Grandparents are in high demand as childminders

Experienced and flexible, grandparents are in high demand as childminders. It’s a win-win role that can add years to their lives, says Margaret Jennings.

We have a phrase for it now — the grandparent army — and it describes the rising number of older people who are helping to mind their children’s children.

In Ireland, an increasing number of us are joining the troops, either out of necessity (to rescue cash-strapped young parents), or out of choice (simply because we can).