Grandma Refuses to Babysit: Find Out Why Her Shocking Decision Is Causing Such an Outrage!

In a world where the traditional roles of grandparents often include being part-time caregivers to their grandchildren, one Australian grandmother's bold declaration has sparked a national conversation about the expectations placed on seniors during their retirement years.


Melbourne writer Avril Moore, a grandmother of eight, has candidly expressed her and her husband's decision not to provide regular childcare for their grandchildren, a stance that has ignited both support and criticism across the country. In an opinion piece for The Age, Moore described child-rearing as 'abject drudgery' and emphasized her desire to enjoy her golden years without the responsibility of raising another generation.


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Melbourne writer Avril Moore sparked controversy by refusing regular childcare for her grandchildren. Credit: Shutterstock


'The truth is we simply don't like it,' Moore stated, challenging the glossy lifestyle advertisements that depict grandparenting as an endless parade of joy and wonder. Her words resonate with a growing sentiment among seniors who feel pressured to conform to societal expectations of grandparental duties.


Moore's perspective sheds light on the often unspoken realities of grandparenting: the relentless routine of caring for young children, which includes feeding, nappy-changing, and dealing with sickness, all of which can be exhausting and time-consuming. She distinguishes between the joy of occasional visits and activities with grandchildren and the demanding nature of full-time babysitting.

The part-time lecturer also touched on the gendered expectations that grandmothers should naturally step into the role of caregiver, a notion she resents. She criticized the double standard of men who are now praised for taking on childcare duties after having been absent from such responsibilities in their own children's lives.

The backlash to Moore's stance has been significant, with some readers labeling the job of caring for grandchildren as 'thankless' and agreeing that it's unfair to expect grandparents to be free labor. Others, however, view grandparenting as a privilege and an opportunity to foster close relationships with their grandchildren, suggesting that the rewards of family time far outweigh the challenges.


The debate is set against the backdrop of a broader childcare crisis in Australia. According to Victoria University's Mitchell Institute, many Australians live in 'childcare deserts' with limited access to daycare, and those in regional or remote areas may have no childcare centers available at all. With recent fee increases and staff shortages, affordable childcare is becoming increasingly difficult to secure, even as the government attempts to alleviate the burden with subsidies.

This situation has led to a reliance on grandparents as a stopgap solution, a dynamic that raises questions about fairness and the right of seniors to enjoy their retirement without the obligation of additional child-rearing responsibilities.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, we want to hear from you. What are your thoughts on this controversial topic? Have you felt the pressure to step into a caregiving role for your grandchildren? Or do you find joy and fulfillment in being an active part of their upbringing? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.


Key Takeaways
  • Melbourne writer Avril Moore has sparked controversy by stating she and her husband will not be providing regular childcare for their grandchildren.
  • Moore describes child-rearing as 'abject drudgery' and expresses resentment towards social expectations that grandmothers should engage in unpaid childcare.
  • The debate has divided opinions, with some readers supporting her stance and others advocating the joys and importance of grandparents being involved with their grandchildren.
  • The discussion highlights larger issues of childcare access in Australia, including areas with limited daycare options and the impact of recent childcare fee increases and government subsidies.

As we navigate the complexities of modern family dynamics, it's clear that the conversation around grandparenting and childcare is evolving. Whether you stand with Avril Moore or take a different view, one thing is certain: the role of grandparents in today's society is a topic ripe for discussion, and it's one that affects many of us in the over 60s community.
 
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I'd give the world to see my grandchildren. In my early years there were no pensions unless you were widowed, no free childcare NO HANDOUTS WHATSOEVER. With 3 sick kids I worked 3 jobs, one full time, 2 part time, 7 days a week., One job paid the rent, one for childcare and one fares, food and electricity. We had no phone, no car and family lived in another State. I busted my arse for my kids and asked for nothing. Today NOTHING. is what I've got. My kids decided they didn't need me so told their kids a bunch of lies like I was GAY (not true) and a prostitute because I worked part time at an adult shop which helped towards the recovering addicts I took in. I was not a pro either. After spending over $30000 on eldest son's house (causing my breathing probs) and getting the other 2 out of financial trouble I was evicted from that house, homeless and have not seen kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids for between 15 and 20 years. I've even got a granddaughter I've NEVER seen except for a photo, I'd give the world to be able to see my family, to hug again my eldest Grandson and meet his 2 little boys, You don't need to be a fulltime grandjparent but HUG YOU LITTLE ONES WHILE YOU CAN.
 
I am so very sorry to hear your dad story, you sound like a wonderful parent. Who worked so very very hard to give your kids the best life you could. For reasons some of us cannot explain sometimes kids do turn on their parents. I am truly sorry this has happened to you.
And now you are missing out on your grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I am sending you a hug today ❤️‍🩹
Kind regards Vicki
 
I am so very sorry to hear your dad story, you sound like a wonderful parent. Who worked so very very hard to give your kids the best life you could. For reasons some of us cannot explain sometimes kids do turn on their parents. I am truly sorry this has happened to you.
And now you are missing out on your grandchildren and great grandchildren.
I am sending you a hug today ❤️‍🩹
Kind regards Vicki
 
I'd give the world to see my grandchildren. In my early years there were no pensions unless you were widowed, no free childcare NO HANDOUTS WHATSOEVER. With 3 sick kids I worked 3 jobs, one full time, 2 part time, 7 days a week., One job paid the rent, one for childcare and one fares, food and electricity. We had no phone, no car and family lived in another State. I busted my arse for my kids and asked for nothing. Today NOTHING. is what I've got. My kids decided they didn't need me so told their kids a bunch of lies like I was GAY (not true) and a prostitute because I worked part time at an adult shop which helped towards the recovering addicts I took in. I was not a pro either. After spending over $30000 on eldest son's house (causing my breathing probs) and getting the other 2 out of financial trouble I was evicted from that house, homeless and have not seen kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids for between 15 and 20 years. I've even got a granddaughter I've NEVER seen except for a photo, I'd give the world to be able to see my family, to hug again my eldest Grandson and meet his 2 little boys, You don't need to be a fulltime grandjparent but HUG YOU LITTLE ONES WHILE YOU CAN.
I feel your pain & l am sorry you have been treated in this manner. You certainly deserve more from your children than what you have received for your love & dedication to them. I hope that one day those grandchildren & great grandchildren will want to meet their grandmother / great grandmother & will seek you out. The hugs may not be the same as when they were young but the experience will be eternal for you.
Miracles do happen. Just believe.
 
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Bless you Vicki and a huge hug in return. I wonder if your surname begins with C. I have a DIL whose name is Vicki and sadly, she is the worst of them.
 
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