Increasing numbers of grandparents are providing childcare for their grandchildren, research suggests.
Insurance provider RIAS has found three quarters of British grandparents now regularly help out.
The piece about grandparents providing free childcare didn't go out as planned on the 6pm BBC News but has been posted to the BBC News Website Jonathon Cooke and Justin (?) the camera man were with us for over an hour and I must say a big thank you to them for putting us all at ease and being incredibly sensitive when it came to working with very young children.
Dear Daughter said a lovely piece to camera about how much they would struggle financially without our help and how they are more than happy for us to care for the boys as they are happy and safe with us. For example, to cover childcare costs for two children for a full day at work would require twelve hours working at minimum wage - yet a huge majority of families find both parents have to work to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table.
Where I said that we get no recognition for our contribution to the economy, I meant from the government, instead of just NIC credits perhaps a guaranteed living wage for all like that recently proposed in Switzerland could bridge this gap? Many grandparents on the Gransnet Forums take a cut in income to help out some dip into their savings and some, in extreme situations, go into debt to help with childcare.
Alongside our time and financial input, age and health can also carry consequences. It may seem trivial, but the fashion for huge buggies cripples me, the sheer combined weight of child and Chelsea tractor style buggy eats up most of my "spoons" (see fibromyalgia and spoon theory) plus not being able to pace myself or have a nana nap on grandson days can leave me drained for days. All that said, I would not have it any other way, if there is a gap of two or more days between us having the boys we both miss them terribly, they bring a freshness and joy to our days plus of course unconditional love which is priceless.
Wednesday 13 November 2013
Tuesday 12 November 2013
Grandparents providing more free childcare.
Tonight at 6pm BBC News have a piece scheduled about the report below - they filmed us yesterday doing the school run and making a few comments, hope I come over ok and mentions of Gransnet North Yorkshire are left in.
If you are a grandparent who provides care for the grandchildren why not share your experiences on the forum?
GN NYorks Forum
BRITAIN’S GRANDPARENT ARMY GROWS BY 60%, SAVING BRITAIN £16.4BN ANNUALLY
New research from over 50s specialist insurance provider RIAS reveals today that three quarters (75%) of UK grandparents now provide childcare for their grandchildren1. Rather than an active choice, today’s report shows that the rising cost of living for families has forced many grandparents into the role, leading to financial difficulties for some – one quarter (26%) of grandparents reach into savings, and one in ten (11%) are forced to borrow money to cover activities and living costs2.
§ 9.8million now make up Britain’s Grandparent Army as the number of Grandparent childminders increases by over 60% since 20093.
§ Grandparents spend an average of 8.2 hours a week looking after their grandchildren – saving parents £1,659 on childcare fees annually4.
§ 99% of grandparents get no payment for their time5, despite some forking out £164 per month to support their families6.
§ Increased childminding is as a result of rising childcare costs (17%) and increasing parent workloads (32)7.
§ Expense of looking after children leads a quarter of grandparents dipping into savings (26%) and 1 in 10 grandparents going into debt.
§ Welsh grandparents provide the most childcare each week – almost 10 hours; whilst London parents see the biggest saving at £2,437 each year.
Now in its fifth year, the RIAS ‘21st Century Grandparenting’ Report reveals that the cost and the time commitment of being a Grandparent Childminder has rocketed since 2009. The nation has seen an exponential 61% increase in the number of grandparents providing childcare over the last five years, with 9.8 million currently drafted into the ‘Grandparent Army’, up from 6.1 million in 2009.
Despite many grandparents reaching a stage of life where they have the luxury of free time, three quarters of grandparents (74%) now take care of their grandchildren for an average of 8.2 hours a week – up 57% on 2009’s figures. This sacrifice saves their children an average £1,659 a year in child care costs, adding up to an annual nationwide saving or unofficial ‘child benefit’ of £16.4 billion4. This is substantially more (a 93% rise) than the £860 saved per family in 2009.
