Managing tiredness

As petra says, no guilt about using the iPad/telly. It's brilliant. As long as it's a short session and she's not left alone with it. I bring up kids' songs that we sing together, and some YouTube stuff, such as Jeremy fisher, the ballet version. Lots of lovely music. We look at nursery rhymes and sing along to those. For when I need to prepare food or do something else I put CBeebies on. I don't do any of these things for long, but when we do, we make it fun. If OP is doing this daily then I feel that's rather too much, and if the mum can afford nursery, preschool, or whatever playgroup is called these days, then go for it. I won't see mine into adulthood either, but just glad to have them at all and enjoying them now. I don't do anything on a regular basis btw. If you are, then definitely discuss with her parents.

To help a toddler into a car seat, put a little plastic step (the kind used for tots in toilets and to reach the sink in bathrooms) on the car floor in front of the child seat and get him/ her to climb up. They love it and it saves our backs. My DGD is over 3 now and we've been doing this for 2 years.

I'm wondering if you have her every day. If so it's no wonder you're tired.
My 70th is looming and I also have a chronic medical condition. I only do 3 afternoons a week but still find it very tiring. Even getting him into his car seat is a struggle!

Yet I cope with a massive garden but kids are both mentally and physically a handful.

If you're doing childcare every day perhaps you should suggest a few sessions in nursery.

Wishing you well

Don't feel guilty about using the TV or tablets as entertainment.

Useful post gettingonabit, I keep to a routine too. I keep a few basic favourite toys in a basket downstairs, play dough is a must. The rest are tidied away and are swapped around or brought out occasionally. I buy bits and bobs from the pound shop to ring the changes.
We do a bit of quiet time watching TV after lunch as my DGD is 3 and doesn't nap now.
I sometimes go to a friends house, who is also looking after her DGD, for a couple of hours in the morning, or they come to us. This works very well.
I have taken her to the local toddler group but she doesn't really enjoy it.
I have a swing and a slide in the garden and they are an absolute godsend.
All the best.

2 is relentless. At that age, dd had a schedule (for my benefit, not hers).

7am. Up.
8am.Dress.
9-10. Play/story/make a mess.
10-10.30. Clear up mess/get ready to go out.
10.30-12. Out (park/library/little group etc).
12 lunch and play.
1.30. Bed for nap.

3. Up and more play.
4. Maybe park again.
5. Tea.
6. Pyjamas.
6-7. Play.
7. Story/bed/milk.

I would intersperse with walks to the shop/strolls around neighbourhood.

How much time is your DGD with you? Is it every day or is she living with you?

If you are 70 and have a life-limiting condition, then it is not surprising that you are struggling with tiredness - 2 year olds are pretty lively!

My OH and I look after a 3 year old DGD all day on a Monday and a 17 month old DGS all day on a Friday. My OH is 70 and has PD and I am 68 and have some mobility problems. We do find it very tiring indeed. We have deliberately arranged the days so that we have a few days to rest between each child.

That is why I am asking about the amount of time that you are committed to this task.

I am also 70 and my grandchildren are a bit older (7 & 9) and therefore easier.

I'm sorry but much as I love looking after them, it is exhausting. I actually do not feel old until I have a day with them.

Occasionally we have them for three days and my OH has been known to dance on the step as they go back with their parents! (and then there is an undignified dash to the pub)