by Nicola Henderson CEO, Godstone Farm
For many families the long summer holidays are a time of anticipation – lighter evenings in the garden, picnics on the Downs and ice creams after a day out. But behind the postcard moments, there’s a quieter reality that many parents will recognise – six weeks is a very long time to juggle work, childcare and family life.
With many households balancing busy careers – often commuting into London – with family life, the logistics of summer can feel particularly stretched. Holiday clubs fill up quickly, childcare costs soon add up and annual leave only goes so far. This is where grandparents step in, not just as occasional helpers, but as a vital part of the fabric of modern family life.
Across the UK, grandparents’ contribution is extraordinary. More than half of grandparents now provide some form of childcare during the working week, often stepping in for hours – and sometimes days – at a time. On average, they provide over 20 hours of childcare a week, quietly filling gaps that formal childcare simply can’t always reach.
For many families, this support isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. Around 57% of parents with children under 13 rely on grandparents for childcare, and in a country where costs continue to rise, that support has a very real economic impact. It enables parents to continue working, while also giving children a sense of continuity and care that can be difficult to replicate elsewhere. But reducing grandparents to a line in a childcare spreadsheet misses the point entirely. What they offer goes far beyond logistics.
When out and about you can see this every day. Grandparents aren’t just supervising, they’re guiding, reassuring and connecting generations. They bring a different pace, a different perspective and often a kind of patience that today’s busy parents simply don’t have the luxury of time to offer.
There’s growing recognition of the emotional and developmental benefits this brings. Time spent with grandparents can help children feel more secure, broaden their understanding of family and identity and build confidence in social relationships. For grandparents themselves, the benefits are equally powerful, from improved wellbeing to a stronger sense of purpose and connection. In many ways, it’s one of the most natural and reciprocal relationships we have.
And yet, it’s also evolving. Modern grandparenting looks very different to a generation ago. Many are still working, travelling or living further afield, while also navigating new parenting styles and expectations. At the same time, families are increasingly relying on them not just for occasional help, but for regular, structured childcare, particularly during the school holidays.
Summer shines a spotlight on this dynamic. When school’s out for summer, parents often find themselves piecing together a patchwork of annual leave, flexible working and favours and it is grandparents who provide the continuity. They are the ones organising impromptu
days out, revisiting favourite places and creating the kind of simple, memorable moments that children often remember most vividly.
From a visitor attraction perspective, more of these multi-generational visits can be seen now than ever before. Grandparents aren’t just accompanying families; they’re often the ones planning the day, packing the snacks and really making an occasion of it. There’s something very special about watching those interactions unfold, whether it’s helping a toddler feed a goat for the first time or simply sitting together, unhurried, sharing an ice cream.
Many places have tried to respond to this shift in small but meaningful ways. There’s the occasional Grandparents’ Days which are designed to celebrate that relationship, creating space for shared experiences that feel easy, welcoming and inclusive. There’s a growing number of senior discounts and promotions as businesses start to realise the power of ‘the grey pound’ and during the summer holidays, when routines can feel anything but simple, the world really is starting to understand that value and flexibility matters.
A membership or loyalty pass has become a popular option for families looking for somewhere safe, familiar and relaxed to return to, particularly for grandparents caring for children across multiple days, who value anenvironment that feels manageable as well as enjoyable. It’s not about grand gestures, but about consistency – somewhere children can discover, play and build confidence, and grandparents can feel at ease – with access to excellent coffee too!
Of course, it’s important to acknowledge that not every family has this support. For some, grandparents may live far away, be working themselves, or simply not be part of a child’s life. And that’s where the idea of ‘chosen family’ becomes just as important. Extended family, close friends and neighbours – these networks can play an equally meaningful role. What matters most is that children have access to a wider circle of trusted adults; people who bring different experiences, perspectives and care into their world. Because family life rarely operates in neat categories. It’s fluid, interconnected and often beautifully collaborative. And while grandparents play an extraordinary role within that, it’s one that deserves to be recognised, not assumed. Because alongside the joy, there is also generosity. Time, energy and patience often given quietly, without expectation.
So, this summer, as families everywhere navigate the juggle, perhaps the real story isn’t just about how we fill the weeks, but who we fill them with. Because in the end, it won’t be the perfectly planned days that children remember most. It will be the people.
Godstone Farm in Surrey offers enriching outdoor experiences all year round.