Financial expectations
On top of the 426 hours of formal childcare they provide each year, Grandparents now spend an average of £164 a month – almost £2,000 a year – regularly providing financial contributions towards toys, clothing, pocket money, savings and leisure activities6. This financial commitment is unaffordable for some, with one quarter (26%) of grandparents admitting they are forced to dip into their hard earned savings to pay for their grandchildren, whilst one in ten (11%) have even been driven into debt, and one in 20 (5%) have sacrificed holidaying to provide financial assistance.
Not only are grandparents missing out financially, but parents are slow to recognise the scale of the financial contribution that they’re making. Despite the monthly contribution from grandparents reaching over £164, parents believe that grandparents only contribute on average £72 to the family budget6.
Today’s research sees many parents acting in the belief that providing childcare benefits grandparents, with a third (32%) stating ‘it gives them something to do with their free time’ and a further third (37%) that it ‘keeps them active and stimulated’. Despite this, three in 10 grandparents said that their child minding obligations leave them tired (30%) and they wish they could do it for shorter lengths of time (8%), and a further one in ten even find it such hard work that it ‘feels like a job’ (11%).
More gratitude for grandparents
Although the majority of grandparents enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, one in 10 (14%) wish their adult children would show more consideration and plan according to the grandparents’ schedule, rather than what suits them. A further one in 10 (9%) grandparents wish that their children would show more appreciation for them giving up their free time. Just last month Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt set out how older generations and their needs are often ignored by younger generations and that the social contract between generations needs to be restored and re-invigorated7.
Parents feeling the pinch
The financial climate is a key factor on Brits turning to their parents to cut the cost of childcare. One in 10 (12%) are aware that childcare can be an imposition but feel they have no other option as they contend with the rising cost of living amidst stagnant incomes and a bleak job market. A quarter of grandparents (25%) have seen the amount of care they provide in the last year increase, blaming increasing parent workloads (32%). Additionally, close to a fifth of grandparents (17%) attribute the escalation in care to the increasingly expensive formal childcare costs.
Peter Corfield, Managing Director at RIAS, comments: “As households struggle to make ends meet, it’s easy to take advantage of having grandparents on hand to help lighten the childcare load. Grandparents not only continue to play a vital life line for UK families, but also bring knowledge and experience that benefits generations.
“It’s important that older generations are not merely seen as a money saving measure when it comes to babysitting. The enormous and selfless contribution today’s grandparents provide must be acknowledged as often the time, energy and experience grandparents give can often mean sacrificing their own plans and ambitions.”
Well-known broadcaster and grandparent, Janet Ellis, adds: “I love being a grandmother and adore spending time with my grandchildren, and know that Sophie’s three boys feel the same. Today’s findings show however that some grandparents are put in the difficult position of having to look after children because of no other choice. It is certainly worrying that some older people are going into financial difficulty to look after their grandchildren.
“People who find themselves in this position should have a frank family discussion outlining how any arrangement can suit all parties – grandparents should never have to compromise their bank balance, health or sanity and feel that taking care of their grandchildren is a chore rather than a joy. Being a grandparent and involved in grandchildrens’ lives is a privilege, and thank yous are always nice to receive.”
For more information about the full range of products RIAS offers, customers can visit www.rias.co.uk.
If you are a grandparent who provides care for the grandchildren why not share your experiences on the forum?
GN NYorks Forum
BRITAIN’S GRANDPARENT ARMY GROWS BY 60%, SAVING BRITAIN £16.4BN ANNUALLY
New research from over 50s specialist insurance provider RIAS reveals today that three quarters (75%) of UK grandparents now provide childcare for their grandchildren1. Rather than an active choice, today’s report shows that the rising cost of living for families has forced many grandparents into the role, leading to financial difficulties for some – one quarter (26%) of grandparents reach into savings, and one in ten (11%) are forced to borrow money to cover activities and living costs2.
§ 9.8million now make up Britain’s Grandparent Army as the number of Grandparent childminders increases by over 60% since 20093.
§ Grandparents spend an average of 8.2 hours a week looking after their grandchildren – saving parents £1,659 on childcare fees annually4.
§ 99% of grandparents get no payment for their time5, despite some forking out £164 per month to support their families6.
