A mother-of-eight has detailed the realities of becoming a grandmother at just 36 years old.

Ana Washington welcomed grandson Zenith Lee Net, now 22 months, into her life in September 2022 - and she was just 36 at the time.

Proud Ana, from Phoenix, Arizona, always expected to be a young grandmother as she gave birth to Zenith's father, Atayvion, at just 16.

Now, she and husband Trunnell care for their grandson full-time while also caring for Atayvion and their seven other children.

The business owner and esthetician has two sons Atayvion, now 20, and Robert, 15, as well as two daughters Faith, 16, and Ameliah, eight - as well as four stepchildren.

'Life as a grandmother at 37 is a wonderful experience.

'I have the energy to be with my grandson and he makes me want to stay healthy, so that I can be in his life for as long as I can.

'When I'm out, I get a lot of people saying, "Your son is so cute."

'Rather than explain that I'm his grandmother, I just say "Thank you."

Ana, along with her husband Trunnell, wanted to ensure that their grandchild gets the best possible care to help their son.

Atayvion enjoys spending time with his little boy and Zenith's uncle and aunties love looking after him.

Ana had planned on having more children herself until Zenith arrived.

She said: 'I have my grandson full-time, so I don't have much time to go out or do anything. 

'I also own my own business and have four children of my own, so it is a busy, busy, life.

'Finding out I was going to be a grandmother was crazy because I still planned on having kids myself.

'Taking care of Zenith full-time is like having another baby, just without breastfeeding.'

She added: 'My husband and I decided to be there for Zenith full-time.

'We are happy to care for him so that he has the best environment possible.

'My kiddos at home help care for Zenith, so he has the most attention and can be pretty spoiled.'

Zenith is set to celebrate his second birthday this September.