How dare anyone say that super-grannies like me are ‘outdated’
HOW I agree with Sarah Vine, who defends grandparents after a study of families in Birmingham and Edinburgh claimed the older generation’s ‘outdated beliefs’ are fuelling the nation’s obesity crisis (Mail). This is an insult to caring grandparents who willingly help with childcare. Women like me successfully raised our own families: we did the housework while looking after our children, feeding and playing with them, so why do we need updating on childcare? Yes, ideas have changed, but not necessarily for the better. I have three healthy, slim, active adult children who were fed a balanced diet with occasional treats because money was tight when they were growing up. I was a stay-at-home Mum, but I didn’t think that my children needed to be entertained every hour of the day. When it comes to my grandchildren, my daughters wished to return to their careers, but the nursery charges were exorbitant. They were charging well beyond the pocket of most families looking for childcare for two to three days a week. I was working when my first two grandchildren were small — they are now 26 and 21. However, I have played an active role looking after the three younger ones. I have cared for my nineyear-old grandson at least twice a week since he was four months old, my sevenyear-old granddaughter one day a week since she was a year old and my twoyear-old granddaughter a half-day each week. Grandparents do a splendid job, building valuable relationships with their grandchildren, caring and looking after them with love. PAMELA BRIGHT, Shoreham-by-Sea, W. Sussex.