Childminding for grandaughter

I do this for my 9month old granddaughter and love every minute ?
She’s a ‘high maintenance’ baby needing lots of input so I am pretty exhausted after my 2 days but just enjoy it
Last week we went to the local farm shop for tea and toast and she loved feeding the chickens there and looking at the pigs
Today we are having messy play in the garden with spaghetti …. Followed by the paddling pool to cool off and get clean!!!
I’m 65 with arthritis so crawling round on the floor isn’t easy but I’m determined to enjoy every minute! Before you know it they will be at school and you won’t be needed!!

I was 67 when I did just one day a week (I offered) with Gdd, from 9 to 15 months, when the 2nd baby arrived. I found that fine, since she was still having at least one good nap in the day.

Not sure I’d have offered more, and I didn’t offer for 2 of them, with no simultaneous nap time guaranteed - just too tiring - I really did need that P and Q time. We offered help with childcare costs instead - I do realise we were fortunate to be able to do so.

I/we still do one offs and emergencies though.

Evergreen21 - you will do this and rather than walking into a situation where you will be isolated, you will actually be opening doors into a wider world. At 9 months old, your ggc will benefit from baby music groups, 2-hour play groups, story-reading time in your local library, and of course a push around the park. At all of these things you will meet younger childminders - parents, nannies, and some older ones too. It was my own experience of caring for my first gd for three days a week in my early 60s that I met lots of new friends of all ages - I was welcomed into conversations/communities and met some lovely people, some of whom I still see in a book group. You will only be isolated if you choose to be. Your gd must be so proud to have you as her gm and willing to be so much a part of her life.

I look after my two year old grandson 5 days a week and do the school run for 2 granddaughters. I've done this for a while now and love my time with them. I have a really close relationship with them all. I don't however do this for free I gave up a good job to look after them as it was cheaper to pay me. I'm 57 and fit but it's very tiring and isulating.

I have and still look after my grandchildren when their parents are at work as childcare is so expensive and I want to help them. I take them to the park or when very small to music groups it’s amazing how all the other mums chat to you so it’s not lonely. They also have a few special toys here that they don’t at home so that helps also. I now have a fantastic relationship with my grandchildren that I would not have had had they not been with me a couple of days a week hope it goes well for you.

Have just done 10 weeks of school holidays with our 8yrs and 3 yrs grandchildren. Great fun but there are two of us although we tend to do activities as a foursome. This has been in France where its very common place to see grandparents in charge over the holidays. Good luck Evergreen 21, you will build up a great bond.

I looked after my granddaughter and grandson. My granddaughter now goes to nursery 3 days,a week so only have my 18 month old grandson. Now it seems easy as he naps for a good hour and a half (although l know that won't last). I really miss my granddaughter as she is good company chatting all the time.It has been hard work. I'm 67 and still working 18 hours a week, but l never had the opportunity with my other grandchildren as l worked fulltime. I have said l'll do it while l can as lm in good health. If things changed then it would have to be changed. I'm only doing one day now as.l was doing 2 days a week. It's exhausting but enjoy this time with your grandchild. A few years and they won't need you so much when the little one goes to nursery and then school .

It is a big commitment, and it is exhausting - but it's also very rewarding. We looked after our grandson a couple of days a week while he was a baby, and then we found ourselves plunged into a situation where our son and grandson had to come and live with us. We thought that would only be for a short time, but it was almost 20 months - and we had to look after the little one while his dad worked shifts (throughout the pandemic - he is a police officer). They've only just moved out. I won't lie - it was exhausting and it's probably put years on me, but we had no other option and even though it was so hard at times, it was lovely to have our grandson here and play such a major role in his development.

That's quite a commitment - I wouldn't do it but that just me!

Some people have overlooked the fact that the OP is the great-grandmother.

