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The most beloved grandparents in film

<p>Grandparents – they’re wise, loving and occasionally grumpy. They also make some of the best characters in films. So grab the popcorn, gather the grandkids and show them how amazing grandparents are!</p> <p><strong>Queen Clarisse Renaldi in <em>The Princess Diaries</em></strong></p> <p>Played by the graceful Julie Andrew, the ruler of the fictional country Genovia needs to teach her granddaughter and heir Mia (Anne Hathaway) how to be Queen. It’s the growing relationship – from heated arguments to acceptance and understanding – between the two that makes this movie.   </p> <p><strong>Aurora Greenway in<em> Terms of Endearment</em></strong></p> <p>In possibly the best movie made about the mother-daughter relationship, Oscar-winning Shirley MacLaine plays the mother who puts years of hostility behind her to care for terminally ill daughter Emma (Debra Winger). However, it’s her role as a grandparent that brings her ultimate redemption becoming the guardian to her three grandchildren. Warning: tissues are a must in this film.</p> <p><strong>Grandma Annie in <em>The Proposal</em></strong></p> <p>Although she has no grandchildren, Betty White always plays the most hilarious nanas. Grandma Annie’s 90th birthday party is the big event where the romance between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds finally comes to fruition. Even 60 years into her career, Betty White’s comical facial expressions will still make you laugh.</p> <p><strong>Grandpa Joe in <em>Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory</em></strong></p> <p>The bedridden grandfather decides to take his first steps into the outside world for his beloved grandson Charlie. The grandfather and grandson together experience a fantastical adventure of a life time, a trip to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.</p> <p><strong>The Grandfather in<em> The Princess Bride</em></strong></p> <p>The anonymous grandfather played by Peter Falk entertains his sick grandson (Fred Savage) with a good-old fashioned adventure story. Although reluctant at first, the grandson is soon just as caught up as we are about the tale of the masked man saving the beautiful princess.</p> <p><strong>Carl Fredricksen in <em>Up</em></strong></p> <p>Although not technically a grandfather, the animated story of a grumpy 78-year old man who forms an unlikely friendship with 8-year-old wilderness explorer Russell is a beautiful story of the generations’ comings together. Because of Russell, Carl learns to live again, something he never thought possible after the death of his wife many years ago.</p> <p><em>Images: Wolper Pictures</em></p>

Movies

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Grandparents to the rescue in the face of soaring rents

<p>As the cost of living in Australia continues to rise, taking rental and property prices up with it, younger generations are facing a whole new host of challenges when it comes to putting a roof over their heads. </p> <p>But for one woman from New South Wales’ Blue Mountains region, the answer lay closer than she ever could have anticipated. </p> <p>As 24-year-old Isis Pattison told ABC’s <em>Hack</em>, she had been looking for an affordable rental in her local area for months when she lost track of how many applications she’d submitted, and the entire ordeal had become “ridiculous” - until she’d taken her grandmother, Debbie, along with her. </p> <p>Debbie explained that her granddaughter had been looking at a yurt that “was round and connected by a little pathway. And they wanted $370 a week for it”, and that she had been shocked by the cost. </p> <p>Her solution? Offering Isis a place in her own home, so that she could “save that $370”.</p> <p>And Isis’ financial boost wasn’t the only benefit to come of the whole arrangement, with Debbie noting that she’d “been on my own now for nearly eight years. It’s been very lonely and expensive on my own.” </p> <p>She’d been hit hard by the cost of living crisis too, she revealed, admitting that she had been struggling to make ends meet between bills and essential home items, including everything from food to electricity and heating. At the worst of it all, the grandmother had even feared she may have to sell the home she’d been making for herself since 1981.</p> <p>But things had picked up for Debbie with the arrival of her new roommate, as while Isis wasn’t paying rent at her grandmother’s, she was helping out with the bills, paying half. </p> <p>“It's a big help,” Debbie said. “I'm grateful and happy that she's here. I think my standard of living is a little bit better. I've got the heating on now.”</p> <p>For Isis, who intended to return to university and undertake a nursing degree, her grandmother’s generosity meant more than just extra dollars in her savings account, too.  </p> <p>“I think it really works for us as well, because we’ve always just had a good connection,” she shared. “We understand each other, which makes it a lot easier.”</p> <p>And they aren’t the only ones who’ve turned to multigenerational living to combat the crisis, with the University of New South Wales’ Edgar Liu revealing that “one in every five people” have returned home since the COVID pandemic swept the country. </p> <p>Unsurprisingly, the most common reasons behind the moves were the cost of living and related finance woes. As Liu explained, “that encompasses a whole range of things from sharing bills, or finding better value and sharing costs."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Real Estate

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The 10 “types” of grandparents

