How do you feel about being a step-grandparent?

I am a step granny, but love my ONE (so far) DGD as my own. STILL, if I was working full time, I would not be able to look after her at all as we do now for the one day or one/half day (alternating weeks) as I do now with DH's help. We help out for emergencies, too...eg if she's excluded from nursery due to illness, etc.

He knows I could not do this and DGD's parents know, and I know he could not on his own for more than a couple of hours. She's 2 now, and getting heavy. I cannot lift her in and out of the travel-cot now as my back is wonky from past surgeries. DH is great with her, but not so good with the practical things, like how to properly clean a wee girl's bottom (he had only boys).

So there you are. You know your limits and must stick to them. Otherwise your health could nose-dive in the crucial years when you are trying to hopefully work towards your own retirement. Grown children sometimes do not see their parents as getting older... it's a funny point of view, sort of a compliment, but not a practical one.

Also, her parents know that if they have another child, we will be older and not as energetic and may not be able to do even what we do now with #1 !

If it feels like your both are doing too much, then you ARE! [FLOWERS]

I'm giing to be honest and say that I don't look on my five step grand children as anything to do with me. Their parents and I don't get on and have as little to do with each other as possible. If DH wants to see his children he goes to their houses - they do not come here. It works for us.

really a matter of circumstance.if you are not up to it than dont.

as for the step thing,we never seperated steps,bios,foster,halfs etc.
had 2foster/adopted,i bio and one step.
when people ask i have 4 children.
and 3 gc with a new one on the way.

i couldnt chase the 3 and 4 year olds around for an entire day either.i adore them but dc dont expect me to be a sitter.

You may never have birth GC and may only have step GC.In your shoes I would do all I could to foster good relationships but only you know what you can cope with and we are all different. Goid luck.

We do help out (considerably) with childcare costs Paddyann, particularly due to SD being widowed. We have helped out in lots of way, helped her move when she was ready, dealt with all the paperwork and authorities after her partners death, sat up till all hours listening to her when she needed an ear. And so on....

wish there was an edit button on here ,posted too soon.IF you dont like children its probably best you dont look after them ,but in the circumstances of your SD being widowed perhaps you could help with childcare costs .Our children are ours for life and if we can help we should in my opinion

my daughter has married twice and has two kids from her first marriage and one with her second husband who is an only child.His parents if asked how many GC they have say 3 ,no steps about it ,they love all three and treat them all the same.I really admire them for it .