Parents rely ing on their ‘granny nannies ’ to cope

THEY may be in their golden years or thinking about retirement.

But more than a third of Scottish grandparents are continuing to work – by providing regular childcare.

New research has revealed 34 per cent of Scottish grandparents look after youngsters regularly, as parents turn to ‘granny nannies’ to look after their children during working hours.

The report reveals the extent to which working parents now rely on the older generation. Around 370,000 Scots over the age of 50 provide regular care to their grandchildren, which can include looking after them at home during the day or school runs.

Two-thirds of grandparents who provide care say it enables their children to work more, while 59 per cent believe their children would have to give up a job or cut down hours without them.

Most grandparents who provide regular care – 96 per cent – do so at least once a week. But 15 per cent look after their grandchildren at least once a day. And almost one grandparent in ten has given up work or reduced their own hours to help with childcare.

Yesterday, grandparenting charities welcomed the research but said the older generation must not be taken for granted.

Although 88 per cent of ‘granddad and granny nannies’ receive no financial compensation, most say they receive huge benefits from spending more time with their grandchildren, according to the survey released ahead of Grandparents’ Day on Sunday.

Age Scotland, Age UK’s sister charity, said many grandparents who are under state pension age are not aware that they are entitled to claim National Insurance credits while providing regular childcare for family members aged under 12.

The credits can top up the state pension by building up National Insurance contributions.

Age Scotland charity director Keith Robson, said: ‘More and more working parents depend on granny or granddad for regular childcare or to help in emergencies, with many grandparents even cutting down their own working hours to help out.

‘With so many playing a pivotal role in caring for grandchildren, it’s no surprise this results in close and lasting bonds between the generations.

‘Children know they can turn to their grandparents for help and advice or to share their problems. At the same time, older people enjoy being involved in their grandchildren’s lives, watching them grow up, and staying physically and mentally active.

‘This Grandparents’ Day is a perfect opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of these very special people.’

The report shows 93 per cent of Scottish grandparents feel they are close to their grandchildren, with around a third of those playing the role of confidant for grandchildren with worries or problems.

While 30 per cent of grandparents say they are often asked for advice and practical tips such as recipes and how to mend things, the exchange of information goes both ways. One in five said their grandchildren also provide practical help, such as support with technology if they need it.

A spokesman for the charity Grandparents Plus said: ‘These kinds of figures show the massive contribution grandparents are making to working families.

‘What we can’t afford to do is take them for granted, and recognising how reliant we are on them is the first step to making sure that doesn’t happen.’