§ Increased childminding is as a result of rising childcare costs (17%) and increasing parent workloads (32)7.
§ Expense of looking after children leads a quarter of grandparents dipping into savings (26%) and 1 in 10 grandparents going into debt.
§ Welsh grandparents provide the most childcare each week – almost 10 hours; whilst London parents see the biggest saving at £2,437 each year.
Now in its fifth year, the RIAS ‘21st Century Grandparenting’ Report reveals that the cost and the time commitment of being a Grandparent Childminder has rocketed since 2009. The nation has seen an exponential 61% increase in the number of grandparents providing childcare over the last five years, with 9.8 million currently drafted into the ‘Grandparent Army’, up from 6.1 million in 2009.
Despite many grandparents reaching a stage of life where they have the luxury of free time, three quarters of grandparents (74%) now take care of their grandchildren for an average of 8.2 hours a week – up 57% on 2009’s figures. This sacrifice saves their children an average £1,659 a year in child care costs, adding up to an annual nationwide saving or unofficial ‘child benefit’ of £16.4 billion4. This is substantially more (a 93% rise) than the £860 saved per family in 2009.
Financial expectations
On top of the 426 hours of formal childcare they provide each year, Grandparents now spend an average of £164 a month – almost £2,000 a year – regularly providing financial contributions towards toys, clothing, pocket money, savings and leisure activities6. This financial commitment is unaffordable for some, with one quarter (26%) of grandparents admitting they are forced to dip into their hard earned savings to pay for their grandchildren, whilst one in ten (11%) have even been driven into debt, and one in 20 (5%) have sacrificed holidaying to provide financial assistance.
Not only are grandparents missing out financially, but parents are slow to recognise the scale of the financial contribution that they’re making. Despite the monthly contribution from grandparents reaching over £164, parents believe that grandparents only contribute on average £72 to the family budget6.
Today’s research sees many parents acting in the belief that providing childcare benefits grandparents, with a third (32%) stating ‘it gives them something to do with their free time’ and a further third (37%) that it ‘keeps them active and stimulated’. Despite this, three in 10 grandparents said that their child minding obligations leave them tired (30%) and they wish they could do it for shorter lengths of time (8%), and a further one in ten even find it such hard work that it ‘feels like a job’ (11%).
More gratitude for grandparents
Although the majority of grandparents enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, one in 10 (14%) wish their adult children would show more consideration and plan according to the grandparents’ schedule, rather than what suits them. A further one in 10 (9%) grandparents wish that their children would show more appreciation for them giving up their free time. Just last month Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt set out how older generations and their needs are often ignored by younger generations and that the social contract between generations needs to be restored and re-invigorated7.
Parents feeling the pinch
The financial climate is a key factor on Brits turning to their parents to cut the cost of childcare. One in 10 (12%) are aware that childcare can be an imposition but feel they have no other option as they contend with the rising cost of living amidst stagnant incomes and a bleak job market. A quarter of grandparents (25%) have seen the amount of care they provide in the last year increase, blaming increasing parent workloads (32%). Additionally, close to a fifth of grandparents (17%) attribute the escalation in care to the increasingly expensive formal childcare costs.
Peter Corfield, Managing Director at RIAS, comments: “As households struggle to make ends meet, it’s easy to take advantage of having grandparents on hand to help lighten the childcare load. Grandparents not only continue to play a vital life line for UK families, but also bring knowledge and experience that benefits generations.
“It’s important that older generations are not merely seen as a money saving measure when it comes to babysitting. The enormous and selfless contribution today’s grandparents provide must be acknowledged as often the time, energy and experience grandparents give can often mean sacrificing their own plans and ambitions.”
Well-known broadcaster and grandparent, Janet Ellis, adds: “I love being a grandmother and adore spending time with my grandchildren, and know that Sophie’s three boys feel the same. Today’s findings show however that some grandparents are put in the difficult position of having to look after children because of no other choice. It is certainly worrying that some older people are going into financial difficulty to look after their grandchildren.