<p>In his book, <em>The Grandparent Guide: The Definitive Guide to Coping with the Challenges of Modern Grandparenting</em>, Dr. Arthur Kornhaber, a psychiatrist and founder of a non-profit organisation that promotes the importance of grandparenting identified 10 special roles grandparents play in the lives of grandchildren, all showing the profound impact grandparents can have on children’s lives. Which role, or roles, do you most identify with?</p> <p><strong>Ancestor –</strong> “You function as an ambassador to the past, a powerful figure in the present, and a role model for the future.”</p> <p><strong>Buddy –</strong> “You’re a pal, secret confidante, and at times, even a light-hearted conspirator.”</p> <p><strong>Hero –</strong> “The fact that you have lived in times and places so far removed from your grandchild’s everyday experiences imbues you with heroic qualities.”</p> <p><strong>Historian –</strong> “Sharing your own life experiences as well as those of your ancestors will give your grandchild a sense of continuity and belonging.”</p> <p><strong>Mentor –</strong> “You are a cheerleader firing her imagination, inspiring her dreams, nurturing her spirit, and encouraging her intellectual growth while giving her a sense of self-worth.”</p> <p><strong>Role model –</strong> “Your actions show your children and grandchildren how they should behave as grandparents of the future.”</p> <p><strong>Spiritual guide –</strong> “Acting as a spiritual guide involves teaching your grandchild to harvest such fruits of the spirit as love, tolerance, compassion, reverence, joy, peace, gentleness, faith, and kindness.”</p> <p><strong>Teacher –</strong> “As a grandparent, you have the right and the responsibility to run your own classroom about life, to develop your own curriculum, and to pass on your wisdom, knowledge, and life experience.”</p> <p><strong>Student –</strong> “Just as you teach and inspire your grandchild with your knowledge, she can teach and inspire you with her knowledge of contemporary times across generations and motivate you to jumpstart your capacity to grow and change.”</p> <p><strong>Wizard –</strong> “Activate your own wizardry and be your grandchild’s companion in the preternatural world of make-believe and illusion, of dreams and surprises. Fly together on the wings of fancy and enjoy the flight!”</p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Babysitting grandkids can ward off Alzheimer’s

<p>Good news for grandmothers! A new study finds grandchildren not only add joy to grandparents’ lives but that spending time with grandkids can ward off Alzheimer’s.</p> <p>The study, published in the journal Menopause, found post-menopausal women who spend time taking care of grandkids lower their risk of developing Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders. However, too much time with the grandchildren – five or more days a week – wasn’t so good for grandma.</p> <p>Researchers for Women’s Health Ageing Project in Australia administered three different tests to assess the cognitive abilities of 186 women, ages 57 to 68. Among the group, 120 were grandmothers. The study found that grandmothers who helped with their grandchildren at least one day per week scored highest on the tests, while the women who spent five or more days a week with their grandkids scored significantly lower.</p> <p>Researchers found that grandmothers who helped out more often felt their own children – the parents of the grandkids – were too demanding on their time which dampened moods and impacted brain function.</p> <p>“The motivation of the present study was to expand on the current literature by examining the impact of grandparenting on cognitive function," the authors write in the new study. “To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between grandparenting and cognition.”</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Readers Respond: What is your favourite thing about being a grandparent?

<p dir="ltr">They say a mother’s love is different, as is a father’s love.</p> <p dir="ltr">But what about grandparents and their relationship with their grandchildren? Surely nothing compares. </p> <p dir="ltr">So we decided to ask you about the favourite thing about being grandparents and it sure made us miss ours. </p> <p dir="ltr">From a simple hug to just being in their presence - here are some of your most moving responses. </p> <p dir="ltr">JanWayne Richo - The same as being a parent, I love every single second of being with them!</p> <p dir="ltr">Lorraine Fox - Having the pleasure of their company.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pam Moss - I love every single moment I spend with my grandchildren. I love them to bits and love watching them grow into beautiful adults - love hugs and kisses and love the individuality of each one!!!</p> <p dir="ltr">Lorene Owers - Everything but especially when they give me a hug.</p> <p dir="ltr">Christine Scott - Their little arms around my neck for cuddles.</p> <p dir="ltr">Elizabeth Granter - Being a parent and grandparent is very special. Seeing them grow up into beautiful adults - love them to bits. </p> <p dir="ltr">Raymond Wagner - Filing their bellies with junk food and taking her home. </p> <p dir="ltr">Rick Dayes - Spending lots of time with them. They make me feel 20 years younger.</p> <p dir="ltr">Judy Garstone - Spending time and listening to their stories with them and getting big hugs.</p> <p dir="ltr">Elaine Costello - Being able to hand them back when they have entertained me to exhaustion and then looking forward to the next time.</p> <p dir="ltr">Heather Lawson Hillman - Everything but if I had to choose...it's seeing their face light up yelling grandma's here...as they run to see you.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sandra Bull - When you pull up outside their house and they are waiting screaming "nanny" "poppy".</p> <p dir="ltr">Judy Borwick - Love just being around them, listening, watching and being part of their lives. It's very special to me. </p> <p dir="ltr">Julie Auld - When we all get together. </p> <p dir="ltr">Share your cherished memories <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtys/posts/pfbid0aq8wCPRwPKdkQ89SRBa2aLnsEFRrCjcmUKBbpDvKUetxM7FxSPwfbtDeoGtP3Xp1l" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Readers respond: What advice did your grandparents give to you that you remember best?

<p dir="ltr">We asked our readers to think back to a time their grandparents gave them some of the best advice they still remember today. </p> <p dir="ltr">From looking for the good in everyone, tucking in your singlet, and never trusting your fart.</p> <p dir="ltr">Here are some of your answers.</p> <p dir="ltr">Peter Laing - My Gran had a saying: The wise old owl sat in the oak. The more he listened the less he spoke. The less he spoke the more he heard. We should all be like that wise old bird.</p> <p dir="ltr">Gail Keeb - My dad's mum always said "Spend less than you make!".</p> <p dir="ltr">Elsie Miller - If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing well.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kerri Anderson - My grandmother gave me two important pieces of advice on aging - never walk past a toilet and never trust a fart!</p> <p dir="ltr">Laraine Fields - My Nana told me that there was some good in everyone and to look for that.</p> <p dir="ltr">Janice Grove - If you cannot say anything nice, say nothing.</p> <p dir="ltr">Susan Buckett - Always wear clean underwear when you go out, in case you have an accident.</p> <p dir="ltr">Tracey Burns Kitchingham - Some things are better left unsaid…My grandmother was a very wise woman.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pam Leonard - Always leave a place better than the way you found it. No good being so heavenly good that you’re no earthly use.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kylie Jane McCauley - Always keep a little cash aside for a rainy day. You never know when a storm might blow in.</p> <p dir="ltr">Peter Hulthen - Respect your elders. Help the less fortunate.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sue Casey - Life is too long to be unhappy.</p> <p dir="ltr">To leave a memory of your own, or to check out more of the inspiring responses head <a href="https://www.facebook.com/oversixtys/posts/3348051982091731" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Retirement Life

