Dating Features
Over half of grandparents are 'baby-sitters'
The older generation are providing a much-needed baby-sitting service to their grandchildren, new research reveals.
Well over half of over-50s (61 per cent) said that they regularly take care of their grandchildren, with 44 per cent spending more than 16 hours a month playing the baby-sitter.
A staggering 15 per cent spend more than 40 hours a week caring for little ones – the equivalent of a full week's employment.
Moreover, the vast majority of grandparents (92 per cent) expect no financial reward for their services, saying that the pleasure of spending time with their grandchildren is payment enough.
Andrew Goodsell, chief executive of Saga Group, who conducted the research, said: "Looking after children is a serious commitment, but grandparents often choose to provide this support.
"However, it's enjoyment rather than obligation that drives them to spend this much time with their grandchildren."
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