Problems that might seem like small things can be a big deal for little minds. That's where grandparents are especially useful, with advice, companionship and a listening ear.
Wobbly teeth, dinosaur fossils and ice cream flavours were among the topics of conversation when one grandfather in Castlebar caught up with his four grandchildren, for the first time in almost three months.
Ernie Sweeney turned 70 just two days before the Government advised older people to 'cocoon' or shield themselves from the threat of Covid-19.
It put a halt to his regular outings with his grandchildren and a range of activities they were used to undertaking together.
Since late March he has been using video calls to stay in touch with 11-year-old Taylor Jordan and her nine-year-old brother Carter.
Their younger cousins, Hayden and Lilly Collman, have also been taking to the screens to maintain contact with their grandparents.
But with the second easing of public health restrictions, the children were reunited with Ernie on The Mall in Castlebar.
All agree that it is still not the same as it used to be. But it is better than it was.
Continuing social distancing rules mean no hugs or kisses just yet. Instead, a system of hand signals and 'virtual’ hugs are exchanged to show the love so apparent between our older and younger generations.
An emotional Ernie said he felt the excitement of a child in the hours leading up to the reunion.
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In a matter of minutes, he was fully briefed on Lilly's latest loose tooth, Taylor's singing practice, Carter's gardening, and Hayden's ongoing search for dinosaur fossils.
The gathering ended the way all meetings with grandparents should in June - with ice cream for all.
The latest Government advice is for people over 70 to cocoon at home as much as possible and meet others outside where feasible.
Visits to other houses should be kept as short as possible and should not last for more than an hour.
People are being urged to exercise their own judgement when it comes to managing the risk but the Age Action charity says greater clarity is needed.
The organisation’s Head of Advocacy, Celine Clarke, said that until now, public health advice had been really clear.
But she said those who have been cocooning are wondering are they able to return to work or take up childminding activities again.
She has called on the Government to provide more detail to help people understand how they can protect themselves, while still moving forward with their lives in the weeks and months ahead.
Ms Clarke also said people need to understand their own level of risk and that those who were not medically vulnerable need to respect those who are, by giving them space, adhering to social distancing and avoiding designated shopping hours set aside for older customers.
