'I love them dearly and am always available but too much is expected of grandparents'

TESS KANE has 12 grandchildren whom she adores and whom she loves to babysit from time to time.

However, the 68-year-old mother of nine admits she could not see herself looking after the children, who range in age from four months to 13 years, full-time.

"I'm getting to the stage where it's too stressful and I'd be terrified something would happen. As they get older, they get livelier and you have to be physically and mentally able.