Do you “Mind ?”

I agree with sodapop, saggi you are doing to much, i always said i would not take or pick grandchildren up from school, i have just been asked to do this for one of my step grandchilldren as they have moved area and it means a new school, and there is no availability at after school club one night, i am dreading it because it means i will have to take a 30 minute bus journey with a 3 year old and 9 month old and a 20 minute walk to school then a return journey. Reading what you do saggi made me realise it hopefully wont be to bad.

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We childmind one day a week and occasional overnight stays or evening babysitting. It has always been clear that whenever we go away other arrangements have to be made and our son has never queried that. The arrangement like that works for us, but wouldn't if we were made to feel tied to the commitment and unable to go away! I feel we have the best of both worlds on babysitting! Only you though can decide what works for you! Whatever you decide it is very important and only fair to all concerned, to be very clear about what you can and are willing to do! That means that if you do one day a week or whatever then a clear discussion about what happens when you go away needs to happen before you start! We always give as much notice as we can and also for short breaks ( 5 or less) we try to our child minding day if possible! Enjoy being a granny!

..... "5 days or less"

I echo these sentiments; I've told my DD (no children yet) that I will help her out when the time comes, but not a regular commitment and she is happy with that. I think communication is the key.

I offered to do a day a week when my DGS1 was born. It was my choice and suited me and my DD1. I was still working f/t but could jiggle hours/work from home etc. so it worked!
I now look after bot sets of DGC 2x week after school. But if we wan to go away we just give advance notice and the DDs sort it! They are grateful for the support we provide and do not begrudge us if we plan a holiday! You have to do what suits you and your circumstances and be absolutely clear in communicating !