Childminding for grandaughter

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.

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!

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 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!

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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 ?

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.

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.

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.

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

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.