Moved house to help with GC care

Songstress60, living near to, or with, family, or moving to be near them, does not mean one's own life ends. I have made friends here, and a life of my own. As for being unpaid childcare...bring it on! My son and daughter-in-law have been fortunate enough to have au pairs, but the last one went back home just before lockdown, so I have been doing a great deal of housework and childcare since then. I've never worked so hard in my life, but then, I've never had so much fun either! My talent for silly voices and acting out stories has developed, but also inspired my granddaughters to use their imaginations even more. I've always been a keen crafter, so they have benefited from that too. The 4-year-old made her daddy a very advanced Father's Day card with minimal help from me. Having been medically retired at the age of 55, my self-esteem had suffered considerably due to all the things I could no longer do. When my granddaughters throw their arms around my neck or seize my face between their soft little hands, and whisper "Oh, Granny, I DO love you!" I feel 10 feet tall and able to conquer the world for them! Since living here, I have had, and beaten, breast cancer and sepsis, and my care was exemplary. I loathe being visited when ill, and I was very ill indeed when I had sepsis, but it was good to know my family was handy to bring me clean clothes, ginger biscuits (for the nausea) and to keep my friends informed when I wasn't able to. I've loved every minute so far, and plan to love the next 50 years, all being well!

Good luck to you grannymosh, you sound very happy, and am glad, despite the health problems you have had that you are now recovered, certainly the health system there is very good. Enjoy it all. Alles gut.

Vielen Dank, silverlining48!

My daughter and son both livev within 30 minutes of us. However, my hubby wouldn't move if they weren't. My daughter only ever rings when she needs something but our son rings just for a chat. He's more considerate . I wouldn't move to be closer just to be used as a childminder regardless of how much I love my family. We do help out a lot but we are both in our 60s , not in the best of health and want to spend our time left having fun with our many friends not looking after little ones all day. Been there.. done that! Loved it but no desire to do it now other than once or twice a week during the school holidays and after school. But that's right for us.