Meet the grandparents going the extra mile – or 80! – for their grandchildren
According to a recent YouGov poll, two-fifths (40%) of the nation's grandparents have provided regular childcare for their grandchildren*. Thanks to the regular support from these five million grandparents, new parents are able to go back to work, providing structure and a better quality of life for their own children. But gone are the days that games of hopscotch and re-runs of cartoons filled the days for these grandchildren – in 2020, grandparents are often the ones planning the extra-curricular activities!
Grandfather of three boys, Keith Baldwin, 73, from South West London, is one such grandparent. Despite a full schedule of commitments and voluntary roles, the highlight of his week is an 80-mile round trip, every Friday, to take youngest grandson, Henry, to his weekly Water Babies swimming lesson.
“I get up at 5.30am to beat the M25 traffic, getting to my daughter’s house in plenty of time for Henry’s lesson at 9am,” explained Keith. “It’s a rather early start but I get so much enjoyment out of our time in the pool as part of a whole day with Henry that it is all worth it. For me, the best thing about taking Henry swimming is that we get one-on-one time together, which is more than many grandparents have the opportunity to do. In fact, it was me who suggested taking Henry and, previously his big brother, Bertie, swimming in the first place – it’s such an important skill, and something I was proud to support my daughter and son-in-law in teaching the boys. With the help of his teacher, Katharyn, Henry is quite the water baby!”
Like Keith, Claire Wilkowski, 44, has a very special bond with her grandson, Noah, 2, and goes above and beyond to ensure he has the best start in life.
“My daughter, Amy, and I take Noah swimming every week, because we both think it’s crucial that he is confident around water, but it’s also about socialising him with other children. At Water Babies, little ones can start swimming from just a few weeks old, meaning they’re around other babies and parents from an early age. Swimming has done wonders for Noah’s confidence – he’s a happy and friendly little boy, plus he loves bath time. Any parent or grandparent will tell you, that makes all the difference! I work full-time for an engineering company in Oxford, but I never miss Noah’s Friday afternoon lessons and willingly tackle the commute to make it on time. Watching him splash around in the pool is worth a mile or two on the Oxford ring road.” Said Claire.
Gratefully accepting support from loved-ones isn’t a new concept for young parents, but many are beginning to see the added benefits of quality grandparent-grandchild time. Emma Adams, mum of two, would be lost without the support she gets from her in-laws, Chris and Dave.
“Every Monday, my husband’s parents take my two little girls, Paige and Ryleigh, to their weekly swimming lessons. As busy, working parents, their contribution towards childcare isn’t just convenient, it’s a lifeline for us. Once the weekend comes around, we don’t have to worry about getting the girls ready and off to the pool, as they’ve already had that time with their beloved grandparents earlier in the week. Also, I’ve never once had that awful ‘mum-guilt’ feeling for leaving them whilst I’m busy at work – I know exactly where they are; having the time of their lives with nanny and grandad!”
Tamsin Brewis, owner of Water Babies Bucks and Beds, has seen an increase in grandparents booking weekly swimming lessons – whether they’re in the pool, or just coming along to watch.
“I’ve always felt as though swimming is something fun that families can share together. Traditionally, it was more about a splash in the community pool on a Saturday morning but now, more grandparents than ever are realising that weekly lessons are a great way to spend some quality time with their grandchildren. As well as being beneficial for a child’s development, it’s also a great, low-intensity workout and a fun bonding exercise. I’d love to see more grandparents at our lessons and look forward to hearing from any budding swimmers – young or old!”
For more information, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk/contact/bucks-and-beds
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To speak with Keith Baldwin, Claire Wilkowski or Emma Adams, contact Kelly Ayres at Rev PR on 07895 876745 or email kelly@revpr.co.uk
Images attached - Keith Baldwin with Henry in the pool. Claire Wilkowski with Amy and Noah.