I was 63 when I looked after my grandaughter 4 days a week 9-3.15, then 4 afternoons til 3.15pm after preschool and school and all day in the school holidays. She is now 13 and knows I am just down the road if she needs me. I don't drive but going on the bus was a novelty to her and on market day everyone on the bus made a fuss of her. I loved it and have a great bond despite teenage hormones. Fortunately I was fit and well, still am at 76 touch wood!

join a mums/nans and baby group, nowadays there are more grans/nans than mums as they all need to work, this will help little one socialise and give you support too

Yes it is tiring but the joy and closeness you get is worth it, look out for churches and the library for play and singing sessions. Pack them a snack and visit a coffee shop for a revitalising drink. Feed the ducks rock in the swings etc. When you need a few minutes calm turn onto CBbs you will soon know various signs from Mr Tumble etc

I’m a registered childminder and obviously have looked after many children including my grandson over the last 32 years. Early years is such very precious time in their life. They grow and develop so quickly. I’ve loved my job but be aware it takes it’s toll on your joints, especially as you get older and the child gets heavier. I’m winding down now and will be retiring work early when I’m 61 ish. Id be surprised if they get funding for 2 year olds, as they would need to have certain circumstances e.g be on job seekers allowance or employment and support allowance if so it is for 15 hours a week term-time. Unless it is something their employer funds? 30 hours term time is for 3+ year olds until school.
Definitely have structure to your day, toddler groups are great. ( just opened this week in my town). Lots of grandparents attend them and can be a lovely place to make friends. The library usually do a baby bounce and rhyme time. Even going to the play parks can be sociable. Take care and I hope you enjoy this special time and bond you will make with your grandchild. I did and have a very close relationship with my grandson ?

I have taken care of my granddaughter since she was 8 weeks old (daughter in law is a dr and strange hours too at times) I drive a half hour outside the city to do this. I had just retired when I started doing it and I do have some health issues severe diabetes is one and I have been in hospital for a week or two here and there but back at it right after. I loved her dearly and it is the only time I see her but I have found it harder lately now she is 2 and a half if I had one change I wish I had put a time limit on it as there is no plan in the works for her to go a daycare or even part time program and I am older now and finding it harder. It sounds like you have it in hand though as far as terms. I don't find it too lonely but I have no time to do anything else as I go every weekday. I am also on my own so there have been times when I struggled physically due health issues. Best of luck to you though as it does build a bond that is very strong between the two of you! As this is my son's child I would never have seen her this much otherwise.

I had my granddaughter one day a week when I was 61 and just retired and my grandson one day a week at 64. I enjoyed all the play, reading, singing, Pepper Pig, Paw Patrol etc on TV. We visited play groups, duck ponds, local and wild life parks. We played shops, school, hairdressers etc as they grew. Nursery and school runs ensued. I took them swimming and still take my grandson, now 6 to his swim lessons, we have a lovely bond and our conversations in the car to and fro are second to none. My granddaughter now 10 has her own friends and interests but they still come for meals and a game of draughts and chess. It will keep you young and in touch with life today, school concerts etc are heartwarming. Enjoy every minute.

Good Luck. It sounds as if it could be exhausting.

Riverwalk

That's quite a commitment - I wouldn't do it but that just me!

Some people have overlooked the fact that the OP is the great-grandmother.

Exactly Riverwalk the OP has cared for children and grandchildren. Great grandchildren are a different ball game.

How lovely to be a great grandma when you are so young! I am nearly 70 and my oldest grandchild is just 10. I used to look after my youngest granddaughter for days (and nights) at a time as her mother was often in hospital with kidney problems. I loved it but did find the nights exhausting. Hopefully he will still take naps and give you breaks. The only advice I would give is that you let people know if you find it is too much for you.
The best of luck to you.

Can you not ask around and find other grandmothers or great-grandmothers who are looking after children of similar ages?

That way you could meet up in the park, if the weather is good, or in each others' houses, the children can play together and you can exchange ideas whilst keeping an eye on the little ones.

