I think grannies play an important role, and not just in unpaid childcare.
I know all my grandchildren like coming here, I don’t bake with them, I don’t bake at all. But I’ve taken them all to story days at the library, started them in pre school gymnastics, the oldest one now does it to quite a high standard. Read endlessly to them. The house is big enough for hide and seek, and treasure hunts. In the summer we put up a big pool, and have lots of what they describe as ‘pool parties’ some weekends when they are all around I may hire a bouncy castle.
I’m always on their side, they know I think they’re wonderful, and I keep their secrets.
I wouldn’t want to be super gran seven days a week, its exhausting, but I think grandparents add another important dimension to childrens lives.