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The real reason you’re not a grandparent yet

<p dir="ltr">How many times have you asked your child when they’re going to make you a grandparent? </p> <p dir="ltr">Too many times to count.</p> <p dir="ltr">But you may soon have an answer as to why you’re not a grandparent yet thanks to relationship expert Louanne Ward.</p> <p dir="ltr">The dating expert has shared the top six mistakes men and women are making that are keeping them single. </p> <p dir="ltr">The mistakes include:</p> <ol> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">You expect a partner to be everything you ever wanted</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">When you expect something from your partner and it’s something you’ve always wanted it can almost always lead to disappointment. </p> <ol start="2"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">You see personality differences as negatives</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">“It is important to have differences and similarities,” Louanna explained.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdVXIueJqza/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CdVXIueJqza/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Matchmaker | dating expert (@louanneward)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <ol start="3"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">You compare the person to past experiences or future dreams</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">“You are comparing the person to past experience you have had and the future experience you want to have, so you aren't actually present in the relationship,” she said.</p> <ol start="4"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">You are afraid of “settling” if they don't tick every box</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">Louanna explained that people would feel they are settling for a person if they don’t meet each of their criteria.</p> <ol start="5"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">You leave at the first time of trouble, not willing to work through it.</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">“You leave at the first sign of trouble rather than working through conflict or challenges,” Louanna explained.</p> <ol start="6"> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">You don't give people a chance, and make snap judgements.</p> </li> </ol> <p dir="ltr">“You make a snap decision and judgement without scratching the surface,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">So what do you think?</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Readers respond: What do you remember about your grandparents?

<p>We asked our readers what they remember most about their grandparents, and the responses were heartwarming. </p><p>From holiday visits and distinctive smells, to gifts and special activities, here are some of your favourite memories with your grandparents. </p><p><strong>Dawn Dominick</strong> - My grandma on shopping day at the Vic market.. she would always buy me a toffee apple as a treat. </p><p><strong>Isabel Edwards</strong> - I was lucky to live in a home with my great grandmother &amp; my grandparents at the same time that was when families would look after each other.</p><p><strong>Vicki Wooden</strong> - My Nana was warm, soft, smelt of lily of the valley powder, liked to sing old songs, could knit or crochet anything, she gave the best hugs and she made a dessert called apple snow and I loved it and her more than anything else.</p><p><strong>Allan Riches</strong> - That beautiful smell of my lovely Nana, her laughing, and smiles and cuddles, oh and her apple pies.</p><p><strong>Shirley Williams Knevitt</strong> - Only knew one grandparent and remember she would bring balfours fruit buns each visit.</p><p><strong>Margaret Inglis</strong> - Only knew my mother's mother. She lived quite a distance from us, so didn't see her often. Saying that she would stay for a few days and would always be crocheting doilies and place mats. Still have some.</p><p>Also, we would do an errand for mum after school and Nana would always slip in a couple of pennies for an ice cream.</p><p><strong>Jackie Jakeways</strong> - My Nan and grandad helped bring up my brother and me as we lived in there house loved them both dearly. I will always remember my pretty dresses and my nans beautiful long auburn hair and brushing it.</p><p><strong>Joy Meyer</strong> - My Nan was a wonderful caring woman. On her 100th birthday she said we shouldn't be making a fuss over her... we should be sending the queen get well cards cos she just came out of hospital. That's the lovely type of person Nan was.</p><p><strong>Lynette Smede</strong> - My maternal grandmother lived with us and made the best mushroom and niche tarts.</p><p><strong>Lynne Clarke Carter</strong> - My pop was still riding his bicycle at age 90, and other granddad showing us how to pan for gold at the creek in Ballarat.</p><p><strong>Pam Thomas</strong> - How brave my granddad was to go and return from World War 1. He was a gentle beautiful man who never got over the hell of war. And my wonderful nana who supported him at every step.</p><p><strong>Karen Algie</strong> - I had lots of school holidays with my grandparents and loved every minute, they are the best memories I have from my childhood.</p><p><strong>Linda Barclay</strong> - My paternal grandmother, was tough as nuts. She used to stitch up her own injuries! She was good for a laugh some times though.</p><p><strong>Diane Wilson</strong> - Only met my grandma on mums side and she passes when l was 12 but she showed me how to crochet. </p><p><strong>Donna Knight</strong> - I always use to get behind my nana when lights and thunder hit thinking that she would protect me.</p><p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Readers respond: What is your favourite thing about being a grandparent?