Children haven't changed since yours were that age - we may have slowed down a bit, but that is the main difference.

Just be sure you know your granddaughter's dos and don'ts for her child and run ideas about play-mates etc past her.

As with everything there’s Positives and negatives. I’ve looked after my two littlies for 3 yrs now barring a break during lockdown. It’s given me a bad back due to lifting in and out of cars and buggies. It’s very tiring - especially once they give up the nap. I did find it lonely as there were no groups near me that met on the days I had my GC. It’s also sometimes incredibly boring. Sorry but it is. It can be mentally challenging dealing with a stubborn 2 yr old too. Ive lost my temper more than once but fortunately managed to move away from them until I calmed down. OH helped at first but then found excuses to be elsewhere - strangely though they’re both devoted to him. ?‍♀️
Positives are that I have a solid loving bond with both my GC and we’ve had some fun and lots of love.
Whatever you choose I hope you enjoy it. Something that’s worked for us is that since Covid I now have them only every other week, so once they’ve gone I know Ive got a free stretch before they’re here again. Works for both sets of GPs and is easier for planning hols etc. Good luck ?

SingleGram

I have taken care of my granddaughter since she was 8 weeks old (daughter in law is a dr and strange hours too at times) I drive a half hour outside the city to do this. I had just retired when I started doing it and I do have some health issues severe diabetes is one and I have been in hospital for a week or two here and there but back at it right after. I loved her dearly and it is the only time I see her but I have found it harder lately now she is 2 and a half if I had one change I wish I had put a time limit on it as there is no plan in the works for her to go a daycare or even part time program and I am older now and finding it harder. It sounds like you have it in hand though as far as terms. I don't find it too lonely but I have no time to do anything else as I go every weekday. I am also on my own so there have been times when I struggled physically due health issues. Best of luck to you though as it does build a bond that is very strong between the two of you! As this is my son's child I would never have seen her this much otherwise.

Goodness, a lot is expected of you, considering you are single and have severe diabetes!

IMO your son and DIL are taking advantage of you, particularly as you say there are no plans for future daycare etc. As your DIL is a doctor, presumably your son is also a well-paid professional, in which case they should be able to afford at least some paid childcare.

I say this every time, am flabbergasted at the amount of childcare that some grandparents provide.

I feel so lucky that I am able to help out looking after my Grandson. He is 10 now and I have enjoyed every moment. They grow up so fast.Take and print off lots of photos of you together. Make a memory book of your time together for her to look back on in the years ahead.

I’m 72 and did it for one day a week for about a year before lockdown and now planning to do the same for number 2. It’s hard work but fun and you do form a bond. Get some toys that will keep them occupied like Lego rather than cuddly toys. Also books to look at together so they sit still! Then make the most of nap time? Above all try and enjoy it!

I looked after my 9 month old grandson for one day a week when I was 70. It was the first time since my 38 year old daughter was born that I had even held a baby.
It was a complete shock to my system.
I was nervous, and frightened at the same time.
I must say, now that I’m 76 I couldn’t do it again, and wouldn’t want to either.
I think you will find it extremely tiring, but it depends how energetic you are.

Good luck!

Hi Evergreen,

I have been looking after my youngest granddaughter for the past year, just one night and the next day each week as I work the other 4 days. Next week will be my last day with her as she starts nursery. She’s 3 years old.

Obviously it’s been different due to lock down so play centres have been closed etc…
So many of the days we haven’t seen anyone, however surprisingly I have filled the hours I have her , with lots of baking, crafts, gardening. She loves to help, even thought things take 5 times longer. ? I didn’t have the time to spend quality time with my 3 when they were younger so I make sure that we make lots of memories.
I did think I would be lonely as all my friends work but I adore the time spend with GD. (Most of the time)
I must admit though it’s lovely when she goes home so I can put my feet up.
Just enjoy your time, they grow up so quickly.
Park visits are good as sometimes you’ll be able to chat to other parents/ Grandparents.