As the coronavirus spreads, Australian families are facing difficult decisions about whether their children should have contact with their Grandparents Rights.
Key points:
- Grandparents are one of the most common sources of child care
- Those over 60 years of age are also in one of highest risk groups for coronavirus
- That risk is forcing many families to rethink their care arrangements
For many working families, the situation is made more complicated by the fact they rely on grandparents for child care.
“Parents in Australia rely more on grandparents than any other form of care today,” Dr Myra Hamilton, senior research fellow at Social Policy Research UNSW, told 7.30.
“So, I think the changes are going to have a big impact for a lot of families and for a lot of grandparents rights.”
And that presents a unique problem with coronavirus.
“Grandparents are in the age group which is at one of the greatest risks associated with coronavirus,” Dr Hamilton said.
“I think families are likely to be navigating these really complex decisions.”
Continuing with care
Grandmother Wendy Lawson has decided to continue caring for her 10-year-old granddaughter Gabby at her home in North Richmond near Sydney.
“I’m going to come here so she can continue some schoolwork,” the 68-year-old said.
Gabby’s parents both work – her mum is a nurse and her dad is in the building industry – so Ms Lawson’s help is appreciated.
“Luckily I have excellent health, I don’t have any underlying health problems, so fingers crossed it will stay that way,” she said.
“But if the worst comes to the worst, [if] I do get ill, then we’ll have to make other arrangements together, obviously.”
But unless that happens, and while she is needed, she has no plans to give up her time with Gabby.
‘Sad we don’t have physical contact’
Robyn Hamblin however has decided she can no longer care for her 20-month-old grandson.
“All the reports that we’re hearing on the news indicated that my husband and I are in a high-risk age group,” she said.
Ms Hamblin had been caring for her grandson two days a week while her daughter worked.
“It’s sad that we don’t have the physical contact and the cuddles, but we’re adapting, we’re learning to adapt,” she said.
Her daughter Kate Ridley was laid off from her marketing job because of the coronavirus shutdown, so she no longer needed the child care.
But she anticipates the isolation from her mother and father will be challenging.
“I think it’s early days. You know it feels normal to speak to them on the phone and check in,” Ms Ridley said.
“When that becomes more regular it might feel a little bit weird.”
Making the best of a strange situation
Things are already feeling weird for Victoria Fletcher.
Despite living only 500 metres away from three grandchildren in suburban Perth, she has decided she can no longer see them.
“I had part of my lung removed last year, and I’m over 60, obviously I’m in the very high-risk category,” she said.
But she is trying to make the best of a strange situation.
“I can talk to them through the window, I can talk to them through the car window and the phone, but there’s no hugs or cuddles anymore,” she said.
Dr Hamilton said having regular contact with grandchildren could be very important for grandparents rights.
“It’s important for their wellbeing, their social connection, for keeping them physically active,” she said.
It is also hard on the middle generation.
Ms Fletcher’s daughter Sharne Parkins said it was tough not having her mother physically in her life anymore.
“It’s like, I guess, losing your best friend and losing your mum at the same time,” she told 7.30.
“And your support group, and your break from the kids.”
Source: https://familylaw.aylwardgame.com.au/coronavirus-presents-dilemma-for-grandparents-who-help-with-child-care/
