Going away

My 2DDs are now 10 and 13. We have been having them for weekends and more recently weeks since they were tiny. Admittedly they had each other, but we never had any trouble. First time DD2 stayed she sat up in bed and said "I want Mummy and Daddy". We just said she could talk to them in the morning and she went back to sleep. I think the trick is to keep them busy.Then they enjoy themselves and they forget to be sad.
Have a lovely time with your DD ethelbags. We have done cooking,make your own pizza, sewing, knitting, painting, visits to the cinema, zoo, farms, walks in the woods, cutting, sticking. Endless, 'Nanny McFee' etc, etc Just enjoy

Had two of my grandsons aged 4 & 18 months for a week while their parents went on honeymoon...very tiring for us but the boys were fine. I’m sure a 6 year old will be fine,it will be an adventure for her ?

Distract her with activities, allow for some down time with favourite toys,

She’s certainly old enough for a sleepover with granny.

You haven’t said how often you see her, my local ones have stayed since babies, it’s a home from home. The ones from further away, who I obviously don’t see so often have had the odd wobble, but nothing serious, she’ll love it, and so will you!

We had our GSs stay with us from a very early age (babies even), just so DD and SIL could have a break or date night. GS1 suffered with reflux and cried for the first 9 months so it was good for DD to be able to get some sleep and replenish her batteries. It also helped with our bonding with them, and they've grown up knowing they can come and stay whenever they like. They are 14 and 13 now so have their heads in their Snapchat, Instagram and other apps we have no idea about! I really loved it when they were 6 and 5, grandad would make up stories for them which they remember to this day!

It's important for children to get used to being away from mum and dad. You never know when an emergency might arise (e.g. mum's ill or in hospital).

Just don't get her over-excited and have a lovely cuddly time with her.

ethelbags a six year old is a bundle of fun. I look after my 5 year old grandson sometimes for a whole day, he is very attached to his mother. When he asks for her (he doesn't cry though) I just say "She will be back sometime" and then "Let's do X or Y" and he is fine. I have been known to say "Don't ask me again!" which made him laugh.

Enjoy your time together.

She may do if something goes wrong, but it will pass.

DGD made her first stay with us at about that age - heading for 7. We went swimming the first morning and we said we would buy her a drink in the cafe afterwards. But it was such fun in the water we stayed in the poolmuch longer than planned and the cafe had closed when we got out. There followed a major collapse and cries of 'I want to go home, I want my mummy etc. '.

However we had planned lunch out and by the time we had got to the pub, she had a soft drink and was busy studying the menu for what she wanted to eat (she loves her food), all was forgotten and everything went well for the rest of her three day stay.

So if she does get upset about anything and ask for her parents, just soldier on. It will soon stop once, something else nice is proposed.

As others say, just enjoy it. I was going to say plan some activites but you've already done that.
If you think she might cry for her Mum (I don't think she will) get out some old photos of her Mum as a little girl. At 6 she's ready for a break, and a first step on the way to independence.

I'm a compulsive worrier. They need a break . Im too old fashioned. I've planned all sorts of stuff for us to do, housework can wait it will be a fun weekend. I just hope she doesn't cry for her mum.

Can't see the problem - just enjoy!

You are worrying too much ethelbags1 your granddaughter will enjoy time with you if you just relax. I had all my grandchildren without parents from a much earlier age. It's good for children to have a little independence from their parents and time for you both to enjoy each other's company. Don't over think this.

She is just 6.

How old is she?