Being a grandparent is one of the most important and special things in life, according to Ian and Rodney Martens who have four grandchildren.
The GemLife Maroochy Quays residents embrace their roles as nanny and poppy with enthusiasm and consider themselves lucky to be able to see their grandchildren every week, and be such a relevant part of their lives as they grow up.
“Our grandchildren, who live close by, are all really special and so innocent. They are curious, adventurous, love asking questions, and they say the funniest things,” said Jan.
Do any of them take after their nanny and poppy?
“Our eldest granddaughter is a problem solver like Rodney, and young Hamish is very considerate of others, like me,” she said.
While Jan and Rodney both work, spending time with the grandchildren – Mila 8, Hayden 6, Hamish 5, and Jaxson 4 – is a priority.
“Rodney works full time and I work three days a week, but I pick up my eldest son’s two children from school every Wednesday, see my daughter’s two children every second day, and everyone, including my bachelor son, comes over on Sunday for a family lunch. It’s a tradition.”
Jan says finding things to keep the grandkids occupied has never been a problem.
“All the grandkids love swimming, riding their bikes and scooters and playing tennis. They also love to help Nanny cook chocolate cakes and lick the beaters afterwards. They are also chocoholics, which I am sure they have inherited from us,” laughed Jan.
Camping, watching Disney movies such as Frozen, and having long chats with their grandparents are also among their favourite things to do, according to Rodney, who says there is always YouTube if they run out of ideas.
“The opening of the resort’s new country club here means the grandkids will have even more options available because they love ten-pin bowling, watching a movie in the cinema and so much more. I doubt they will want to go home at the end of their visit!”
Having recently moved into GemLife Maroochy Quays, the couple look forward to their grandchildren staying overnight.
“We get precious time with our grandchildren while their mum and dad get a break from routine,” said Jan.
Prior to moving to the Sunshine Coast 20 years ago, the couple owned a home on a 2.4-hectare site which also had a swimming pool and tennis court. “We had three children of our own and all the neighbour’s kids would come over as well. We loved being surrounded by children,” said Jan.
The couple say they are truly blessed at GemLife Maroochy Quays where they were able to secure a beautiful home with a big backyard and a picturesque bush backdrop, giving them plenty of room for their regular Sunday family lunches.
“The grandchildren bring so much joy to us. They enrich our lives in many ways and we feel lucky to have them so close,” the couple said.
“They are all beautiful. We never find them demanding and we spoil them whenever we can. The moments you miss you can never get back … so we make the most of every moment we have.”