Minding GC for four days

Hm, I do understand your worries, but think they might be a bit exagerated. Are you generally fit and healthy? Then yes, I would do this. I'm 65 and have my grandchildren (one, two or all three of them) over for several days on a regular base. Works fine. Agreed, I'm not alone, but you could ask a dear friend to check in on your wellbeing a few times a day? That and always keeping your phone nearby with at least one emergency number?

You will be utterly exhausted! It depends how much energy you normally have though. The one year old will need a lot of cuddles and the three year old will need a lot of reassurance that Mummy and Daddy are coming back. You will be juggling on your own - never mind any health issues.

No,no,no! Children are far too young. They could also become ill, have an accident etc. Far too much responsibility. And 4days is too long. I'm sure you'd all be fine but..... When I was a mother of a 2 yr. old I asked my mother (59 at the time) to look after my child as I needed to work away for two days - still within the UK I might add. She refused, saying it was too much responsibility. I wasn't too happy at the time but now as a grandparent myself I realise she was absolutely right.

Just say 'sorry its too much for me'

Love.my grandson to bits and overnight fine but two GCs for four days on your own is too much to ask and exhausting. Explain how you feel and be firm!

Not only would it be exhausting, on your own, it is very difficult. I tried, it was juggling all the time, when to take your shower or even go to the loo!

Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to respond. I did look after the GC in August for 4 days while the parents went away but I had my daughter with me. Even so it was exhausting as the 1 year old wouldn't sleep at night. Unfortunately she cannot help out this time and I don't have a friend who is available to stay with me. I am 71 and do suffer with fibromyalgia which flares up unpredictably. So having read all your detailed replies, I do feel so much better about refusing my son and DIL's request.

Definitely the right decision in my opinion. Their very lucky to have you. Take care.

Well done. And now try to put it behind you - I know I worry for days when I have had to say 'no, sorry, not this time' and that in itself is tiring.
I hope your family are as understanding as mine.

I looked after my grandkids at this age overnight and that was bad enough! I struggled to fall asleep because I was expecting one of them to wake up at any given moment. Then they woke up really early, 5 or 6am. I was exhausted and just wanted their parents to pick them up so I could go back to bed. I could never have had them for four days.

Angela998 neither my DD and Sil or DS and DiL would have dreamt of leaving their 1 year old overnight never mind four nights along with a 3 year old. As toddlers and older children they have all had sleep overs here while Mum and Dad had a night away or out together and I have DH to help out which makes a huge difference.
As others have said four days with children that young would be exhausting, especially on your own and I think the children could very well get upset in the night if their parents aren't there.
I think you should tell them in all honesty that it just feels too much for you while they are so young.

I have four grandchildren. 21 and 18 and 7 and 5.
When the older ones were little I was quite happy to look after them for three/four days-
and I was on my own.
I am now 12 years older and I don't look after the younger two overnight at all. They are extremely lively and, although my health is good, I would worry about my energy levels over a longer period. My family understands this and only ask for daytime care. I'm not sure having people you could call would help that much with your anxiety.

I looked after my two year old liveware of a grandson for FIVE days over the August bank holiday whilst his parents were in Ireland for a posh wedding. Initially they asked me to do it in their home but I felt much more comfortable in my own place as knew people I could call on in case of emergency. Even so I was exhausted on their return and managed to trip up the stairs at work and injure my knee! Follow your instincts is my advice. I am 62 and work full time but still needed days to recover from the onslaught.

4 days is a long time !! The children are very young to be left for so long. It's a tall order and I fully understand how you feel and what your fears are. - God forbid , but things do happen!
You are in a difficult situation but personally I think this is just too big a job and a huge responsibility. You could be ill, the children could have an accident and you would be alone!!!It not an excuse to avoid helping , it's common sense. It is lovely that your DS and DIL have complete faith in you but ..........
Please speak to them , perhaps a shorter break not too far away ? Both children could be distressed and want their parents , think how difficult that would be !? One child would be a no no , but two !!!? Do what is best for you, if it's too much don't do it. Don't think I would , in fact I know I wouldn't. 4 days, no way.
I think GN have given you your answer, I think the parents are expecting far too much. Good luck.

I would say yes but only if you had someone with you, not on your own.

Look after yourself.

When I used to look after my GC as babies/toddlers I had an agreement with a friend who had a key to my flat that she would ring at 7.30 am and if I didn’t reply she would come over and check on us. That was because I had gruesome fantasies about dying in charge!!!

I’d be so excited to do it. It will be ok doing it in there own home surrounded by things there accustomed to. Do you have health anxiety? Have fun with them make memories. Get a friend or family member to call or text or email twice a day so they know you’ve made contact. I think you’re talking yourself out of it.

The physical side of caring for such young children would worry me. Lifting them up, carrying downstairs, etc, especially the one-year-old. I hurt my wrist couple of weeks ago, could barely lift a pillow, let alone a child. Parents are being unfair on you!

Have you had a full day looking after DGC? That would be a bit of a test. If you have no health issues, you are fit and able, don't see the problem but a trial day would let you know just how you feel being alone with the DGC and guve you clear guidance in making your decision.

Too much to ask. I dont like having mine overnight. I get so stressed and can't sleep.

Have you looked after the two of them together before? If not maybe you could suggest doing so for a day to see how you get on, it may possibly be easier than you expect and might allay your fees. Personally I think it's a huge challenge on your own and not one I would feel able to manage at their ages but obviously up to you.

Would it not be more of a 'holiday' for them to come to. your house? You could 'borrow' some of their toys and things that make them be more settled?

In my opinion the children are too young to be alone, without patents. End of. Just say no, it's not an excuse - it's too big an ask.

I did have GD1 for a week when she was three. DS and DIL had gone abroad. Two days in she developed chickenpox and was quite ill. I had to nurse her until her parents came home. They never left her for so long again!

I’ve done it when my granddaughter was 18months. I did three nights. It hadn’t occurred to me that anything would happen, but at the end I was bloody knackered and a bag of nerves. I did it again for one night when my grandson was about two, so I had the two of them overnight (or wax it 10 nights? Might as well have been). Good luck with that.