Rent-A-Grandparent: Finding Fulfillment in Your Retirement
Kids love grandparents. Grandparents can dote upon the kids, have fun with them, teach them things and then hand them back to mom and dad. It’s a wonderful part of connecting generations.
However, it has become more of a rarity than the norm. Parents are busier and families are more scattered than ever before in today’s world. Many couples would be delighted to have a grandmotherly type to come in and help with the kids.
If you love children and are looking for something to do in retirement, look no further.
There is a great need for great parenting, with so many two income families and children in daycare for the majority of their young lives. As Hilary pointed out with her book, “It takes a village.” In the past, family, friends, neighbors and grandparents all helped give guidance to children and teach them about respect and manners. Nowadays, many kids are lucky to spend even a few hours a day with a parent, let alone getting to see a grandparent more than once or twice a year.
The matter has been further complicated by the increase in multiple births. With increased infertility rates, more and more couples are using fertility medications to get pregnant. Twins and triplets are more common than ever, and one of the biggest needs of a mother of multiples, especially in the first several months, is finding someone to help hold and feed the babies.
Families are so busy running from activity to activity, few have time to sit and read books, do crafts, or bake cookies. Many times younger kids are dragged along, spending much of the day in the car, while parents run errands or take older kids to various functions. Parents who have active grandparents in town to help are the envy of all their friends.
Whether you want to volunteer occassionally or sign up for a daily or weekly position with a family, a great need exists. If you want to start offering your services as a “Rent-A-Grandma”, start by telling everyone you know that you are interested in doing this. The best way to find families is through referrals. You can also check with local churches and daycare centers.
Remember, you will fulfill the parents’ need for good help to watch their kids and can teach them more than they might learn from 15-year-old Susie down the street. You will fill your days with laughter and play, and the kids will keep you young. You will give much, but you will receive more. And you will be making a difference with future generations.
