Many grandparents are playing an increasingly important role in the care of their grandchildren. For many, this means looking after the grandchildren while their parents work a few days a week, while other grandparents look after grandchildren full time.
While providing regular care is of course a wonderful opportunity to get to know your grandchildren, it can also take some adjusting to.
Ideas about parenting have changed and this can create some tensions with your adult children. You may also need to have conversations with them about how much you can take on while also maintaining your own health and wellbeing.
Activities in Boroondara
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Grandparents are welcome to attend Maternal and Child Health service facilitated playgroups with their grandchildren. We have many grandparents who attend our Mandarin playgroup.
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Join a grandparents playgroup. These are a great way to find other children for your grandchildren to play with and meet other grandparents in the area.
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Get out to an activity with your grandchildren at one of our libraries.
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Attend a parent and caregiver information session.
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Become a member and volunteer at a toy library.
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Visit a playground.
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Volunteer at an Early Childhood Centre. See Volunteer opportunities to find out how.
Support and advice
For some grandparents their contribution may be much more significant, all the way up to being the primary care giver/s. Whatever your role, there is help available.
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Maternal and Child Health service (MCH): email [email protected] or call 9278 4606.
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Raising Children Network: advice and resources on financial and legal support available for grandparent carers
After hours
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Maternal and Child Health Line: free advice from a qualified MCH nurse for children from birth to school age, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 13 22 29.