Grandparents

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#Grandparents

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>One of the hardest losses to process is of something we never had, says Joanna. Picture: iStock </p>

parenting

Joanna Fortune: I feel sad that my children have no relationship with my late husband's family

We didn’t have a particularly close relationship with his family. They said their goodbyes after his funeral and wished us well.

3156116_1_org_Joanne_Fortune_Circle_headshot

Joanna Fortune: My granddaughter is struggling since her mum left home

<p>Keeping it sweet: Children need to know that their parents are the authority figures in their lives, and grandparents should never usurp that role. Picture: iStock</p>

parenting

Could you be a helicopter grandparent? Here are the signs to watch out for

Grandparents Cuddling Granddaughter In Bed

parenting

What's expected of you as a new grandparent? Here are 12 things the experts recommend

Caring for children and elderly parents... what life is like for the 'squeezed middle'

people

Caring for children and elderly parents... what life is like for the 'squeezed middle'

Birthday boy

columnists

Dear Dáithí: Should we attend or ignore a 'non-communion party'?

Multi-generation family bonding in sunny garden

Dear Dáithí: I just can't get excited about my son's partner's children at all

I do like children, and I would love lots of grandchildren that I could get to know from the moment they are born

Sun, 11 Jan, 2026

Happy senior couple celebrating Christmas Eve together.

Joanna Fortune: It feels as if my in-laws hijacked Christmas

My husband was of little help and kept fussing about his mum, who expected to be treated like a queen

Tue, 06 Jan, 2026

Orphanage concept. Sad little girl at table indoors, space for text

Joanna Fortune: My two-year-old is missing her granny, who had to undergo surgery

"My daughter is asking lots of questions about when Granny will be coming back to play with her. She cries when I say Granny is not well right now. How can I explain to her what is going on?"

Tue, 09 Dec, 2025

Father and daughter fight, generation gap concept

Joanna Fortune: My children have been caught up in family row with grandparents

My mum usually picks up my two children from school once a week, but says she won't do so until I apologise for my behaviour. I'm hurt that she has taken sides and is using childcare as a form of leverage.

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Diary of a Gen Z Student: Wisdom, wit and warmth from a chat with grandad

Diary of a Gen Z Student: Wisdom, wit and warmth from a chat with grandad

I’ll always make time for my grandad — if I could recommend something to people my age that are lucky enough to have grandparents in their life, it would be to prioritise that relationship. I know how much it benefits me to make time to see him regularly

Fri, 18 Jul, 2025

Having so much fun under the sun

Joanna Fortune: I'm worried about my parents-in-law going on holiday with us — what should I do?

Arrange a big family day out and perhaps an evening or two when you and your partner can spend quality time together, connecting, sightseeing, or relaxing

Tue, 15 Jul, 2025

Grandmother is hugging a grandson

Julie Jay: Nana’s visit has relegated me to second place in my children’s eyes

I am the fossil fuel to my mother’s renewable energy source, the sod of turf to her wind turbine, the briquette to her solar panel

Tue, 29 Apr, 2025

Book, reading and grandmother with children for learning, language development and English education in living room sofa. Senior

Richard Hogan: Grandparents can become collateral damage in a broken relationship

I receive so many letters and phone calls from grandparents looking for advice on how to reconnect with their grandchildren after their child has separated from their partner

Thu, 13 Mar, 2025

Annoyed selfish young woman ignoring unhappy mature mother after quarrel

Joanna Fortune: My daughter says I don't love her in the same way as her sister

I appreciate how hurtful it can be to be told that all you have done for your family is still not enough

Tue, 28 Jan, 2025

Dear Dáithí: I'm losing my son to a controlling girlfriend

Dear Dáithí: 'My grandchildren live overseas, and my heart is broken from missing them'

"I do think it's time to have a chat as a family, because the family are scattered all over - ye could put a plan together that sometimes they visit you at different times of the year. This will give you time with all the different people, especially the children."

Mon, 20 Jan, 2025

Lonely senior woman sitting on sofa indoors at Christmas, solitude concept.

Joanna Fortune: My adult children left me to do almost everything on Christmas Day

They left everything up to me, including keeping an eye on their children

Tue, 07 Jan, 2025

Pensive mature woman day dreaming by the window.

Joanna Fortune: I would love to have a relationship with my children and grandchildren

"No one needs to apologise for having a view. That said, we all need to be mindful of how and when we share that view and be sensitive to how it might land with people around us."

Tue, 31 Dec, 2024

Grey haired mature man and a little girl in Christmas sweater having fun and celebrating Christmas at home

What it's like to navigate Christmas as a grandparent

It’s a delicate balance: wanting everyone at their house while respecting that adult children may not get along or may have new obligations

Sun, 22 Dec, 2024

Kite template heart for Valentines day. Helpful element for web design and print.

Julie Jay: My mother-in-law was never happier than when indulging her grandkids' every whim

Her funeral in Carrick-on-Shannon was a testament to a life well lived

Tue, 10 Dec, 2024

family celebrating Christmas

Dr Phil Kieran: I am worried we'll pass on a virus to my elderly parents at Christmas

You can take a few simple steps to try and ensure they aren’t at any increased risk

Tue, 10 Dec, 2024

What A Difference A Day Makes: Marty Whelan on becoming a grandfather

S What A Difference A Day Makes: Marty Whelan on becoming a grandfather

What a Difference a Day Makes: RTÉ’s Marty Whelan talks to Helen O’Callaghan about becoming a grandfather for the first time this year

Sat, 07 Dec, 2024

Richard Hogan: We have to legislate to stop powerful tech giants from profiting from our kids

S Richard Hogan: 'My retirement is being ruined because I'm expected to mind seven grandchildren'

The balance in your life is not working. It is not selfishness to say you can’t manage the amount of responsibility being placed on you, that is selfcare.

Wed, 21 Aug, 2024

He's the sweetest little boy

Creche crisis: The pros and cons of asking grandparents to become childminders

Granny and granddad make ideal childminders, especially when colds and sniffles keep your child out of creche. But is it fair to ask them to put their own plans on hold so they can step in when needed?

Fri, 22 Oct, 2021