At Arnold’s Creek Grandparents Playgroup, there is an upbeat energy as younger and older alike draw each other in to enjoy the moment. The innate uplifting feeling of singing together, of sharing a story, looking closer at a fallen autumn leaf, exploring the colours and patterns of crayons as they glide on paper, the familiarity of a warm embrace. Together they peer closer at the fragments of life at playgroup, seeking different meanings, perspectives, and reassurance- it is a shared experience.
As a multitude of distractions seep into our modern lives, multi-tasking becoming the norm, there is a lot of discussion about mindfulness, being present. Here, grandparents and grandchildren exhibit that theory in practice. They have the ability to become deeply immersed in moments of play, in conversation, and as such, have formed strong bonds of trust and love.
“The bonds that you share between grandparent and grandchildren, it’s a special bond,” said Lorna Pawley, a founding member of the first Arnold’s Creek grandparents group, which began almost ten years ago.
“It is a privilege to be asked by your children to mind your grandchildren, to put them in your care, to help raise them.”
Lorna has loved the playgroup experience, forging friendships of her own, alongside her grandkids. They have good memories. She talks about the gift of time they have, away from the usual daily chores that are a reality for parents, as they try and cram everything in.
“It is a completely different relationship. You are just there for them. If they want a chocolate at ten in the morning, you spoil them, you do. You do things with them that you wouldn’t do with your own kids because they’re your grandkids.”
Playgroup leader Tess Galea echoes that sentiment. She said she was over the moon when her daughter-in-law first asked if she could look after her granddaughter Maya and shortly after, Jax. Nine years later, she is here with her youngest grandchildren, Kendall and Shyla.
“I look forward to meeting with the other grandparents and their grandchildren each week, especially when they sit together and do a craft activity in the group, sharing stories and creating new memories with our grandchildren. It gives us the opportunity to spoil the grandchildren – what grandkid doesn’t love that?”
The children excitedly want to share new findings and activities with their special grandparents.
“The grandchildren allow us to be energised, with their boundless enthusiasm, zest for life and curiosity to explore new things which keep us young in the mind and at heart.”
“I have developed a special bond with my grandchildren, and it is a wonderful reminder of the simple pleasures of life without having the responsibility of raising them- just loving and enjoying watching them develop and grow.”
Over the years, Tess said she has seen first-hand how the playgroup is beneficial for both the grandparent and the grandchild, reducing feelings of isolation and building self-esteem.
“Playgroup is invaluable in providing new support networks for both grandparents and the parents. We rely on this group as a place where concerns are shared and support is given if needed.”
Tess and her friend Marie Williams attended playgroup with their two children 33 years ago. They regularly see each other now at grandparents playgroup and watch on as their grandchildren play together.
“When this started I thought, that’s amazing, to go where her mum used to go,” said Marie, watching Poppy, her granddaughter.
“My mother usually comes as well! Four generations together. It’s pretty awesome. I’m very lucky.”
Marie observes that in normal circumstances, grandparents wouldn’t get to see their little ones playing like this and be part of the play with them. “You can’t go to their kinder or daycare and watch them interact with other kids and play.”
“Every week is different.”
“It’s great and they look forward to it. Every Friday when I get to my daughters, Poppy just grabs her bag- she just loves it.”
Marie talks about the different activities: painting, drawing, outside play, special occasions. Cakes are brought in for birthdays and today they make mother’s day cards.
“That is the beauty of it- you get to spend the day with the kids and cherish the memories.”
Playgroup CEO Danny Schwarz visited Arnold’s Creek Grandparents Playgroup and enjoyed watching how it brought everyone together.
"Playgroup provides the unique opportunity for children and adults to engage and interact with each other,” Danny said. “When this happens with grandparents, children build their library of experiences and memories, they keep forever. For grandparents, weaving these experiences into their tapestry of life they can touch and hold, to share with their children when they return their grandchildren. Intergenerational interaction builds a connected society at its best."
"Grandparents playgroups contributes to healthy aging, which builds community connection and engagement, which in turn creates a health community. Everyone benefits."
The grandparents discuss how times have changed, the reality being the rising cost of living, the rising cost of childcare for those returning to work after childbirth. Many parents are turning to grandparents to help with the care of their children in Australia. They play an increasingly important role in their grandchildren’s early years.
This is nothing new, yet it is a return to the village of old, where multiple generations come together, lives entwined, to help raise the next generation. Some grandparents at Arnold’s Creek Playgroup take care of their grandchildren for five or six days of the week.
Indeed grandparents, and older generations, are providing local communities with support and guidance, wisdom and care. As one Mum says, you never stop needing your own parents, even when you are a parent of your own.
“The most important thing l have found is that the children enjoy attending with their grandparents,” said Tess.
“It is the reassurance that they are not going to be left with strangers, and their grandparent will be there to take care of them and give them that cuddle if they need it. We provide an opportunity for them to be creative in an unstructured informal environment and learning through play.”
“The attachment between grandparents and grandchildren as they play together and share time and experiences is very rewarding.”
At Arnold’s Creek, the volunteers have a huge impact. Friends of friends, here to lend a helping hand. It is a catch up for the community, all here for each other and for the kids. Tess’s two friends Maria and Jill help out in the kitchen, bringing out cups of coffee, followed by a big spread for morning tea. Old members of the playgroup drop in. And it is extra special when parents and carers can come along on various occasions throughout the year. Tess said it is about the quality time, in a safe and fun environment. It is that one-on-one time in a group environment that she treasures.
“As a grandparent l am truly blessed, and have come to the realisation just how quickly time goes by and I’ll never take moments like that for granted,” said Tess.
The young and young at heart prove that to raise a child it takes a village of many, with a sense of care, love and belonging standing as the core pillars of life. As children show us, these things are always there, right from the very start.
Article by Sinead Halliday
Photography by Mylie Nauendorf
