Moved house to help with GC care

I upped sticks and moved from my home in the northwest of England to Osnabrück, nearly 4 years ago! At the time, I had a 13-month-old granddaughter, whom I had not seen for 6 months, and who used to look at me with an expression that said "Oh lord, here comes the old witch again!" I now have another granddaughter, aged nearly 3 and a grandson just 4 months old, and it has been the greatest blessing to be around to help my son and daughter-in-law, and to watch their children grow and thrive. I have my own self-contained flat on the ground floor of their house, but the door is always open for the girls to come and go as they please, which has, I think, been especially useful while their kindergarten has been closed during the current crisis. I have never regretted the move, which was always planned for a few years' time. The referendum result re Brexit brought things forward, and I am so glad it did!

I moved several years ago to be closer to my two sons, DIL s and their young families. It was not easy as I sold my house in the north and moved to the much more expensive south. However it has worked out very well and I have often helped with childcare. I have settled well and made many new friends.

I downsized 18 months ago and moved area to be closer to my daughter and son in law. She was pregnant at the time and the understanding was I would help with childcare. It has been fine. I live five minutes from their house, my new area is nice and very handy for shops etc, I have lovely neighbours and my smaller house is so easy. All of which makes it a joy to help look after my grandson. I'm going there today.