<p>We asked our readers what their favourite thing is about being a grandparent, and the responses were overwhelming. </p><p>To seeing their families grow up, to having someone fun to learn from, here is what you said. </p><p><strong>Patricia Eaton</strong> - Seeing that look of wonder meant on her gorgeous little face when I sing old nursery rhymes or songs to her and she joins in.</p><p><strong>Raymond Wagner</strong> - Filing their bellies with junk food and taking her home.</p><p><strong>Joan Greenwood</strong> - Everything but especially the hugs and cuddles.</p><p><strong>Rick Dayes</strong> - Spending lots of time with them they make me feel 20 years younger.</p><p><strong>Jude Lowe</strong> - Remembering their parents at the same age!</p><p><strong>Janette Scott</strong> - The excitement to see them again, watching them grow and their funny ways!</p><p><strong>Maureen Norton</strong> - Love having the grandkids,the cuddles,the innocent remarks making me laugh.</p><p><strong>Lorraine Fox</strong> - Having the pleasure of their company.</p><p><strong>Karen Spencer</strong> - Working at my grandsons School, seeing him and my great nephew there.</p><p><strong>Christa Caldecott</strong> - Listening to their stories of what they’ve been learning and doing. Some are hilarious from our 4 year old great grandson.</p><p><strong>Elaine Costello</strong> - Being able to hand them back when they have entertained me to exhaustion and then looking forward to the next time.</p><p><strong>Margaret Stroud</strong> - The overwhelming love that you feel the little faces light up and call your name and watching them grow.</p><p><strong>Sandra Bull</strong> - When you pull up out side their house and they are waiting screaming "nanny" and "poppy".</p><p><strong>Margaret Dorries</strong> - When the families all get together.</p><p><strong>Sandra McGregor</strong> - Being able to enjoy these little people without having to raise them. We’ve done the raising of their parents and now we just get to do all the fun stuff with them! Love my 10 Grandies to bits!</p><p><strong>Lois Tysver Fox</strong> - Having my Grands here for some one-on-one time. And seeing how much they've grown and changed in such a short time. I get my three grands every other Saturday, and I'm loving this.</p><p><strong>Kate Forno</strong> - Having the privilege of watching them grow and mature and spending as much time as possible with them because it always leaves me feeling like I’m floating on air.</p><p><strong>Jenny Whales</strong> - Their innocence and awe.. to see the world through their eyes, accepting and unconditional love, and their beautiful smiling faces.</p><p><strong>Michael Woodhouse</strong> - Handing them back at the end of the day.</p><p><strong>Nola Schmidt</strong> - Everything, but especially when they tell me they love me.</p><p><strong>Joy Derham</strong> - Hugs and then being able to hand them back when they have entertained me to exhaustion and then looking forward to the next time.</p><p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Canberra grandparents graduate from Rock School

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Maria and Chris Adams have proved that you’re never too old to learn something new and pursue a new passion. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 76 and 78-year-old retired accountants from Canberra saw an opportunity for a unique experience with the Australian National University's Community Rock School, and asked themselves, “why not?”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We were giggling as we filled out the application," Maria said to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-28/canberra-music-school-teaching-instruments/100650008" target="_blank">ABC</a>. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"But then we got accepted and thought, 'oh my god, Grandad and Grandma are going to rock school!'"</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chris said he always wanted to be in a band when he was a kid, but neither he nor his wife’s parents could afford to send them to music lessons. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now, the pair can play the ukelele, guitar and sing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We like playing the songs that we remember, because it gives us the memories," Chris said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It's something we can share with each other, and share with our eight grandkids," Maria added.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The free program is run by Micha Forman through the ANU School of Music, and is open to anyone over the age of 18. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We'll have really young participants who are just out of high school, right up to people in their 70s and 80s," Micha said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Throughout the program, students learn how to play as a group, as well as develop their own individual skills. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Micha says the program draws in all kinds of people who have different relationships with music, and is a uniting force to get people involved in something creative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"It can be a part of their life in a way that they want it to be, not in a way that someone else has told them it should be."</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Check out Chris and Maria’s story below. </span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T8JF6Zwv7MM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Youtube - ABC News Australia</span></em></p>

Music

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Twins steal from grandparents and get to KEEP the money

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Two Scottish pensioners have been left devastated after their grandchildren stole their life savings from them and refused to pay them back.</p> <p>Crawford <span>Pirrie, </span>73m and wife Marlene, 75, were heartbroken when their grandchildren, twins Clair and Louise Smith stole $14,000 from them in 2018.</p> <p>The twins had been trusted with the elderly couple's debit card to run errands for them after their grandfather had a stroke, but instead, the twins cleaned out their grandparents.</p> <p>Crawford has said he's yet to get an apology from the twins and that he's "ashamed" to be related to them.</p> <p>The elderly couple tried to get their funds back via a compensation order but were denied by a judge who decided to give a three-month restriction of liberty order.</p> <p>This means that the twins were fitted with electronic tags for three months as well as being ordered to abide by 7 pm to 7 am curfew for the same period.</p> <p>“Not only have the twins refused to pay the money they stole from us but they haven’t even said sorry,” Mr Pirrie said.</p> <p>“They have been acting like they are the victims ever since the court hearing, insisting they haven’t done anything wrong.</p> <p>“They are creatures of the lowest form and we are ashamed to be related to them.”</p> <p>The twins confessed to their crimes, but have not given the money back to their grandparents. </p> <p>Mr Pirrie said that the bank had refused to pay them back as the grandparents gave the twins the debit card willingly.</p> <p><em>Photo credit: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/twin-sisters-steal-grandparents-savings-and-dont-have-to-return-it/news-story/96eba7ac9cf8f3df0fde4a22b5400f95" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

News

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Grandparents' genius trick to "visit" family safely

