Learning with Granny. Grandparents are great!

The importance of Grandparents in children's education

Not so long ago Grandparents were doddery old dears in fluffy slippers sitting on a comfy armchair by the fire. They would regale you with stories from their past and give you a few pennies if you behaved. 

How things have changed! These days Grandparents are (seemingly) younger, hipper and are often integral to the care and education of their grandchildren. They are a whiz on the computer keeping in touch with friends on Facebook, email and by text and are savvy shoppers surfing the internet for the best products.

There are 14 million Grandparents in the UK and most children under six have living Grandparents with whom they have a lot of contact. In fact 60 per cent of childcare is provided by Grandparents which means that they are extremely important in helping to educate children and often help them with homework. Even basic activities such as reading, cooking or shopping together helps to boost children's development. 

What is the difference? "Well, it’s not that Grandparents are younger than those of previous generations, but that they seem younger", says Jackie Highe, author of The Modern Grandparents Guide and Agony Aunt who gives valuable advice on Grannynet, a website dedicated to Grandmothers helping them to be the best Granny they can be through support and advice. Jackie, at 60 years of age, goes scuba diving, cycling and horse riding with her own grandchildren. In the old days, Grandparents tended to hand over the reins once their children had children “and sort of settled down into nothingness,” says Jackie. Grandparents today however take a far more active role with their grandchildren.

There are many skills and support Grandparents can pass on to their grandchildren:

• Giving them a sense of history and family tradition through stories from the past showing photographs and clippings that have been saved

• Passing on traditional skills such as baking, simple woodwork, sewing and knitting. See our ranges of craft products for woodwork, cooking and sewing or knitting kits that support these skills

“Grandparents are the only ones who can pass on traditional pastimes and knowledge to another generation,”  . “Today, parents often don’t have the time, but grandparents often enjoy making paper boats, rolling out pastry, picking up their dropped stitches – all great ways to enjoy each other’s company.” says Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, author of The Good Granny Guide

• Using their time on outdoor activities sailing boats on a pond or flying a kite - great exercise for Grans and children!

• Trying out easy to understand science and nature kits with them encouraging them to learn facts in an interesting way

• Showing them gardening skills and teaching them about flowers, plants and nature

• Good old fashioned play! Playing with a traditional toy such as a railway set, a dolls house, jigsaw or a puppet theatre acting out old stories with them such as Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk. This will reinforce a positive relationship and will give them valuable memories

For all you heroic Grans out there take a look at www.grannynet.co.uk for valuable advice, support and a link up with other Grandparents on a dedicated forum. 

Also www.gransnet.com is a great new site for grandparents to discuss everything from baby buggies to learning Spanish, news to culture, relationships to lemon drizzle cake.

Our team at Up to the Moon are very appreciative of the great job Grannies do and long may it continue!

Written by Nicola Howlett owner and Mum