Exhausted with entertaining grandchild

I haven’t had my grandchildren here throughout the pandemic but prior to that one used to have a sleepover sometimes and it exhausted me. Especially as his parents wouldn’t allow him to watch too much tv or dvd’s, so early morning wake ups used to exhaust me and I’d struggle for the rest of the day. Now they’ve got another child they seem happy to let them watch more tv though….

Do you have to have him for 3 days? couldn’t you negotiate with the parents to pick him up after his tea.?

I find that Grand-kids can keep you younger - Mentally, physically and spiritually. Just like any endeavor that improves you, it's a workout. I do remind myself that whatever activity I may have planned for them, they area really only learning from me, how to interpret the world, create, build imagination and feel safe.

I have read every comment and you’ve given me precious ideas. Thank you!

At that age, he should be able to entertain himself- colouring, playing, books, etc.

Yes, it is exhausting, including for parents!

He is up at 5am and will nap for about 45 minutes after lunch. Bedtime is 7:30pm. He doesn’t watch television, he has a hard time sitting still for 10 minutes while eating. He is an adorable little boy, just extremely active. He must always be standing, jumping, running. He is diagnosed as hyperactive and hypersensitivity. Bath time is out of the question, he will not sit in a tub. We wash him in the shower and very very quickly. I do value our time with him, I guess I would enjoy it more if it was a day rather than two or three in a row.

I find young children to be like dogs require plenty of excercise.
Out in the garden whenever possible.
Summer toys Paddling pools or just water in a bucket, mud pies.

Spring time planting seeds. Dh and grandsons built bug house.

Winter or anytime in UK puddle suit and wellies for splashing in puddles.
Sledging (easy to get about with child and bit of shopping on a sled
Autumn collecting leaves acorns cones etc.
Jumping in piles of leaves.
Making piles of leaves with mini broom.

Play park
Swimming.
We have NT, English Heritage
(used tesco points for joint senior membership) and Rspb memberships. (£5 Month includes a magazine several times a year and our three grandsons each receive a junior magazine with craft stories and games.)

Throughout the year the a ove all run children's activities.
Including pond dipping and mini bug hunts.

English Heritage sites are great for kids scrambling in and around old ruins.

My grandsons were very helpful with housework, they loved having a duster or pushing hoover over the rug.
When hanging out washing, we a had a game where we would chase each other trying to attach a peg to the others jacket.

Picnic are great fun, just a few bits and bobs and a bench in the park or in the garden.

If you can check out local FB for children's activities in your area

I was lucky in that our village had a grandparent and baby/toddler club on a Thursday and the library had parent/ carer and young children's morning one day a week.

I'm sure there will be toddler groups that are now up and running again.

Hard work but fun with added advantage of bit of post Christmas exercise.

Please be mindful that in a blink of an eye your grandchild will be at school and before you know it teenagers.

There's a great children's alarm clock that has a sun and moon and stars. You can set the alarm and the child doesn't get up until Mr Sun appears. My GD loved hers.

The temperature here is minus 15 so playing outside is not an option, unfortunately.

My 4 year old Grandson is exhausting but when its time for some TV I purposely put on Shaun the Sheep as he won't let
me watch it with him because I laugh too much, that sheep needs an Oscar, so funny!

How about setting an alarm and telling him he can get up when it rings ?

I notice you use the word 'entertain'. A three year old doesn't need to be entertained all the time, he needs to be occupied, and he needs some time playing by himself with his toys. I expect it is like Christmas for him with two adults at his beck and call; you need to establish him with toys and activities with you nearby but not actively participating.

Include him in 'helping' with household activities, as I am sure his parents do, and give him a space to make a mess, as long as it is cleared away by meal/bed times. You do not need to be out of bed at five fifteen am playing with him ; give him some toys and books and tell him when it is time to get up!

Talking incessantly I am afraid is very difficult to control, but you do learn a certain detachment.

Yes, it is boring. I found it helpful to have a timetable so that I knew the boring activities would have an end.

If possible go out to activities where there are other people, toddler groups, playgrounds, soft play.

