Lanes Group celebrates National Grandparents Day

Sunday October 5^th is National Grandparents Day – a time to celebrate the love and support that the UK’s 14 million grandparents give to their grandchildren.

So, here at Lanes Group, we are marking the occasion by hearing about the grandparenting experience of one of our colleagues, Debbie Harrison, who is a works co-ordinator at our Middlesbrough depot.

Debbie is 50 years old and has three grandchildren, by two children. They are all boys, Spencer, aged six, Charlie, aged three and, and Ollie, aged two.

How do you feel about being a grandparent?

At first I was shocked, because my son was only 21 when Spencer was born, and I thought I was too young to be a grandparent. But now, I love it. My grandchildren are a gift to be cherished.

Do you see being a grandparent as being a personal achievement?

Very much so. We are very close as a family, and having grandchildren has enhanced our family life, so I am very proud of how things have turned out.

How much do you support your children, by looking after your grandchildren?

I babysit when I can, and have the grandkids over if their parents want to go away overnight. I have taken Spencer away on trips, to places like Lego Land. The grandchildren are great company, so I love to be with them.

Do your children value your support as a grandparents?

I think they do, most definitely. We also give them hints and tips about what we’ve learned as parents. Sometimes they take it in! But really, they’re great parents. I’m very proud of them.

What’s your favourite activity with your grandchildren?

I love to take them to Albert Park in Middlesbrough and feed the ducks and geese. Then kick a ball about on the playing field on the way home. Watching them play is a joy. I bake wedding and birthday cakes, as a hobby, and they love helping me – and eating a bit of spare icing!

What has been your proudest moment as a grandparent?

Being at the birth of Spencer, my first grandson, and giving him a first kiss was very special. That said, I treat them all as equal. They are all special to us.

Do you treat your grandchildren differently to how you treated your children?

Yes, we do. We have more time for them and more patience. Maybe it’s because we’re older. We like to read stories, play Lego. Our children joke that they didn’t get that sort of attention. But it’s what grandparents are there for.

Do you spoil your grandchildren?

Yes we do. We give them presents. But, rather than giving them something they will discard in a couple of months, we prefer to take them out on trips, and give them memories. They love going to the Railway Museum in York.

What would you say to other people about becoming a grandparent?

Embrace it. It’s one of the best feelings you can have. But it’s nice to give them back at the end of the day too!