Five things they don't tell you about… grandparents in France
French family elders have their own lives to live, albeit with much tolerance
There is much indulgence and patience for grandchildren
Dorde Krstic/Shutterstock
1. L'amour
The wry joke is that however strict they were as parents (and French parents tend to be pretty strict) and however busy they may have been, grandparents display unfailing indulgence and patience towards their grandchildren. This gives rise to all sorts of humorous remarks designed to disguise any hint of intergenerational jealousy.
Je t'aime!
2. Le jeu
The myth that grandparents rule the family, adjudicating during disputes and generally laying down the law, is just that – a myth. During Sunday lunch, families nod and agree. But their progenitors' strictures are generally forgotten before Mamie and Papy are even out of sight in the rear-view mirror.
Bof!
3. La technologie
Perhaps surprisingly, grandparents are more likely to be IT-literate than their grandchildren – especially youngsters who do not yet have their own laptops, desktops, etc. This is where rule number one comes in: Mamie, can I use your tablet? Papy, how do I log into OnlyFans?
Je sais bien!
4. Les activités
People retire early in France, so Mamie and Papy are more likely to be skydiving, sailing, exploring Bali, flying, riding motorbikes, buying vintage cars or practising kickboxing than sitting at home knitting or smoking a pipe. Retirement is also a great time for taking up politics and generally running things.
Chapeau!
5. Le babysitting
An increasing number of retirees do not have grandchildren because their offspring have opted for a child-free life. They are on permanent holiday, and saving a fortune. Rather than envying their friends, they are booking trips to Vietnam and Martinique so they can top up their winter tans.
Youpi!
