In ye olde days grandparents were much younger. Parents had children in their 20's putting grandparents in the 50-60 year range by the time grandchildren are born. Still plenty able in that age range so it makes sense. Now parents are having children in their 30's pushing grandparents into their 60's and 70's.
Re:Satellite Babies
by fireattack on Monday May 11, 2020 @04:30AM
(#23140027)
Typically when 'satellite babies' happen, it is because both new parents work, and the grandparents are likely retired or have more flexibility in their work schedule due to seniority.
They're not in their prime, sure, but they have more free time (and experience).
I agree it can work. I'd just advocate to be careful, as parents tend to forget the reality of it, especially decades later.
Experience sure helps, but it's not a silver bullet either. We had our grandparents come to help for the first born, just to send them back because they were getting tons of germs and the lack of sleep was killing them. Two years later it was a perfect match and they really enjoyed taking care of the kid.
The sleep deprivation and constant attention needed in the first months can be pretty tough for people not in their prime anymore, for instance.