Spain's grandparents take on the bulk of childcare and want more support for parents
Thursday, July 27, 2017 @ 2:47 PM
GRANDPARENTS in Spain have called for the government to 'implement measures' so that the bulk of childcare does not fall on them when their own children have to go to work.
The plea has come from the Democratic Union of Pensioners (UDP) and from the Family Associations Union (UNAF), with the latter's key researcher Carmen Sánchez Moro warning that obligation is taking the pleasure out of having grandchildren – and out of life.
She says one in four grandparents spends at least seven hours every day caring for their grandchildren, and of these, 82% say if the kids' parents were able to spend more time on looking after them, the burden on the elder relatives would be reduced.
“Being a grandparent is one of the most gratifying and rewarding human experiences,” Sra Moro says, “but it should never become an obligation.
“This takes the pleasure away from having grandchildren and prevents pensioners from being able to enjoy an active and healthy retirement, as well as limiting their independence and social lives.”
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com"