 of them. She listed the burden of cost as there is no financial compensation for what she does. Meals, snacks, and even clothes are paid for from her pension.
While a trip to the lake where there are great facilities for walking and spending play time the number of grandparents pushing young children in strollers or kicking balls around with them on the oval is telling. This was especially noticeable during the recent school holidays.
There is no solution to this problem as the focus of everyone appears to be making money rather than caring for children. That allows the question of whether or not having grandchildren is a joy or a very overrated event.