Gransnet forums

Grandparenting

don't panic

(32 Posts)
grannyqueenie Tue 30-Apr-19 14:01:20

Definitely ask for pushchair advice, and get them to write it down, if you're in a flap you'll not remember what they said! I’m the granny who in desperation had to accost a young mum in the street, she gave me the heads up on the magic button on the buggy - the one that stopped the whole thing folding itself up as I walked along. Thankfully gd was too young to “tell on” me. Good luck!

tanith Tue 30-Apr-19 13:42:05

Don’t forget to get formula do’s and dont’s if the baby is still bottle fed.

Sara65 Tue 30-Apr-19 12:53:31

I definitely second getting someone to show you how to put the pushchair up and down! They’re a nightmare these days!

janeainsworth Tue 30-Apr-19 12:52:40

Do the children live a long way from
Dunstable?
Can you go and see them before the big weekend so they get to know you a bit?
I agree with Feelingmyage about getting written instructions from the parents.
Try to dissuade the parents from FaceTiming the children.
When we have looked after DGCs for a few days it’s the one thing that upsets them!!
You’ll be fine I’m sure. Feel flattered that the parents trust you to look after the DGCs.
Don’t forget to grow that extra pair of eyes in the back of your head before you gogrin

Blessmissdunstable Tue 30-Apr-19 12:42:58

Ohgodthepushchair - !

Those are excellent points and encouraging thoughts, thank you so much smile

Feelingmyage55 Tue 30-Apr-19 12:37:06

Keep calm and carry on - seriously get the parents to make lists, - timetable of routine, usual food prepared in usual way, likes and dislikes, favourite books, toys, music. Arrive the night before if possible and shadow the normal routine. Clothes laid out, bath time instructions and usual soap. Words for the toilet. Check how to put the pushchair up and down and the brake. Ask if someone well known to the children ie nursery friend and parent can come round and walk to the park together. Lots of fresh air if possible and tire them out. Is the garden safe, also the staircase. Otherwise, enjoy the cuddles, getting to know them better and treat yourself in the evenings. This could be the beginning of a lovely, deeper relationship. They trust you, take it as a compliment. I am sure you will rise to the occasion. Let us know how it goes.

Blessmissdunstable Tue 30-Apr-19 12:26:34

Helphelphelp - agreed back in February to babysit 3 and 1 year old granddaughters from Friday to Sunday while Son and DIL attend a distant wedding. The playdate weekend is coming up fast. It now occurs to me - not a moment too soon, you might think - that I haven't looked after a 1 year old on my own since 1988, and that I never did get on all that well with under 5's. These children don't really know me. I rarely see them. This is a disaster. What was I thinking. Why on earth did I agree. Heart rate rising. Too late to cancel. Apart from taking deep breaths, what do I do now?