<p>Thanksgiving is approaching in the USA, and with many opting not to travel to spend the holidays with their families due to COVID-19, the holiday will look slightly different this year.</p> <p>Missy and Billy Buchanan from Texas knew travelling wasn’t an option for them due to being in the high risk category.</p> <p>So they came up with the perfect idea to make sure their family didn’t miss their presence, by sending them life-sized cardboard cutouts.</p> <p>Between them, Missy and Billy have four grandchildren that range in age from three to 12, and still wanted to be present in the annual family dinner.</p> <p>"As COVID19 numbers continue to rise, we wanted to show that you can have fun and help keep everyone safe, too," Buchanan said on a<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10220993189732428&amp;set=a.1183512640954" target="_blank">Facebook post.</a></p> <p>"I have so many friends who have been impacted by COVID19. For us, it's an act of love. And our kids and grandkids are having such fun with 'us'".</p> <p>The cut outs stand at six feet tall, and gave their kids a shock when they arrived in the mail.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmissy.buchanan.5%2Fposts%2F10220993219733178&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=552&amp;height=702&amp;appId" width="552" height="702" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></p> <p>And while some of the grandkids were a little terrified at first, they ended up thinking it was hilarious.</p> <p>"My daughter got hers first. She texted, 'Omg!' and called and said, 'This is the funniest thing we've ever seen,'" Buchanan told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/story/grandparents-send-cardboard-cutouts-grandkids-place-thanksgiving-74375764?cid=social_fb_abcn&amp;fbclid=IwAR2MaBadeXyNx7RcuD5rYWI5aPny5gwWNyM8oMKgNE8TlqNAuF2JXJYpP-Q" target="_blank"><em>Good Morning America,</em></a><span> </span>adding they've been having fun putting them in different parts of the house.</p> <p>"The kids get to pass them as they go to bed every night and say goodnight to Ama and Poppi," the Buchanan's son Matthew told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.today.com/parents/grandparents-send-cardboard-cutouts-thanksgiving-2020-t200477" target="_blank"><em>TODAY.</em></a></p> <p>The Buchanan's said they hope their fun solution can show other families that you can still be safe and have fun celebrating, even from a distance.</p> <p>"Grandparents can lead the way on this," she said. "I think they're having more fun with the cut-outs than they would have had we been there in person!"</p>

Family & Pets

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Great-grandparents sell multimillion-dollar penthouse to help COVID-19 research

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>An elderly couple in Queensland have decided to donate the proceeds of their multimillion dollar seaside penthouse in order to help researchers develop a vaccine for COVID-19.</p> <p>Keith and Glenda Drake, both in their 80s, decided to auction off their two-storey penthouse on the Sunshine Coast and want to assist in the search for a cure.</p> <p>The couple moved from the penthouse to an acreage property with their 57-year-old son Neville who requires round-the-clock care as he lives with quadriplegia cerebral palsy.</p> <p>Keith said that the penthouse was earning rental income but decided as long as they have enough income to look after their son’s needs, the money could be put to better use.</p> <p>"We have enough, we know what we need for Neville and his condition, and the rest of our family," he said to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://mobile.abc.net.au/news/2020-04-24/couple-donate-penthouse-proceeds-to-coronavirus-research/12177108?pfmredir=sm" target="_blank">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p>"We won't live forever, we're in our 80s … so I said to Glenda, 'Let's do it' and she said, 'Yes!'.</p> <p>"I understood the significance of this pandemic, I realised how serious it was, and thought the laboratories must really be needing some money to do what they've got to do.</p> <p>"Without them coming up with a remedy we could be stuck with this thing for a long time."</p> <p>The couple had already donated $100,000 to the cause but felt the money “wouldn’t get them very far” and decided to add their proceeds from the penthouse to the donation.</p> <p>The funds will go towards expanding national trials, testing the effectiveness of two drugs in the treatment of COVID-19 and other medical research projects.</p> <p>"I couldn't do what they do [medical staff] and that to me is of greater significance than what we are doing," Mr Drake said.</p> <p>"Giving a material thing is not as valuable as the time and energy put in by these medical people.</p> <p>"Those people doing the work — carers, people fighting fires — those are the wonderful people who deserve accolades, not people like us who have just been lucky in business."</p> <p>The funds will go to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (HBWH) Foundation Coronavirus Action Fund, and chief executive Simone Garske said that the family are “incredibly generous”.</p> <p>"The funds from the sale of the property will allow research projects, such as clinical trials, to occur and be expanded when necessary, so we get answers faster," she said.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Real Estate

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Grandparents vs Parents: Who will win in the battle against screens?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">New concerns surrounding screen time and mobile phone usage is causing rifts between parents and grandparents.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Parents, who want to limit their children’s screen time, can lay down the law, but it can be difficult if the grandparents are giving the children a bit more screen time than they’re allowed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Both parties don’t want to rock the boat, despite their differing opinions. Grandparents don’t want to miss out on time with the kids and parents don’t want to miss out on work as they scramble to find a replacement babysitter.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, when instructions are repeatedly ignored, this can cause rifts. A mother told </span><a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/its-grandparents-v-parents-in-the-battle-over-kids-screens-11556011800"><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Wall Street Journal</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that she limits screen time at home, but when the kids go to grandma’s, the rule is significantly relaxed.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Every time I talk to her about it, she’s like, ‘Well, I never get to see my grandkids, and they need to have fun with me.’ To her, watching a movie together is connecting. To me, that’s not connecting,” the mother explained. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, the grandmother explained that she didn’t see a problem. She told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">TWSJ</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that she let her granddaughter stay on the iPad until 2 in the morning on a school night playing games.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I told my granddaughter to turn it [the iPad] off. I didn’t want to get busted.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The tension between the pair has frustrated the mother so much, she’s hired a babysitter to take care of her children on the weekends. Despite the tension, she’s reluctant to push the issue too much as she realises how lucky she is to have her mother still around.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I don’t know how much time I have on this earth and I want them to have memories of how fun Mimi was,” Ms. Kapsi Potter said of her grandchildren. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“That’s what’s important to me. If there’s something they want to watch, I’ll let them. I let them stay up late. They can do whatever they want but set the house on fire.”</span></p>

Technology

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Bryan Brown and Rachel Ward become grandparents for the first time!