When my granddaughter was three her parents flew to Copenhagen for a few days. I stayed at their place in Kew to look after her. Each morning I set my alarm for 5 am so I could get up and shower before she woke. We watched CBeebies, spent a lot of time in Kew Gardens and played with toys. By day two I was exhausted so rang my younger son who lives in London and asked him to come over. He was happy to. By the time I was back home I could have done with a holiday! She is five now and so much easier to entertain. She loves a day at the V&A with lunch in the Members Room.

http://I wish we could edit - I forgot thee link sleeplady.com/napping/weekly-toddler-and-baby-sleep-tip-to-nap-or-not-to-nap-for-my-3-and-4-year-old/

Children of that age seem to have no "off" switch but not to young to either be persuaded to do something else apart from playing with the same toy all day long!
There are times in the day when a short spell of tv come in very handy - either something like Cbeebies or CITV or perhaps a DVD that has short stories on it. If he likes trains, Thomas the Tank Engine is great or even Fireman Sam!
After lunch, I always have instigated a rest time - either popping them back into bed for just 30 minutes to an hour with some music or a picture book. It will at least give you and your husband a break to sit and have an extra cuppa or even a nap! Most children are kind and if you just say that you need a rest they will understand.
My parents used to take it in turns to be the one to get up with their grandchildren at 5.30 am and take them downstairs for a drink , while they had a cup of tea - that was often when the DVD used to be put to use!

Peasblosson made a good point. Also (and I risk being shot down here too) what's wrong with an hour's TV when you return from your trips to the park?
I seem to remember my children had a 'nap' after lunch - is that a 'false memory'? Your DGS sounds unusually active if he's waking at 5am and staying awake until bedtime? How many hours a night would you say he sleeps?

Peasblossom, I couldn't agree more . Have worked with pre schoolers most of my working life and have been an education tutor on the NNEB course.Children need time to play, explore and discover without constant adult intervention! We provide a safe and stimulating play environment assist and encourage the children in their play , but remember to watch and listen to them without constantly disrupting their creativity.

The Elf shouldn't be on the shelf after 6th January!

They'll be staring at a screen before you know it, wanting to play Minecraft or some such game.

You are doing a lot ! and to answer your question , there is nothing wrong with you and your husband! I am not on Grandma duty just now due to Covid. I have to say I do not miss the early mornings!! When I was up early for child care I woke feeling overwhelmed with the prospect. I took care of my elder daughters children some years ago - no problem, but I am older now and notice the difference. May I suggest you and your DH have a chat and decide how much ( if any) childcare you can offer - perhaps sleepovers can be stopped? Form a united front and speak to your AC, sometimes our AC forget we are getting older , we are still capable Mum !! Not sure if this is your only GC if so there may be more, so please speak to the childs parents asap, set your boundaries and please stick to them . I am very maternal and always worked with children so it is hard for me to accept my limitations. Go for it , stuck to your guns and only offer what you know you can manage. Good luck.

But an elf would help greatly I believe ...

Washes his elf ???? sorry self !

Every child is different but yes I can get exhausted too even though I am fit and active ! Early mornings are the hardest but we have agreed that there is nothing wrong with sitting quietly watching Paw Patrol etc together until the world wakes up and I’ve had two cups of tea. We chat together about what we are watching - and this is with a very active chatty 3 year old - and it just helps create some space. That’s more or less the only telly as he’s bored after an hour . I agree constant attention from grandparents is a hard treadmill to get off and I have had to pull back from giving it as I think it can be too much for both parties. He can entertain himself if he gets set off on things and is absorbed, as long as I’m available if needed . It’s a bit like bedtime training - wanting constant attention gets to be a habit and it can be changed bit by bit. I do think it’s good for children to lear self reliance and maybe to get bored sometimes .... Sometimes we just sit and make up songs or stories. A trip to the baths is always good fun. I also involve him in helping with household chores - it’s a bit chaotic as he unmakes the bed and washes his elf instead of the dishes and puts the eggshell in the scrambled egg but he is getting the hang of it. Training him up for the future ?. You can’t really tire children out - it’s either stop or go ! But having fun tips the balance ...!

I feel very blessed to have my 2 year old GS as all my other GCs are in their teens.
I treasure the time I have with him as I know how quickly they grow up.

Yes, I have a 2 and a 1/2 year old grandson, whose mantra is “Nan, can you help me?” - he will not sit on his own and play with his toys and anyway, why should he, bless him. So when he’s with me, he gets my full attention. I’m also scared he will put something in his mouth and choke on it.