On this week’s So You Think You’re an Adult, there is tension among one family after it’s been revealed the granny was a Burlesque dancer. 

“During a recent family trip, my gran revealed she was once a “famous” burlesque dancer before she moved to Ireland,” the listener told Moncrieff. 

“She even showed us old photos of her performances, which were quite risqué for her era. 

“Now, my conservative parents are upset, claiming she's setting a bad example for the younger family members. 

“I find her past fascinating and empowering, but it's caused a rift in the family.” 

The listener isn’t sure how to learn more about their grandmother’s past without alienating their parents, especially just before Christmas. 

Parents should 'wise up'

Writer Barbara Scully said too many people think “old people came out as old people”. 

“They think they were never actually younger people who kind of were very similar to younger people now, except the era was slightly different,” she said. 

She said concerns that the granny will have a bad influence on the grandkids are “bizarre and ridiculous”. 

“I mean, one of the great things about having your grandparents around and still alive is the stories,” she said. 

“My generation, we generally lost our grandparents when we were kids, and so many times recently, I'd love to sit down with my granny or grandad and have a chat about their lives.” 

The listener should tell their parents to “wise up” and embrace stories from the granny, according to Barbara. 

“I wouldn’t make a big deal about it – just tell the parents to get over themselves,” she said.  

'Granny had a vibrant life'

Broadcaster Declan Buckley said it’s good to acknowledge elderly people, although they’re conservative now, were once “vibrant”. 

“If you’re older and you’re perceived as being ‘Granny’ like ‘Granny needs tablets, Granny needs attention’ - no, Granny had a very vibrant life,” he said. 

“A very vibrant and sometimes very risqué kind of life, and it’s good for people to know that.” 

Declan said concerns about the granny influencing the children are completely unfounded. 

“Just because she’s sharing stories, it doesn’t mean everyone under 30 is going to run to the Burlesque club,” he said. 

Both agreed the parents simply need to be told to get over themselves.