FROM THE EDITOR: Helping to bring generations closer together – even in the most difficult of circumstances

We might not appreciate it when we are young but I know we certainly do the older we get.

Children bring something magical into our lives as the years pass and that feeling is certainly reciprocated.

What is most strange during lockdown is that the safety net which grandparents create is not available – for the very best reason.

These are the times when family networks usually kick in and grandparents ease the pressures on working parents.

Not these days. It is vitally important that we look after our children, of course, but we must also make the most elderly members of our families top priority by keeping away.

That doesn’t come naturally to most of us.

All generations are missing the others but, fortunately, finding new and innovative ways to communicate.

Who imagined Zoom or FaceTime would ever be needed to build bridges within our own families?

Nothing will ever replace a hug but thank goodness for all those wonderful Sheffielders who are doing the right thing, thinking of others and doing what is necessary to protect us all.

Grandparents are missing the company and the support they love to give, while grandchildren are definitely missing out on sweet treats, shared stories from decades ago and those unique snuggles.

I was lucky enough for my daughter to be just able to remember her great grandma.

Those days are particularly precious to me but I know my gran enjoyed them most of all.

Seeing different generations playing with the same toy tea-set and making the most of the same hiding places for games is completely priceless.

Family means so much, no matter who we are and where we lay our roots.

This most unusual of circumstances which we are now facing is difficult for all ages and it puts so much emphasis on these most precious of relationships. I know I’m not alone in looking forward to getting my nearest and dearest back together, poking fun, squabbling over the last slice of pizza and all the ways we share our love.