To ask what you would think of this?

No, you're not wrong. It sounds like they're spoiled.

What would happen if you didn't pick them up? If you're doing it to help their father, then I'd be inclined to tell him that they need to be more amenable if you're to continue to help.

I wonder if they are genuinely afraid to walk on their own? Of course, we were out and about playing from an early age - and often unsupervised at home too. Children now seem to expect adult attention at all times.

They are with me so never on their own.
I know they would much rather expect their father to pick them up but it is not always possible if he is stuck at work. The eldest should be aware of this at least. I've even spoken to him about it and he hasn't told the kids off, just smiled.
I've a good mind to tell them I will no longer be helping.

I've a good mind to tell them I will no longer be helping.

Perhaps that's the best solution for you all.

As a grandparent, you don’t have to do these things for them. If what you do isn’t appreciated by the children or their parents, then stop doing it, don’t be a doormat.

TopsyandTim this is most odd as in a previous post you mention driving and dropping a friend off, yet now you are a non driver.

Have a friend who normally walks the kids to swimming class for me as a favour (Do pay her) and I normally go and collect them all and bring them back to mine before friend goes home (friend doesn't drive).
Yesterday I dropped friend off at the top of my road and didn't let her into the house. I assumed it was easier for her to get the bus back and didn't really need to discuss anything with her. She now thinks I am annoyed with her or that she did something wrong. Can't help but think this is oversensitive?

I cannot drive at present due to RA so yes can drive but technically not at the moment

Ouch!

Sago, that's very strange isn't it? Someone could get rid of their car - but wouldn't then call themselves a 'non driver'. Have you had to stop driving TopsyandTim?

(crossed posts - still odd to say you're a non-driver though)

Well it made it easier to explain rather then going into my RA issues.

5 to 10 min walk is not far is not far

5 to 10 min walk is not far ?

Anyone would think I was having them climb up mount kilamenjaro the way they carry on. One of them wants to be an elite gymnast also.

I think children who are used to being driven everywhere do find it harder to bother themselves to walk.
It's certainly true of my grandsons.

The younger one used to love coming out with me, and going on the bus, and walking, but the novelty soon wore off that!

Are they just complaining about having to walk? Does that have any relation to how they feel about you?

My youngest complains about walking. He will run about for hours with friends but every day he will complain on the walk home from school... At the exact same point too, saying his legs hurt.

I think possibly the walks are just too samey. Maybe you could think of some ways to make them interesting, go a different way sometimes, stop at the park..

Or could either just ignore it or what I tend to do is say "I know, rubbish eh!" then at least you are with them and not against them lol

Grandkids aged 7 and 9 being extremely moody about walking a short distance home because their father is sometimes unable to pick them up himself in the car meaning I (as a non driver) have to walk to collect them from activities and then bring them home
Are you responsible for their childcare after these activities. Is Dad at work - Mum likewise?
Is a 5-10 minute walk out of the question for you?
Is the walk along a busy road/through a park or area of potential danger/ in a city town or village?
There are enormous differences and these days I would not be happy about a 7 and 9 year old walking home alone.
I am confused, though, from your previous thread I assumed from that you were talking about your children, not grandchildren.
Another thought. Why not get the housekeeper to pop out?

TopsyandTim Perhaps your RA is really getting to you, reading through your previous posts you are upset with your housekeeper for not wanting to socialise with you, your friend for being over sensitive, your 9 year old granddaughter for being moody and now feeling unappreciated by your grandchildren.

I think you need to chill out a bit.