“People who find themselves in this position should have a frank family discussion outlining how any arrangement can suit all parties – grandparents should never have to compromise their bank balance, health or sanity and feel that taking care of their grandchildren is a chore rather than a joy. Being a grandparent and involved in grandchildrens’ lives is a privilege, and thank yous are always nice to receive.”
For more information about the full range of products RIAS offers, customers can visit www.rias.co.uk.
Wednesday 6 November 2013
What's the Difference Between Limits and Consequences?
What's the Difference Between Limits and Consequences?
Lessons to be learnt from a bouncing ball, well worth a read.
Lessons to be learnt from a bouncing ball, well worth a read.
Saturday 2 November 2013
Weepy weekend
Feeling rather sad and weepy today, the heavy grey skies mirrors my mood however that will not stop me getting out into the garden to prune and tidy up my climbing roses before the harsh winter weather takes over.. such feelings are best acknowledged then told where to go before they take up too much head space.
Guess to feel sad is utterly normal after such a heavy week with all the mixed emotions that the doctor's initial diagnosis of deafness for little Angel brings into our lives. We took them to a soft play yesterday afternoon and while the eldest got busy socialising and playing chasing and jumping games little angel toddled around doing his own two year old things, mostly involving balls. Granddad nearly wept though when he lay down in the football area and two older children starting pelting him with balls and he just lay there....
We have all been looking at him through different lenses, even big brother (four years old) has seemed much gentler and more tolerant with him to mum and me, perhaps some of his roughness came from his frustration at not being able to communicate and play with him like other two year olds.
One huge positive is that dear daughter discusses it all with us and welcomes the research and information I pass on to her, I try to not overload her so as yet have only printed off http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/understanding_your_childs_hearing_tests/index.html which neatly explains all the likely tests for deafness in young children. She obviously read it thoroughly as she mentioned the one sentence that mentions preauricular pits, little holes just like little angel has just in front of his ears - further research (googling) found that "Infants with preauricular skin tags or ear pits are at increased risk for permanent hearing impairment" so hopefully this will be a big clue to his diagnosis and treatment options.
Guess to feel sad is utterly normal after such a heavy week with all the mixed emotions that the doctor's initial diagnosis of deafness for little Angel brings into our lives. We took them to a soft play yesterday afternoon and while the eldest got busy socialising and playing chasing and jumping games little angel toddled around doing his own two year old things, mostly involving balls. Granddad nearly wept though when he lay down in the football area and two older children starting pelting him with balls and he just lay there....
We have all been looking at him through different lenses, even big brother (four years old) has seemed much gentler and more tolerant with him to mum and me, perhaps some of his roughness came from his frustration at not being able to communicate and play with him like other two year olds.
One huge positive is that dear daughter discusses it all with us and welcomes the research and information I pass on to her, I try to not overload her so as yet have only printed off http://www.ndcs.org.uk/family_support/understanding_your_childs_hearing_tests/index.html which neatly explains all the likely tests for deafness in young children. She obviously read it thoroughly as she mentioned the one sentence that mentions preauricular pits, little holes just like little angel has just in front of his ears - further research (googling) found that "Infants with preauricular skin tags or ear pits are at increased risk for permanent hearing impairment" so hopefully this will be a big clue to his diagnosis and treatment options.
Friday 1 November 2013
A visit to the doctors...
Facing a new, extremely challenging, situation in our family life. It would appear that our youngest grandsons slowness to develop in speaking may be due to him being profoundly deaf. I am so pleased that daughter made an appointment to ask for developmental tests (long story why these been missed) and asked me to go with them. Poor boy didn't even flinch when doc made very loud noises right behind him.
Anyway, it is the start of making sure he gets the best treatment and therapies and as DD and I are very close, she asks for advice often, and we look after the boys three times a week, I will be calling on my inner strength to support them through whatever comes next after diagnosis ...
Having Gransnet editor-ing to do should help keep me sane along with mindfulness and meditation though any tips on grand parenting in such a situation gratefully received.
Anyway, it is the start of making sure he gets the best treatment and therapies and as DD and I are very close, she asks for advice often, and we look after the boys three times a week, I will be calling on my inner strength to support them through whatever comes next after diagnosis ...