<p>Bryan Brown, 71, and Rachel Ward, 61, are now proud grandparents to a beautiful baby boy named Zan Neathway Gooding.</p> <p>Their daughter Matilda Brown welcomed her first child with fiancé and former <em>My Kitchen Rules </em>star Scott Gooding on Wednesday.</p> <p>The new mum took to Instagram to share some sweet snaps of the little bub in his grandparents’ arms, as they lovingly looked down on the bundle of joy.</p> <p>In one photo, Bryan looked positively smitten as he gazed lovingly at the newborn sleeping in his arms.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxgcTA6ldJ2/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxgcTA6ldJ2/" target="_blank">Zan had the pleasure of listening to Bryan’s best jokes for the first time today - it was a brief visit</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/scottgoodingproject/" target="_blank"> SCOTT GOODING</a> (@scottgoodingproject) on May 15, 2019 at 7:37pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Matilda shared another photo, this time of her mother Rachel, holding her grandson while sitting in the hospital room.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxoAgdRgKm-/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxoAgdRgKm-/" target="_blank">Crushing on my boys ❤️</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/matilda.m.brown/" target="_blank"> Matilda Brown</a> (@matilda.m.brown) on May 18, 2019 at 6:08pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 32-year-old revealed that her parents were by her side during the entire birthing process, writing: “On the night I went into labour, dad was supposed to drop mum at the hospital (mum was my doola) and then wait in the waiting room.</p> <p>“But he ended up coming into the room and stayed for the entire birth.”</p> <p>She continued saying: “When I was pushing Zan out at the end, dad was stroking my head and mum was cheering me on, crying, saying, ‘Come on, Till! He’s so close!’</p> <p>“[It was] pretty special that both my parents got to be with me through such a monumental time in my life.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwyvHESlei9/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BwyvHESlei9/" target="_blank">Last few days just me and tiddles before Zan muscles in. 👶🏼 💪🏼 @matilda.m.brown</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/scottgoodingproject/" target="_blank"> SCOTT GOODING</a> (@scottgoodingproject) on Apr 28, 2019 at 1:36am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The <em>Offspring </em>star is experiencing motherhood for the first time, with Scott right by her side.</p> <p>“Scott was amazing, never left my side, and is totally besotted,” she said on social media.</p> <p>The actress went on to explain that “labouring and birthing is the most intense thing I’ve ever experienced in my life”, however, “worth every second to finally meet my son.”</p>

Movies

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Revenge attack: Man flushes grandparents' ashes down the toilet

<p>An American man has been accused of flushing his grandparents’ ashes down the toilet as a revenge attack after his mother kicked him out of her house.</p> <p>33-year-old Thomas Porter Wells was asked to leave his mother’s residence in Pittsburgh, US in September, where he had been staying temporarily, after she complained about his drinking and marijuana use.</p> <p>Wells’ mother, Denise Porter, told police that she learned in February through a relative that Wells had flushed the ashes of her late mother and father down the toilet before leaving the house. The ashes had been kept in a box in Porter’s bedroom, according to <a rel="noopener" href="https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mckeesport-man-accused-of-flushing-grandparents-ashes-down-toilet/" target="_blank">police records</a>.</p> <p>In a phone call with his mother, Wells allegedly denied flushing the ashes but later sent a text message saying: “Yep and soon as you die you’ll be going in the same spot where you belong down the s***ter you b***h.”</p> <p>Wells is now facing two counts of abuse of a corpse and one count of criminal mischief. He is currently free on non-monetary bond and is due for a preliminary hearing on May 13.</p>

Caring

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Are you a grandparent caring for grandchildren?

<p>There is a growing trend towards grandparents becoming primary caregivers of children. One reason is because of a growing preference for kinship care. Many more grandparents act in this capacity than it is acknowledged.</p> <p>In 2011, the <em>Australian Bureau of Statistics</em> reported up to 16,000 families where the grandparent provided primary care to a child or children aged between 0 and 17 years. If these numbers seem a little low, it’s because we all know they don't reflect the actual number of grandparents providing primary care. Indeed, a large portion of cases go unreported due to cultural issues. This is particularly prevalent in indigenous communities for example where grandparents are simply expected to provide care.</p> <p>Caring for your grandchildren can be an exceedingly rewarding experience. However, it comes with its own set of challenges and hurdles. Many grandparents fear they no longer possess the boundless energy essential for raising happy and well-adjusted children. However, remember, you do have the wisdom that first-time parents can only dream of.</p> <p>In fact, grandparents have more to offer than they might imagine.</p> <p>There are a number of other factors to contend with. The age of the child/children, temperament and societal/background issues are just a few. At times, the role of caregiver can be overwhelming, but the good news is, there are services available to help.</p> <p>In terms of government support, a number of options can be accessed.</p> <p><strong>Government support groups</strong></p> <p><span><strong><a href="http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/child-care-benefit">Child Care Benefit</a></strong></span> <br />CCB assists primary caregivers with the costs associated with childcare, which covers what is referred to as ‘informal childcare provided by grandparents, relatives, friends, neighbours or nannies. <br /><br /><span><strong><a href="http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/child-care-benefit">Grandparent Child Care Benefit</a></strong></span><br />This fiscal arrangement pays for the full amount of approved childcare up to 50 hours per child every week. Great-grandparents, in addition to ex-partners of grandparents who supplied primary care to their grandchildren, are permitted to access this service. However, you must first apply for, and successfully claim, the <span><a href="http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/child-care-benefit">Child Care Benefit</a></span>. </p> <p><span><strong><a href="http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/child-care-rebate">Child Care Rebate</a></strong></span><br />Half of all out of pocket expenses are covered (within annual limits). A work, training and study test is a prerequisite, and looks at your work-related commitments (paid or otherwise). </p> <p><span><strong><a href="http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/family-tax-benefit-part-a-part-b">Family Tax Benefit</a></strong></span><br />Aiding the cost of raising the grandchild/grandchildren. An income test must be undertaken before this benefit can be released, and the grandparent must provide care for at least 35% of the time. However, if your grandchild is receiving Youth Allowance, you will not be entitled to this payment.</p> <p>Are you a grandparent caring for your grandchildren? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Louise Smithers. Republished with permission of <span><a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/lifestyle/relationships/are-you-a-grandparent-caring-for-your-grandchildren.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></span></em></p>

