Can you spend too much on your grandchildren?
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Grandparents want to give generously to their grandchildren whenever they can and happily make sacrifices to help their families. This open attitude to giving is not only heart-warming – it's also now official.We're publishing new research (132 KB pdf) that reveals just how much – and how – grandparents spend on their grandchildren. The main points are:
- grandparents spend a total of £11.5 billion on their grandchildren every year
- many grandparents are cutting back on food, holidays and new clothes to make sure they can provide for them.
Help is at hand
The current recession has made so many things more difficult, including how much we can contribute to our grandchildren's well-being – and fun. Here at BeGrand.net, we're always looking for ways to help make your life easy.
We've got plenty of articles on money and finance.
We've also come up with lots of things that grandparents can do with their grandchildren for free or very little outlay – for instance:
- Have a free (or nearly free) day out – at home
- Free local authority fun
- Exciting, money-saving ways to help older children get out there and enjoy
- How to make quick and easy play dough
- How to make a play garden with your grandchildren.
In addition, we're always participating in the debates about money and grandparenting:
You can also voice your concerns – through our opinion polls …
- How much do you spend weekly on sweets for your grandchildren?
- Can grandparents say 'No' to their grandchildren?
… and through our blogs
- for example, Grandparents – sweets for treats?
... and by telling us what you think about the vexed question: How can grandparents feel comfortable about saying 'No' every now and then? Be sure to read the article by BeGrand.net's spokesperson Jackie Highe on how 'Saying "No" is a kind of loving'
The value of love and attention
Not every activity has a monetary consideration – just being yourself as a grandparent has enormous 'value'. It's not all about the money that comes in the envelope or is pressed into the eager, waiting hand. Children of all ages understand this, given the chance, and put a high 'price' on grandparents' time, especially if their own parents are stressed and often unavailable.
Of course, kids aren't going to say 'No' to a few bob – but money won't make them love you more or less. Consistent time and attention, however – that does breed love.
What are your tactics for saying 'No'? How much is OK for you to spend on your grandchildren? And why do you think grandparents spend so much these days? We’d love to know what you think …
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| the cost of a grandchild.pdf | 130.25 KB |
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