For many women the thought of one day becoming a grandmother fills them with joy, a second chance to enjoy the pleasures that come with watching children grow and flourish.
But for one mother-of-three the prospect of becoming an unpaid nanny, burdened, exhausted and put upon, has prompted her to speak publicly about her unconventional stance.
Councillor Sarah Bevan (Lib Dem, Peasedown St John) will feature in the latest edition of glossy lifestyle magazine Bella after being encouraged to share her feelings by her daughter Sylvia, 21, who immediately thought of her glamorous mum after hearing about an appeal for women in their fifties willing to talk about why they are unwilling to swap their busy lives to raise the next generation.
Sarah, 56, who is also mum to Ollie, 24, and Charles, 15, said: "When my older two were in their late teens just before they were leaving home I wanted to make certain they knew how I felt.
"I didn't want it to come as a terrible shock down the line when I tell them I will not be here to do automatic childcare."
While Sarah, who spent 14 years as a single parent, says she loved raising her own brood she feels her days of juggling the responsibilities of childcare are over as she prepares to enjoy later life with gusto.
She added: "We are living longer and healthier lives and I want to enjoy that. I'm not prepared to start all over again with the school run, ferrying children around and all that.
"I know some people will find it strange because they would love nothing more but I think it is better to be honest with yourself and your loved ones before it is too late."
Sarah said seeing close friends lumbered with the responsibility for their grandchildren while their own children rushed backed to work prompted her to announce her feelings while her children were still at school.
She added: "I think they were surprised that I had suddenly brought up such a far reaching subject."
The story will appear in the magazine which is on sale now.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
