SAGA

Apr 1, 2011 by Admin

SAGA WELCOMES CHILDREN’S ACCESS TO GRANDPARENTS IN THE FAMILY LAW REVIEW

Saga research finds over 8 in 10 grandchildren confide in their grandparents. Saga greatly welcomes the inclusion of children‘s access to grandparents in the family law review published today. “The role that grandparents play in the life of this country’s children is at last recognised, ” says Emma Soames editor at large of Saga Magazine. “Although the review stops short of enshrining access to grandparents in law, it recognises the importance of that relationship and should reassure grandparents that they are considered an important part of a child’s life.”

“Often when parents break up, however amicably, children no longer feel they can talk to them about their concerns for fear of putting further pressure on mum and dad. Our research* tells us that more than 8 out of 10 (83%) grandchildren confide in their grandparents, so to have this rug pulled from under them at the same time is likely to have devastating and far reaching consequences.”

Access to grandparents will now form part of parenting agreements which parents will be obliged to make on separation. “Seeing their grandparents now becomes an obligation on behalf of separating parents which should help many children remain in touch with them at a very difficult time.” says Emma Soames

Further grandparents research findings: Almost two-thirds of grandparents questioned (62%) say they are very close, and another third (30%) say they are reasonably close to their grandchildren. Almost half (48%) say that they spend between £101 and £999 a year contributing to their grandchild or grandchildren. However, only one-quarter (25%) say they make a big or very big contribution to their grandchild’s or grandchildren’s care, with one-quarter (27%) saying they do not contribute at all.
Three-quarters (74%) say that they take a big or very big interest in their grandchild’s or grandchildren’s education, with only 5% saying they take a small or no amount. Half (49%) say they try to identify and encourage their grandchildren’s skills and talents very much, with another two-fifths (41%) saying they do so a reasonable amount.
One-third of those with grandchildren feel their grandchildren can confide in them a great deal (34%) while almost half (49%) say they can do so a reasonable amount.