“All the joy and none of the responsibility,” is the old adage about grandchildren. But that does not mean that grandparents do not have formative influences on the next but one generation.

The importance of the role of grandparent can often be overlooked, says the Venerable Gordon Linney, former Church of Ireland archdeacon of Dublin.  He has experienced this personally - both as a child growing up in Inchicore and as a grandfather of six - as well as professionally.

“I have such lovely memories of my grandfather, who I cycled to see every Saturday morning in Walkinstown when I was a young boy, because I loved his interest in gardening, which is my hobby to this day,” he says. “He was very stern but I was not put off by the strictness of the man.

“I have seen in my parochial ministry the importance of the relationship. You see it at funerals, the real grief of even teenage girls or boys who have lost a grandparent, and that is such an eloquent tribute.

“Maybe parents sometimes don’t realise the importance of the older people, and grandparents themselves don’t recognise how important they are to the young people growing up,” he adds.

While of course shared time between a grandparent and grandchild should be enjoyable, that does not mean it has to be all outings and treats. It’s the being together that matters - time that can be put to good use imparting some basic life skills which, unfortunately, two working parents can be too busy to teach.

Whether it’s cooking an omelette or vacuuming a carpet, weeding the garden or washing the car, it’s much quicker to do it without little “helping hands”. Parents who are working all week want to get the chores done as fast and as efficiently as possible at the weekend, so they have time for relaxation too.

However, take away the time pressure and so-called chores can be a fun activity for children, especially in somebody else’s home. That’s where grandparents can step in. The secret is to start them young and keep it light-hearted. For older children, small monetary rewards might be appropriate. 

What they can do, and when 

Age two to five: 
Pick up toys: If they go to a crèche, they probably do it as part of the routine there, so make sure they do it at home or when they’re visiting.  Make it a game, helping them to chuck the toys into a big box. 
Dust: They love to get their hands on a fluffy yellow duster.  But the real fun part - spraying the furniture polish - might have to wait until they’re a little older. 
Laundry: This gives them the chance to identify colours as they sort the whites and the coloureds into two different piles. 

Age six to 12:
Lay and clear the table: They can put out the place settings and take the plates and cutlery to the dishwasher or sink afterwards.
Vacuum floors: This is probably one of the more enjoyable chores for children, but it might be wise to help them clear the floor first.   
Wash the car: A popular one but be prepared for a less-than-perfect finish. 
Water the plants: Indoors or out. 

Age 13+ 
Clean windows: Without leaving smears at their age. 
Cut the grass: If you think they are mature enough to handle a mower. 
Prepare a simple meal: Ask them in advance what they would like to put on the menu so you can have the ingredients ready.