Wendy Lawson is a grandmother of five who plays a very active role in their lives – on National Grandparents Day, we are celebrating grandmothers like Wendy.
“As a grandparent, I’m in a position to provide assistance to my sons and daughters-in-law with practical things like childcare and transport,” says Wendy.
“Currently, I care for [granddaughter] Gabrielle before and after school and in school holidays, and help out preparing meals for her and her brothers if their parents are working late. I feel really lucky to be a grandmother and to be able to contribute to the kids’ lives.”
“I like to attend the kids’ rugby league, cricket, netball, swimming, gymnastics and school activities. I encourage them all to read and buy them lots of books and enjoy talking to them about what they are reading.”
Wendy also arrange holiday outings for the younger ones so that they can spend time together.
“With the older boys, I help out with homework and driving lessons and they help me with minor home maintenance jobs. I enjoy cooking with and for them, and they all enjoy my sourdough bread, cakes, biscuits and soups,” she says.
“The kids are all real individuals and I enjoy being with them and hearing about what they are up to and their perspective on the world. I like to encourage and support their interests, and tell them about and involve them in my interests (volunteering, art galleries)
“Being a grandparent is so much easier than being a mum! I was young when I had my own kids (first at 19) and I loved being a mum but now I know so much more. I am more tolerant and less stressed, I have more time, and obviously I have learned from the mistakes I made.
“My perfect Grandparents Day would be… there is no need for celebrations, just being involved is enough!”