Having Gransnet editor-ing to do should help keep me sane along with mindfulness and meditation though any tips on grand parenting in such a situation gratefully received.
Thursday 24 October 2013
4 year-old is a bully! Help!
4 year-old is a bully! Help!
Oh dear, DD has just asked for my help with a situation just like the one outlined in this article, off to tightrope balance in a few minutes and hopefully she will not transfer her upset with the situation onto me....
Oh dear, DD has just asked for my help with a situation just like the one outlined in this article, off to tightrope balance in a few minutes and hopefully she will not transfer her upset with the situation onto me....
Tuesday 22 October 2013
10 ways to beat CryptoLocker | Money | The Guardian
Beware this new online scam, you really can lose all your photos, files etc
A few sensible precautions will help minimise the chances of a CrytoLocker attack. So what are our top tips?
• Back up your files. If you use an external hard drive, don't leave it connected to your PC unless you are backing up. Alternatively, pay for an online back-up service – but bear in mind you may still be vulnerable if your backed-up files are mapped as a network drive. Check with your provider if you are unsure.
• Create files in the Cloud and upload photos to online accounts like Flickr or Picasa.
• Switch to a spam- and virus-filtered email service. Google Mail, for example, does not allow you to receive or send executable files (that can install viruses) as email attachments, even if they are hidden in zip files. (It also does not allow you to send them).
• Don't go to online porn sites, which are often the source of malware downloads. Take care when clicking on adverts; never open Twitter links and attachments from people you don't know or trust.
• Make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest security.
• Install the latest versions of your internet browsers and update add-ons such as Java and Adobe Flash.
• Get reputable anti-virus software and ensure you update it frequently.
• On Windows 7, double-check that you have set up System Restore points or, if you are using Windows 8, configure it to keep the "file history".
• Act quickly. If you do accidentally download a dodgy attachment, bear in mind it is likely to take some time for the encryption to take place. If you immediately download and run an anti-virus programme, such as the free anti-virus toolkit available from Sophos, it could destroy the CryptoLocker before all your files have been encrypted – however, you will permanently lose affected files.
• Encrypt the files you particularly want to keep private, such as documents containing your passwords or personal information, to prevent criminals from reading what's in them. Read this useful "Ask Jack" post on the Guardian technology blog to find out more about encrypting your files.
10 ways to beat CryptoLocker | Money | The Guardian
A few sensible precautions will help minimise the chances of a CrytoLocker attack. So what are our top tips?
• Back up your files. If you use an external hard drive, don't leave it connected to your PC unless you are backing up. Alternatively, pay for an online back-up service – but bear in mind you may still be vulnerable if your backed-up files are mapped as a network drive. Check with your provider if you are unsure.
• Create files in the Cloud and upload photos to online accounts like Flickr or Picasa.
• Switch to a spam- and virus-filtered email service. Google Mail, for example, does not allow you to receive or send executable files (that can install viruses) as email attachments, even if they are hidden in zip files. (It also does not allow you to send them).
• Don't go to online porn sites, which are often the source of malware downloads. Take care when clicking on adverts; never open Twitter links and attachments from people you don't know or trust.
• Make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest security.
• Install the latest versions of your internet browsers and update add-ons such as Java and Adobe Flash.
• Get reputable anti-virus software and ensure you update it frequently.
• On Windows 7, double-check that you have set up System Restore points or, if you are using Windows 8, configure it to keep the "file history".
• Act quickly. If you do accidentally download a dodgy attachment, bear in mind it is likely to take some time for the encryption to take place. If you immediately download and run an anti-virus programme, such as the free anti-virus toolkit available from Sophos, it could destroy the CryptoLocker before all your files have been encrypted – however, you will permanently lose affected files.
• Encrypt the files you particularly want to keep private, such as documents containing your passwords or personal information, to prevent criminals from reading what's in them. Read this useful "Ask Jack" post on the Guardian technology blog to find out more about encrypting your files.
10 ways to beat CryptoLocker | Money | The Guardian
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