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How old were you when your first grandchild was born?

(207 Posts)
Juno56 Mon 12-Aug-19 20:24:00

Hello, new member here. I joined because my first grandchild will be born in late November. I am 63 and hadn't thought I was particularly old to be a first time grandma. However, when I mentioned the baby to a (slightly older) acquaintance she said: "ooh that's very late; I was under 50. You might not see her grow up"!! I was so taken aback that I had no response. It set me wondering though, as young couples delay starting a family it inevitably means that grandparents are older than was the norm a few years ago. So if people don't mind sharing, how old were you when you became a grandparent?

Tigertooth Sun 18-Aug-19 20:46:50

Actually mum had to retire at 65 even though she didn’t want to - dad had died 4 years before so she was dreading forced retirement as she was (and is) so active. Her first GC was born 2 months after she retired -perfect - she had him when I went back to work after 6 months. She had all 4 of mine whilst I worked part time so she really was a co-parent for mine.

Debyangel63 Sun 18-Aug-19 21:18:34

I was 53 turning 54 when my GS was born and 27 when his father, my son was born. My mother was also 27 when she had me and 54 when my son was born, then at 81 became a Great Granny! So if all goes well I might also be able to be a GG at 81. My Gran was 71 when I was born & we still had the best times with her.....So do not let other people’s fears affect you. It’s their issues not yours.

silverlining48 Wed 21-Aug-19 12:55:22

I have friends who were 79 and 80 when their first grandchild was born. A year later a second child was born. They dont do childcare, but are actively involved and see them both regularly.

When i first became a gran at 61 we were having some kitchen work done by a man a few years younger than me, and he had just become a great grandad.

Deedi Sat 24-Aug-19 21:43:30

I was 49 when first granddaughter was born and 53 when second GD arrived. So two teenage granddaughters; 19 and 16 yrs old. I'm 68 and enjoy taking them for lunch some weekends (we live quite close), the odd girlie day out (shopping for them!) and best of all they're old enough for mum & dad to allow me to take them for a couple of nights stay in B&B and visit our other son who lives 2hr drive from us. They're often busy,busy,busy, but I get them to commit to a date and lo and behold it usually happens. It works for me smile

Sara65 Sat 24-Aug-19 21:50:23

I was 45 when the first one was born, 63 when the last one was born with four in between.

I’ve grown into the role, I didn’t really feel like a granny when I was 45, but i enjoy it a lot more now.

Nannieh7 Fri 30-Aug-19 19:41:05

I was 39 when my first grandchild was born, she's 17 now, and my youngest GS is coming up 4, with 5 more born in between! I was only 18 when I had the first of my four boys, and 24 when the youngest was born and I can honestly say I wouldn't have had it any other way, I love it! ?