The Bible references old age, but has little on the role of grandparent

‘This is a role over which one has absolutely no control. Nobody invites you to become a grandparent! Reactions vary hugely, from delight, to dismay at becoming ‘old’ to everything in between,’ says Rosemary Hector, as she shares some of her experiences of becoming a grandparent.

When we became grandparents, I cast about for advice. What did the Bible say about the role? There is advice about parenting, yes, from St Paul, and Jesus also noted what good parents do, but the Bible is strangely silent on grandparenting. It’s quite simple. Few lived to see old age, and children were not considered important in the early first century. Contrast this with the huge contribution some modern western grandparents make to the family economy and social life. But the principles are still there. So what have I observed?