![Are you signing up to GRANNY DAY CARE?](https://cdn.magzter.com/1389340925/1690283370/articles/LX8Vt7su-1690439822365/ARE-YOU-SIGNING-UP-TO-GRANNY-DAY-CARE.jpg)
Once you get over the fact that you couldn't possibly be old enough to be a granny, who doesn't relish the thought of playing with tiny versions of your now grown-up children? Spotting familiar traits, enjoying cuddles and forging that special relationship can be a delight.
But today, at least five million grandparents in the UK are caring for their grandchildren on a regular basis. The rising cost of living and an expectation that grandparents will play a greater role in the lives of their grandchildren means nearly 40% of grandparents are child carers, says Age UK.
A major factor is that UK childcare costs are sky-high. A report by the charity Pregnant Then Screwed has warned that the financial burden of childcare leaves four in 10 parents saying they often have to choose between paying for childcare or household essentials. Increased costs also mean many care providers are putting up their charges, with increases of nearly 6% over the past year, while availability of places has fallen.
Privilege or pressure?
Some grandparents feel it's a privilege to have the little ones every week. They say it keeps them fit and healthy and, as the grandchildren get older, keeps them up to date with new trends and technology.
Others say 'now' is finally their moment to be a bit more selfish. After decades spent raising their own kids, going out to work and caring for elderly parents, they want to be beholden to no one. Of course, they want to spend time with their grandchildren - but on their terms. Some even say there is a sense of entitlement from the younger generation who assume that they will take on the responsibilities, and that their kids think their life and free time are of less importance.
'I WANT TO BE A GRANDMOTHER, NOT A CHILDMINDER'
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Woman & Home UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av Woman & Home UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![How healthy IS YOUR GUT?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/JciNDIr561725443792484/HOW-HEALTHY-IS-YOUR-GUT.jpg)
How healthy IS YOUR GUT?
This month, our fitness expert Annie Deadman on discovering what's really going on inside your body and how to keep it in the peak of condition
!['DON'T CALL ME A HERO'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/w8FTQUymH1725443412740/DONT-CALL-ME-A-HERO.jpg)
'DON'T CALL ME A HERO'
Seeing the plight of innocent children in Gaza, Dr Ana Jeelani knew her medical skills could save lives – here’s what she experienced
![CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/sHxc6DCyl1725443193554/CANCER-WAS-JUST-A-JOB-UNTIL-IT-HAPPENED-TO-ME.jpg)
CANCER WAS JUST A JOB until it happened to me
Author, speaker and health content creator Dr Liz O'Riordan shares her journey from consultant breast surgeon to cancer patient
![Freewheeling in TUSCANY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/8zrehmFuM1725442652222/FREEWHEELING-IN-TUSCANY.jpg)
Freewheeling in TUSCANY
A cycling holiday through medieval cities and lush scenery is a great way to absorb culture and get off the beaten track
![Nostalgic BAKES](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/49HjfTeFP1725442360316/NOSTALGIC-BAKES.jpg)
Nostalgic BAKES
Unlock childhood memories with these fun sweet treats
![A NEW NORMAL](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/Oh6CsQZpm1725442072266/A-NEW-NORMAL.jpg)
A NEW NORMAL
The Princess of Wales is looking to the future, putting family first and ditching her to-do list
![I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/idlUtNKFq1725441891357/I-LOOK-FORWARD-TO-BEING-A-VERY-ELDERLY-ECCENTRIC-WOMAN.jpg)
I look forward to being a very elderly, ECCENTRIC WOMAN'
Comedian and podcaster Katherine Ryan, 41, lives in London with her three children and partner Bobby Kootstra
![Lighter DINNERS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/RNEVkJXxx1725441385285/LIGHTER-DINNERS.jpg)
Lighter DINNERS
Big on flavour and easy on the calories
![Behind CLOSED DOORS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/fzOc5Dl8W1725441105744/BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS.jpg)
Behind CLOSED DOORS
What really goes on at your local surgery, and how are decisions made? GP and practice partner Dr Helen Wall reveals all
![15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/5364/1814859/cyCcZpmSy1725440532388/15-WAYS-TO-IMPROVE-YOUR-MEMORY.jpg)
15 ways to IMPROVE YOUR MEMORY
Make yours fault-proof with these easy lifestyle tricks