The typical grandparent who provides childcare for their son or daughter incurs an average weekly expense of £50 from their own pocket and sacrifices substantial time. While many find joy in this role, the question arises: should they receive financial compensation? Here, we explore differing perspectives.

Mark Screeton, CEO of SunLife, highlights that over half of grandparents regularly care for their grandchildren and are as crucial to our childcare infrastructure as any nursery or after-school program. These contributions deserve recognition. Although many grandparents relish caring for their grandchildren without expecting payment, for some, it imposes a financial burden.

Our research indicates grandparents dedicate an average of 18 hours a week — over two full working days — performing tasks like school runs, cooking, cleaning, tutoring, and general childcare. Hiring a nanny for this duration would cost £216 weekly or over £11,000 annually, nearly matching the full new state pension. This estimate excludes additional roles such as chauffeur, chef, cleaner, and tutor.

For grandparents wishing to discuss the value of their support, creating a “grandparenting invoice” with average wage comparisons could highlight the significant unpaid labor they provide.

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It is not just about the time given; 83% of grandparents also spend their own money on childcare, an average of £50 weekly according to our research. Therefore, there is a clear financial cost to their support, which ideally should be reimbursed by the parents if feasible. Our findings suggest grandparents save parents thousands of pounds annually.

The extension of early years childcare funding by the government could alleviate some dependence on grandparents, potentially easing their financial strain. However, parents often struggle to find nurseries with available space, leaving grandparents to fill in the gaps left by the government-funded childcare.

Recognizing grandparents’ essential role, expanding tax-free childcare to include them could be beneficial, particularly for those caring for school-aged children. Meanwhile, grandparents below the state pension age might already qualify for childcare national insurance credits, which can positively impact their pension fund.

No

Isang Awah, part of the University of Oxford’s global parenting initiative, argues against grandparents charging for childcare, stating it could strain family relationships, blur family roles, and negatively impact children’s upbringing.

Grandparent involvement typically strengthens family bonds and encourages a sense of community and continuity. It offers an opportunity for grandparents to connect deeply with their grandchildren, providing emotional support and fostering a nurturing environment. This mutual benefit can enrich relationships immensely.

Monetizing this relationship could alter the family dynamic, making it feel transactional. Awareness among children that their grandparents are paid for childcare might confuse their understanding of family and affect emotional bonds.

Grandparents might also feel compelled to adopt a more professional caregiver role, altering their interactions with grandchildren. Parents might perceive their own parents as prioritizing money over family, potentially causing tension and resentment, especially if only one set of grandparents charges.

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Childcare keeps grandparents physically and mentally engaged and provides emotional fulfillment and purpose. Studies show that time spent with grandchildren benefits the health and wellbeing of grandparents who do not cohabit with them.

Though rewarding, childcare is demanding. Grandparents, though experienced, face new challenges due to age, evolving technology, and generational changes. Therefore, supporting them in managing difficult behaviors and ensuring they don’t overexert themselves is crucial.

Parents should frequently communicate with grandparents to address any issues or necessary adjustments. Resources like the Parenting for Lifelong Health program on the WHO website have proven effective in promoting positive parenting practices and enhancing caregiver-child relationships.