Caring

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Planning a trip with the grandkids? Here’s how to make it fun!

<p>In order to make sure that your trip with your grandkids will be fun for everyone, it's important to keep a few things in mind before heading off.</p> <p><strong>Get their input</strong></p> <p class="p3">Rather than just planning everything out for the kids, why not get them to help make a decision about the itinerary. By getting them involved in the decision making process it will make them feel more of an equal player on the trip. </p> <p class="p3">Ian Jackson, Boomers Travel Insurance Managing Director, says it's increasingly common for Australians to take their grandchildren on overseas holidays, exposing them to difficulties not ordinarily encountered at home.</p> <p class="p3">“Different countries have different policies on allowing children to enter and leave without their parents,” Jackson advises. “Children travelling with a guardian can leave and return to Australia with only their passports, but other countries have strict rules that require documents beyond the regular passport and visa.”</p> <p class="p3">Jackson also says it is important to check requirements with the embassy, high commission or consulate of each destination country.</p> <p class="p3">Some countries required evidence that a child had parental permission to travel, or might request other documents to identify the parents such as birth certificates, adoption papers or custody orders.</p> <p class="p3"><strong>Be aware of the Smart Traveller Insurance Guidelines when travelling with children</strong></p> <ol> <li>Be aware of documentation required by authorities in all countries to be visited.</li> <li>Carry a letter of permission from parents in addition to any other documents required.</li> <li>Be aware of medical requirements and plan to ensure access to child medications.</li> <li>Ensure all travellers are fully covered by travel insurance.</li> <li>Carry emergency contact numbers, including insurer’s help line.</li> <li>Be aware of airline procedures for unaccompanied children if collecting from airports.</li> <li>Consider providing children with identity wristbands showing emergency contact numbers, in case of separation.</li> <li>Register travel plans with the Australian Government<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/" target="_blank"><span>here</span>.</a></li> </ol> <p><strong>Save on insurance</strong></p> <p>Selecting a travel insurance is important to ensure that you are covered when things don’t go to plan. Be sure to choose a plan that offer cover for children when travelling with their parents or grandparents. This is often at no extra cost, as long as they are up to the age of 25 years, not in full-time employment, and are travelling with the policy holder.</p> <p><strong>Plan out the trip</strong></p> <p class="p2"><span class="s2">Travelling with young grandchildren, whether domestically or internationally, requires some extra planning.<span> </span></span>It is advisable to have a letter from the parents giving permission for to be travelling together, with their contact details, who is going on the holiday, how you are connected and all of the holiday details.</p> <p class="p2">Carry copies of the parents’ passports and the child’s birth certificates. Make sure you also have copies of any relevant papers when it comes to custody of the child.</p> <p class="p6">Make sure your grandchildren have proper identification, including local and home contact information on them at all times during the trip. It’s also a good idea to have a recent photo of them in case they do get lost.</p> <p class="p6">By also emailing yourself important information and current photos to an email account you will be able to access anywhere, and you can ensure you will always have the information you need close at hand no matter what.</p> <p class="p3">If your grandchild will be taking any medication during the trip, make sure you are completely clear on the medications and the dosages. Also, ensure you have a notarised authorisation form from your grandchild's parents in case he or she needs medical attention during the holiday. </p> <p class="p3"><strong>Top ideas to ensure it is a great trip for everyone</strong></p> <ol> <li>Talk to the parents who will know if their child is ready to be away from home without them, and what they enjoy. Learn their sleeping and eating schedules, and try to stick to them as best as you can even with time zone differences. </li> <li>Take the child out for the day before the big trip – perhaps to the zoo or to the beach – as a test run if you don’t usually spend much time alone with them. It will also give you a chance to test your endurance against that of your grandchild.</li> <li>Discuss the planned holiday with the children to get their input and to get them excited about it. </li> <li>Keep in mind that the memories from time spent together are going to be more important, long term, than where you go.</li> <li>Remember that you are going to have to put their interests first and plan accordingly. And be prepared to change plans midway if things aren’t working out. </li> <li>Don’t be too ambitious – particularly with activities that are regulated like a stage show or a museum.</li> <li>Be prepared to give everyone a little space rather than being in each other’s pockets 24/7.</li> <li>Pack on the light side but if your grandchild has a particular favourite toy having that along may help sleeping in strange rooms and cities. Taking along familiar (packaged) snacks is also a good idea at least for the journey from Australia.</li> <li>Give the kids some of their own spending money. It’s even more exciting for them to work out what souvenirs to buy when it’s a foreign currency.</li> </ol> <p>Have you taken a trip with your grandkids? Did you all have fun? Let us know in the comments!</p> <p><em>Written by David McGonigal. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/planning-a-trip-with-the-grandkids-here%E2%80%99s-how-to-make-it-fun!.aspx">Wyza.com.au.</a></em></p>

