Childminding for grandaughter

some of this reminds me of the joyce grenfell song,
i had three brothers, Harold and Robert and James...

Not long after I retired, I looked after DGD 2 says a week when she was a baby, and 1 day a week from toddlerhood to Reception class.
We always went out walking at some stage, we took bus rides (why? because she always went everywhere in the car), occasionally we went on the train. We'd walk into town and have coffee, library, shops. (Surprisingly a lot of little ones' families have everything delivered)
We played board-type games, matching games (both cards and online games). Sometimes we'd watch a film together.
She lives over an hour away, and that's tiring, but it's great.
Advice? Rest when they sleep.

DH and I are in our early 70s and thrilled to have our first grandchild. When she was first born we offered to have her for long periods. She is now 11 months and pretty chunky. It seems modern cots no longer have drop sides and her travel cot is deep. As we both suffer with our backs I think we'll have to wait until she can help get herself out! At least I've got my gardening stool to help me with my dodgy knees when I need to heave myself off the floor.

I looked after my grandchildren 1 day a week for 9 years, (picking up from school and holidays after they went to school) until they recently moved 3 hours drive away. I am still struggling to get my head around no longer having that lovely regular contact and miss them dreadfully, but it was worth all the effort!

Hi and welcome Evergreen
It's very generous and caring that you are planning to care for your DGGS two days a week. As you say you're fit and healthy, so you should be fine.
When I was 69 I started looking after my granddaughter 3 days a week from one year old, now she is at nursery and I have her little brother 2 or 3 days a week, also since he was 1 yr old, he's nearly 2 now. Although very tiring, it's a joy to look after them, and of course, you can give them back at the end of the day!
I try to rest during afternoon nap time which is usually 2 - 3 hrs.
We will soon hopefully have a new baby with our other son and will help them out too as and when needed.
As for making friends, there are lots of grans minding grandchildren and you can meet them at toddler groups or just in the park doing the swings.
Good luck and I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
I nearly forgot my DH helps when he is home, but mostly I do the caring, as in feeding, changing, putting to sleep etc

I have 9 grandchildren aged 14 - 3. I have them twice a week after school and during the school holidays. They all play together in their age range. We bake, craft, bike, go for walks, go to the park and they bring their friends round to play as well. We have a strong bond. We all holiday together. Make the most of them as there will come a time when they don’t come to see you too busy doing other things.

You are all lucky I'm a sprightly 74 year old but for some reason ,I don't know why, I'm not allowed to look after my 14 month old grandchild.Im an ex nurse.The other granny has him every day.Its very hurtful and unfair ,I love seeing him ,but it's only at 3 to 6 weeks intervals,I only live 25 minutes away.Im made to feel odd because I want to see him.

At 63 I looked after my 6month old granddaughter 3 days a week. She was joined 3 years later by her brother at six months. They are 12 and 9 now and I do the school run for my grandson. I’m 74 now and I can honestly say Ive loved every second of looking after them and still do. They kept me active, busy and loved and the bond I have with them makes my heart burst.

I have looked after my grandson since he was 12 months old. Mum & Dad would drop him off on Sunday afternoon and then Mum would pick him up after work on Monday around 5-6pm. He has now just started reception and I’m already missing my special Monday’s. I’m 64 now and still working 4 days a week. Now looking forward to having baby brother in January. He turns one in December. It was my idea to do this and one of the best I’ve ever had.

I’d add get baby food and your meals prepared if possible in advance. When you’re together try to do no housework or as little as possible. Afterwards tidy then sleep for as long as you need to recover! Find out the key things that are important to his mum and dad, naps, food etc and try to be consistent with them. Try to have your own supplies of baby food, nappies, cups, plates, sun cream etc so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have access to theirs at any time. A second pushchair is useful, it doesn’t have to be new but make sure it’s easy to use one handed and lightweight. If you can get any help do, eg a cleaner for a couple of hours, ready meals in stock for after you’ve had him, library story groups, toddler groups etc give you a break too. Above all, don’t have any preconceived ideas about how you expect him to behave and accept him just as he is - we had to tailor our ideas so much to the wonderful little individual that is our gc and every childcare day is full of surprises and challenges. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

I look after my only granddaughter one day a week,I do two days occasionally if needed; she's 15 months now and I have been doing it for the last 5 months; I love having her but there is no off button! I just plan on doing nothing else the day I have her, I make sure the house is clean and tidy the day before and when she naps I put my feet up and have a hot drink. She is still quite young and as all the groups were closed due to Covid we have got into a nice little routine at home just the two of us, we play with toys, go for a walk to see the swans, play in the garden, draw with crayons, do simple jigsaws, look at books together etc. She likes to help me choose what we are having for lunch and we eat together. I have a small box of toys that are different from at home; my son and dil bought a travel cot and second hand high chair, you don't really need lots of things, I have a small supply of nappies etc and she comes each time with her bag (change of clothes etc) It is really tiring but I love spending the time with her and watching her grow. I think age is irrelevant, you know how fit you are and how much energy you have. I would say that two days straight off the bat is a big commitment, is there anyone else who could do one day or even just be back up in case you are unwell? This is a lovely friendly forum if you need any advice. Good Luck!

justwokeup

I’d add get baby food and your meals prepared if possible in advance. When you’re together try to do no housework or as little as possible. Afterwards tidy then sleep for as long as you need to recover! Find out the key things that are important to his mum and dad, naps, food etc and try to be consistent with them. Try to have your own supplies of baby food, nappies, cups, plates, sun cream etc so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have access to theirs at any time. A second pushchair is useful, it doesn’t have to be new but make sure it’s easy to use one handed and lightweight. If you can get any help do, eg a cleaner for a couple of hours, ready meals in stock for after you’ve had him, library story groups, toddler groups etc give you a break too. Above all, don’t have any preconceived ideas about how you expect him to behave and accept him just as he is - we had to tailor our ideas so much to the wonderful little individual that is our gc and every childcare day is full of surprises and challenges. Wouldn’t have it any other way.

Excellent advice justwokeup
Assuming little one's at your house, 2nd hand (sorry preloved), high chair, buggy, travel cot (new mattress obviously) - they're invaluable. Switching car seats is a pain too. (New or one where you know its provenance)
Re buggy - check it's easy to push for your height, lightweight (as justwokeup said) and quick and easy for you to fold while carrying baby or holding hand of toddler.

I am looking after 2yr old 1 0r 2 days a week at the moment [depending on SIL's work pattern. it is a long day 8-6pm and i am exhausted the next day but so enjoyable. I our area daughter can't get help with nursery fees until little one is 3? Perhaps you should check this out. Good Luck!

I had my two DGDs for two and a half days a week from age 3 and the baby was 10 months until they both started school. I was exhausted at first, but learnt how to pace myself, and it got easier. We went to play group one morning, then other days to the park, rhymetime at the library and sometimes a trip on the bus to the supermarket. A few craft activities, baking, stories, and CBeebies when I needed a rest! I was 65 when I started. Continued having them two days a week after school for their tea until they were both at secondary school. Like other posters was so glad to have them and build up a bond.