Grandparents take over childcare as summer holidays wind down

As parents return to work, grandparents are taking schoolchildren to amusement parks during the final week of the summer holidays, DR reports.

Sommerland Sjælland amusement park says it sees more grandparents with their grandchildren this week than at any other time of the year. Owner and director Kåre Dyvekjær says their presence creates a calmer atmosphere because they can follow the children’s pace.

Randi Vinfeldt visited the park on Friday with her two-year-old grandchild, Mikas. She said the day felt quiet and relaxed, with fewer visitors and less pressure than when she was raising children herself.

Park employee Vibeke Damm said the staff also noticed the difference. Children were generally calmer with their grandparents, who took a more guiding role and helped them find their way around the park. She also said grandparents were less likely to refuse requests for extra rides or toys.

Fewer parents appear to be spending time with their children during this week. According to Statistics Denmark, only half as many people took holiday in week 32 last year as in week 31.

Other amusement parks, including BonBon-Land and Djurs Sommerland, have also told DR that they are seeing more grandparents as guests this week. Universe Science Park on Als in southern Jutland has introduced a dedicated Grandparent Week because the trend has been growing for years.

Vinfeldt said more people should consider visiting amusement parks in August, when shorter queues leave more time for rides, conversation and shared meals.

Michael Teit Nielsen, deputy director of the senior citizens’ organisation Ældre Sagen, said the trend reflected the increasingly active role grandparents play in children’s lives. Many families, he said, have grandparents who regularly collect their grandchildren.