Grans and grandchildren will always have a very special relationship. From the hand-made presents to the sweet treats, the kids always look forward to a trip to grandmas.
But letting Gran spoil the kids might actually be having an affect as a new report found that over half (52 per cent) of British children ‘prefer’ their granny to other family members.
Over 1,600 mums took part in the study, which found that thanks to busy lives and hectic work schedules, grandparents have an even bigger influence in family life.
While grandmas can be lifesavers when it comes to watching the kids every now and again, the results found that they’re now having an even bigger imapact. Almost 1 in 3 of the mums that took part said they felt hurt when their children admitted to preferring their mum’s mum….or even their mother-in-law.
But there’s no need for mums to feel worried, as Faye Mingo from the website familiesonline.co.uk, who commissioned the study, said: ‘It’s great news for grandmothers that children enjoy their company so much. The bond between grandparents and grandchildren can be very special, however mums need not feel worried or threatened by it at all.»
We know that mums will always have a special bond with their children, and nothing will take that away. However, we’ve rounded up some of the signs that mean your kids might sometimes prefer their Gran to their mum.
1. They always want to go for tea at Gran’s
Mainly due to the amount of food and sweets they get to eat.
2. They say shopping with Granny is the best
Grandma always seems happy to top up their pocket money. No matter how much you tell her she shouldn’t.
3. Gran is their favourite babysitter
When you need to pop out, grandma is always on hand to look after them. Plus, with grandma, ‘bed time’ is always a bit later than normal.
4. They go to for Gran for advice
Grandma might be brutally honest, but she will always know exactly what to say to make it better.
5. They tell you Grandma’s way more fun
It’s pretty much a given that grandmas rarely shouts at the kids. But let’s remember that Gran gets to pass the kids back to you at the end of the day. They don’t have to deal with the temper tantrums, tears, or screaming.
6. The kids always LOVE birthday and Christmas presents from Gran
Birthday and Christmas are the perfect time for grandparents to go all out and spoil the kids. And they do not disappoint. The bigger the present the better.
7. They ask for a hug from Grandma
Grans give the best hugs. It’s just a fact. Even when you were a child, hugs from Gran were the BEST. It must be a skill that all grans just know how to do.
8. They prefer Grandma’s house to their own
Why is it that grandmas’ houses are always so cosy? From the cute furniture to the warm fireplace and boiled sweets in a tin, you can kind of understand why kids always look forward to a trip to Gran’s house.
