I do agree with you Magsie that it is not possible for children to have the freedom that we had as children. We also aim to be laid back and I know that all the grandchildren enjoy being with us. My DH is 73 but I don't think our children appreciate our age and the fact that our stamina is somewhat waining! One of my DIL's once complained that we didn't have the children enough as though it was her right to have them looked after more regularly. We have 2 families of grandchildren so have to be fair with our time.
The one family where the children are more energetic and need occupying more unfortunately don't go to schools nearby and so in the holidays are not near their friends for playing with. As long as I turned up at lunch and tea times I don't think Mum worried too much about me. I was always up or down the road in a friend's house playing. Another reason why the Mum of this family is reluctant to get friends round to play is the fact that the house is in a state of chaos.
Situations seem very different now.
Have any of you got all electric cars? Pros and cons please.