Who is the oldest/youngest?

I am almost 75 and our youngest GC was 13 at the end of June so we are no longer needed so much. The eldest GC is almost 17 and we have been involved in child care of one sort or another for 17 years and those opportunities have been a delight. We are very close to all four of our GC and have loved seeing them all grow and thrive from tiny babies to teenagers. I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity.

As an extension of this, I'm interested to know ^who is the youngest and oldest GN?!^

I was 70 last December. My GCs are 16,15 and 11 so haven't had to do much childcare for ages except for the odd school run for the youngest

Doramarr your mother sounds amazing! I hope I am like her at 90! I am only 61 and sometimes I do just want to put a video on for the grandchildren! (I watch it with them though)

Became a nan at 46 and became a guardian for GD at 50 have brought up GD,my son in a relationship with a youg woman with a child I have become surrogate nanny,even though they no longer together ,I still do sitting duties,my son now has recently had a little girl with his partner ,she is noww 7 weeks,sitting will be required,there is 19 years difference between my GDs ..I am 65

54 - Working full time condensed hours over 4 (long) days and looking after DGD on One day a week (also a long day) - feeling exhausted!

I am 72 next month.

We help with 7 and 5 year old DGSs regularly. Once my DS’s divorce is through we will be helping even more and happy to do so, as they are remaining in the house with their dad (some of the time) Phew !

Our youngest GS regularly asks if he can move in with us.

On the subject of young grandmothers, a little boy in my class told me he was going to his grandmother’s birthday party. She was going to be 32.

I am really not a Saint, anything but. I am lucky to have had good health, and be very fit, which makes a lot of difference. I am also in the fortunate position of having a good relationship with the DCs and their partners. They know they can ask us for any child care, but they never take advantage and never mind if we say no.

The other two Granny’s to my grandchildren have both suffered really poor health and their husbands’ are their carers. Their sudden deterioration in health has pulled me up sharp. We all had such a good relationship and enjoyed many Childrens’ parties and Christmases together.Now there is a big hole in the GCs lives.

I`m 75, looked after grandchildren from age 51 until 69, when youngest started school. Have 2 great grandchildren now, but no more child minding, not fit enough anymore.

That must have been a great responsibility to take on Annana I don't think I could have been so selfless .
Well done indeed

I’ll be 66 next week, GCs live in the South West, so we only see them during school holidays, but they still love to come and stay, they are 14 and 13.

72 in November (b****y hell! How did that happen?) with one grandchild of 11 who we have for two days during the holidays and a couple of hours for those same two days during term time, just to be there when he gets home from school. He has never been a scrap of trouble but I wonder what will happen when the sulky teenage phase kicks in! I will hide behind Grandad!

74 in December. I can hear 2 DGDs giggling in their bedroom. Have them for a week.

Really interesting in reading all the comments. It's clear that age doesn't seem to be a barrier, and it's lovely that so many of us see it as a blessing to be such an important part of our GC's lives. I look after my two GS's two days a week, will also have my GD on the same two days from January. The eldest will start school in September, so the days will actually be a little bit easier as they will be broken up with the school runs. I love it, and it definitely keeps me young - although my back thinks otherwise!

I'm 60, as of 4th August, but do NOT look after my grandchildren, thank goodness!

I’m 68 and have looked after my dgds since they were six months old three days a week, they are now 14 and 13, I’ve loved every minute of it?

I'm 72 with grandchildren well into their twenties now. It's good to see them grow into responsible adults, working hard and enjoying their lives.

I'm 91 with 5 GCs in Melb./Brisbane! Now it's my turn to be looked after.

I'm 63 and don't do regular childcare. My GC live in Somerset and arrive today for four days - they come, usually separately during holidays and half-term for up to a week at a time.

As ever, I'm amazed at the number of grans who are providing extensive childcare - I expect most of you are pleased to do so and appreciated, but I can't help but think that some may be being taken advantage of.

I am 72 and have looked after GC from birth, many times heard the eldest say she was going to live with Grandma but she hasn't moved in yet

I'm 68 (birthday yesterday ) and I've been guardian to my DGS for 12 years. He's 16 now -almost an adult. Where did the time go?? We look after each other now.

I am 54 and have been a grandparent since I was 46. I looked after my eldest DGS (now 8) from birth to age 7 co parenting with his mum.
I have had a serious op this year and am staying with eldest DD for a while to recover, so do little bits of child care for her 6 and 4 year old but limited by my still poor health.

Aged 75 and still looking after 2 GCs after school two or three days per week, more if anyone home from school sick but I will be spared the school pick-up from September onwards. I'm a single GN and have been doing this solidly for the last ten years. It's VERY tiring, but there isn't anyone else available. Cheers to all of you childminders. What would they do without us!

69. We, as 71 year old DH is very involved too, do most morning school runs and four after schools, which involve transport to swimming and two gym clubs. Our twin 7 year old DGC often stay overnight when DD is away for work. (Single mum) . I think this is keeping us young!