Regardless of how old you are or what life stage you may be at, your parents are likely to be one of the few sources of wisdom, inspiration and trust.

Grandfathers in particular tend to play a vital role when it comes to bringing up young children. Often when parents are busy at work, grandfathers and grand mothers tend to be the ones that can help out most. Not just in terms of looking after the children, picking them up from school, but rather actually mentoring and sharing life experiences.

The one thing that many societies across the World rely on is the older generations. In asia in particular, whilst the parents may be busy at work (and both parents at that), the grand parents will more than likely be busy at home looking after the children.

It is undoubtedly a cultural thing. In the west, grand parents have traditionally been less commonly engaged with, except around festive holidays, birthdays etc. With the changing economic times, many families particularly in Britain are having to examine just how and where they spend their money. Assuming mum and dad both have to work, then the question arises over who will look after the kids (if they are too young to go to school).

Child care is expensive. Some argue, it is more expensive to hire a nanny or put a child in day care so why go back to work? Indeed, why go back to work?

Well, if location is not a problem and a reasonable commute, why not make more of the grandparents? It is not like they won't be interested. Of course generalising can sometimes be easy, but if we take the balanced approach to family life, then increasing numbers of parents are now turning to their parents to look after the kids.

Is it such a bad thing? Well, no not really, providing both parties are happy with the arrangement. All too often western families often fail to integrate and operate a one functional unit. It may sound scientific, but it is highly common in Asia and they seem to do alright.

So the next time you might be wondering what to do about child care, why not ask the grand parents, you might just be surprised what you find..

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