Family & Pets

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Lisa Curry opens up about her new life as a grandma: "It's so much fun"

<p><span> </span>Lisa Curry has opened up about her new life as a grandmother.</p> <p>Talking to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/parenting/celebrity-families/lisa-curry-grandchildren-53881" target="_blank"><em>Now To Love</em></a>, the Olympic swimming champion said welcoming her first grandchild Flynn was one of the highlights of 2018 for her.</p> <p>Flynn, the first son of Curry’s daughter Morgan and her husband Ryan Gruell, will turn one in March.</p> <p>“Flynn is just the most adorable child, he’s just amazing,” said Curry.</p> <p>“He’s crawling now, I don’t think it’ll be too long before he’s taking his first steps … And the best thing about being a grandparent is you’re able to have so much fun with them and then give them back!”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnyA257BxLn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BnyA257BxLn/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Kombi love, and granbaby love .... ahhh life is good 😊💕🌸 #grannieandflynn @morgangruell9 @3hotgrannies</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/lisacurry/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Lisa Curry AO</a> (@lisacurry) on Sep 16, 2018 at 2:10am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BrpR3D1grtM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Swimming with Grannie 😊 #grannieandflynn @morgangruell9</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/lisacurry/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Lisa Curry AO</a> (@lisacurry) on Dec 21, 2018 at 1:51am PST</p> <p>The 56-year-old said the whole family spoils the baby, including her new husband Mark Tabone. </p> <p>“Morgan was dancing in a big show on New Year's Eve in Singapore and Dad had to go back to work so Mark and I got to babysit Flynn for a day and night, half a day, and it was so much fun, it was really good.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpymnTlAYKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpymnTlAYKB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">8 months old today😊 My little granbubba💙#grannieandflynn @morgangruell</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/lisacurry/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Lisa Curry AO</a> (@lisacurry) on Nov 4, 2018 at 11:42pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>After her stint on <em>I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here </em>in 2017, Curry is now a happy TV viewer at home.</p> <p>She also revealed her favourite contestant in the latest season of the reality TV program, and it is not who she expected.</p> <p>“I really like Jacqui Lambie … but before the show I didn’t like her at all,” Curry said.</p> <p>“I thought, ‘Oh yuck, get out of my face,’ but now, I’d love to sit down and have a chat with her, I think she’s pretty cool.</p> <p>Curry added, “And that’s a shame about society I guess, we form an opinion or a perception about someone and we don’t even know them, which is sad and it’s wrong and then you get to know them and they are nice people so it’s wrong to judge people when you don’t know them.”</p> <p>Curry said she made some friends from her time in the South African jungle. She kept in touch with host Julia Morris and fellow teammates Keira Maguire, Tegan Martin and Natalie Bassingthwaite, who all attended her wedding last year.</p> <p>“I don’t really stay in contact with the others,” said Curry. “You’re thrown into a situation and sometimes you make friends and sometimes you don’t.” </p>

Family & Pets

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Grandparents forced to sell homes and use super to care for their grandchildren

<p>Grandparents who have custody of their grandchildren – often amid concerns of domestic violence, drug abuse or neglect by the children’s parents – are struggling to make ends meet with many forced to sell their homes or dip into their superannuation just to ensure their grandchildren have a home to grow up in.</p> <p>As grandparents are classified as kindship carers, they are not formally recognised for financial support from the NSW Government as they took custody of the children without the involvement of the state's Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).</p> <p>If they had, grandparents would receive the same assistance as foster carers — worth between $484 and $733 a fortnight per child, depending on the child's age — and could apply for extra financial support.</p> <p>Now support groups and not-for-profits are calling for a change in the law to treat grandparents the same as foster carers, noting that there is a growing number of families left without enough support.</p> <p>"Mirabel know of more than 500 families across NSW and 300 of those at least are in the Hunter region, the Greater Hunter Region and I would say 300 of those are not receiving the allowance from the state agency," Mirabel Foundation support worker Karen Lizasoain told <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-18/grandparents-dipping-in-superannuation-to-care-for-grandkids/9692742">ABC News.</a> </strong></span></p> <p>"We don't know how many families it is exactly, because no-one is getting those statistics of how many families are not being attended to by FACS.</p> <p>"Often, the grandparents are retired or close to retirement age and many of them are living on an aged pension, some on [a] disability pension."</p> <p>Ms Lizasoain believes the under-resourcing and funding of FACS is part of the problem as it forces grandparents to take matters in their own hands.</p> <p>"If grandparents are concerned about their grandchildren and they report it to FACS, they report multiple times, they keep reporting, but nothing is done, and the children remain in danger," Ms Lizasoain said.</p> <p>"Then they go in and they take the children into a safe place. If this happens, the state agency says that's good, the children are safe now, and they just leave that family alone with no help whatsoever."</p> <p>In a statement, FACS said they do not have a role in informal arrangements.</p> <p>"FACS does not have a role in informal family arrangements or Family Court orders where there are no child protection concerns," the department said.</p> <p>"It is not appropriate for state child protection agencies to regulate family arrangements for the purpose of financial assistance.</p> <p>"Providing financial support to families is the responsibility of the Australian Government via Centrelink."</p>

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