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Childcare expectations

(14 Posts)
boo12 Sun 01-Mar-26 18:16:59

I have a reasonable relationship with my dil . I keep my opinions to myself and try to be supportive.
She had my granddaughter a year ago . She struggled massively. She was an easy baby but she openly wanted a boy . The problem is she has long Covid .
She claims disability it’s that bad . They have announced she is pregnant again .
I have been very involved to the detriment of my health , the choose to ignore this .
They are very angry as iv said I won’t be baby sitting 2 babies overnight as I have with the little girl . In fact my health has declined from the stress ( my fault not putting boundaries in ) she has no family . There isn’t anyone else . They seem to find general toddler behaviour. We have had a row as I have joined a woman’s group that means I can’t give her a break every week ( I have to rest alot as I’m very unwell - organ failure but controlled )
She doesn’t work but said because of her illness she needs a rest . She said I’m selfish .
I feel awful but I can’t cope. Iv had 40 years of babies .

boo12 Sun 01-Mar-26 18:19:37

Sorry it should say they find toddler behaviour difficult. Like running about and grabbing things .

Wheniwasyourage Sun 01-Mar-26 19:07:39

You have seen, and commented on, the thread started by Jules777, boo12. Take the supportive messages on that thread for yourself. We have all done our bit in the past, and should be aware of what we can or can't do as we get older. Stay strong!

boo12 Sun 01-Mar-26 19:14:32

Wheniwasyourage

You have seen, and commented on, the thread started by Jules777, boo12. Take the supportive messages on that thread for yourself. We have all done our bit in the past, and should be aware of what we can or can't do as we get older. Stay strong!

I’m new and I have to say it’s been a shock seeing how common it is . I posted the thread and others popped up .
I had thought it was just me !

boo12 Sun 01-Mar-26 19:18:06

I don’t want to seem horrible . I love them dearly and will the new baby . But when it’s due we are on holiday so I can’t help .
It’s nice to know I’m not alone x

Hithere Sun 01-Mar-26 19:29:18

You need to take care of yourself and you have the right to set your own limits.

boo12 Sun 01-Mar-26 19:35:29

Hithere

You need to take care of yourself and you have the right to set your own limits.

I will be honest I find it very difficult to. Always have . But now I have to learn . But in a kind respectful way x

Grannytomany Mon 02-Mar-26 02:26:11

I have 17 grand and great grand children so have done my share of baby sitting over the years. But I was always expected to always have the child or children overnight and regularly from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime so the parents could have a break and a lie in after their night out. This seems to be the modern way. But when I was being expected to have a 6 month old baby (who still woke in the night for a bottle) and his 20 month old sibling who was also a poor sleeper I plucked up courage and said no, no more overnights. And although I offered willingly to babysit at their house so they could have an evening out, the parents took umbrage and never again asked me to have the children. I was a bit sad about that but I’d just got too old to be looking after children so young during the day and through the night up and down with them.

NotSpaghetti Mon 02-Mar-26 07:20:33

They will get over it I think.
Look after yourself and enjoy your women's group.

Ironically, (if you read my comment on the other thread), the family we said "no" to when they asked about regular childminding visited yesterday. My son said, " why aren't you getting out and about more and going away and having more fun?"
grin

He sees it now. This is our time whilst we still can and when our main responsibilities are over.
Of course he doesn't realise that we don't always want to be hopping off to different places these days!

Thinking of you.
flowers

Smileless2012 Mon 02-Mar-26 08:40:34

If your d.i.l.'s health is making it difficult for her to cope with the child they already have, why have another? confused.

boo12 Mon 02-Mar-26 20:11:46

Grannytomany

I have 17 grand and great grand children so have done my share of baby sitting over the years. But I was always expected to always have the child or children overnight and regularly from Friday evening to Sunday lunchtime so the parents could have a break and a lie in after their night out. This seems to be the modern way. But when I was being expected to have a 6 month old baby (who still woke in the night for a bottle) and his 20 month old sibling who was also a poor sleeper I plucked up courage and said no, no more overnights. And although I offered willingly to babysit at their house so they could have an evening out, the parents took umbrage and never again asked me to have the children. I was a bit sad about that but I’d just got too old to be looking after children so young during the day and through the night up and down with them.

I’m so sorry to hear that . That is a lot to cope with there is no way I could . You haven’t been unfair at all . X

boo12 Mon 02-Mar-26 20:13:27

Smileless2012

If your d.i.l.'s health is making it difficult for her to cope with the child they already have, why have another? confused.

I think I read that ! That’s the thing we want a slower pace . And children are quick . This site has helped a lot Thankyou x

boo12 Mon 02-Mar-26 20:17:22

Smileless2012

If your d.i.l.'s health is making it difficult for her to cope with the child they already have, why have another? confused.

Sorry posted to the wrong person . I worry about this but feel unable to say anything . It’s very difficult.

boo12 Mon 02-Mar-26 20:21:20

I have told them I can’t do over night stays unless it’s an emergency. I want to be involved but I’m in and out of hospital and have organ failure. I want to enjoy my years of health . I don’t know how many I have . I love babies but I’m just too ill now . They are cross . Iv apparently ruined her gender reveal - which is next month ? ! By saying this . I think I might be ill that day .