I agree that Grandparents are given no or very little Govt. assistance to care for their grandchildren. For some Grandparents it’s very physically and mentally draining. If they get sick from it who is going to care for their beautiful innocent little ones. Yes they can probably take them on a holiday with them. Will that relieve the pressure on them or not. Some are about 55 -60 before they become Grandparents. They are ready to slow down and relax, not take on a 24 hours a day 7 days a week carer lifestyle. I know they love them to bits but can they cope without a break.

You have created a stable home life for your grandchildren, hope you get the opportunity to take your grandchildren with you on short holidays.

What beautiful people you are to sacrifice your own desires for the well being of others….that in itself is rewarding. The gift that you have given those children is priceless and will last a lifetime. Hopefully you can take shorter breaks throughout the year when life permits….never give up your dreams as where there is a will there is a way!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your grand children.

Congratulations and well done on being present grand parents.

Sadly it’s something that’s happens quite a bit these days.

Thanks 4callnthe comments ,sad timed when so many grandparents now parents again ,hope next generation can Cate 4 there kids .

The kids are lucky to have you, some just end up in the system. You can only hope that one day their parents will understand what they have missed and do everything they can to build themselves a better life

Good on you for your sacrifices you have made to raise your Grandchildren. We have been there with Jen’s kids and we had the first from birth than she took her at 9 months than at just over 1 we got her back with a new baby brother. She had gone out of state and I got a ph call from children services to see if we would have the kids otherwise they were going to take them and 3 days after that call they were with us. You have done an amazing thing for the kids and they will love you’s for this so much when they are older.

I was brought up by my Grandmother. I realise how difficult this must have been for her but she did a fantastic job of raising me. Grandparents should be treasured – the look of real contentment on their faces when they are with their grandchildren is really wonderful to see.

Thanks for ur uplifting comments .:-)

i don’t think the government does enough for grandparents who are raising there grandchildren,thank goodness they are able to,i say thank you to you all that are raising your grand kids you’ve given up your plans and a lot of dreams that you thought you would be doing after raising your own kids.At least these kids are in a loving caring home with family and have stability you guys are inspirational.

You have done an amazing thing by raising your grandchildren!! I’m sure in a few years time they will be old enough to care for themselves and you will be able to fulfill your dreams of travelling

That’s wonderful that you have stepped in to raise your grandchildren and they have turned out to be amazing human beings. One day you will be able to travel.

Lucky for your grandkids that they have you. Hopefully you will still be able to travel when they are a bit older. Drugs have huge ramifications in our society and they affect the whole family when someone is involved with them. Good luck for your own future plans and for your grandkids.

We originally had planned on retiring down the south coast but when the first grandchild came along things changed too! We now have 3 grandkids (& another due in May) & I’m so thankful we didn’t make the move as we would have missed out on these important years!