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Looking after grandchildren

(54 Posts)
C4role59 Sun 31-Jul-22 09:59:49

I have been taking my five year old granddaughter to school every day and looking after my two year old granddaughter two days a week for over a year now. It’s a huge commitment and I’m finding it quite stressful, the two year olds behaviour is challenging, the five year olds uniform always needs a press and she’s never done her homework. I gave up my job to care for my Dad who sadly passed away in the first lockdown and I feel as if I’ve swapped one lot of stress for another. I don’t want to do it anymore but feel like I’m letting them down.

maydonoz Thu 04-Aug-22 14:22:10

C4role
You have been doing so much in helping with your DGC but it sounds like it's becoming just too much for you and you're suffering from exhaustion.
I would be inclined to sit down with the parents and explain how you feel.
I think you may want to cut down the work to half what you're doing at present. In this way you won't feel like you're letting your family down. It may come as a shock to them at first but they will have to accept it.
As others have said our AC forget they we are aging and not as energetic as we have been in the past.
I have cared for our 2 DGC usually 3 days a week, sometimes more for about 4 years. This was 1 child at a time so I was able to cope and enjoyed it, mostly!
Now I am starting to care for our youngest DGC 1 day a week, my DS and DIL want to send him to nursery for 2 days which will suit us too. Also my DH is going to be home to help as my arms and shoulders are not as strong as they used to be.
Finally, I would say put yourself first and don't feel guilty about it.
Good luck and let us know how you get on with resolving the situation.

Summerlove Thu 04-Aug-22 14:37:38

Theoddbird

I would love to look after my grandchildren.... I never see them though. Count your blessings....

I find attitudes like this so unhelpful. Im OP has counted her blessings Im sure. However at this stage, doing regular daycare is not a blessing for her.

Why would you invalidate her feelings like that?

icanhandthemback Thu 04-Aug-22 23:01:55

Agreed, Summerlove.