Looking after Grandchild ?

Being able to look after your grandchildren would certainly be a moment of joy and excitement. I suggest you have a proper talk with the parents to know more about the child since parenting has changed a way different from that of past.

Mine is normal a Saturday so mum and dad can have a night to themselves. Me and grandkids have a takeaway or whatever they want for tea then we watch a movie and have some chocolate. Sleepover and go home after dinner. My son and daughter inlaw know what we do. But it’s treat night at my house. Kids love it and so do parents as it gives them a night off.

Have some age appropriate toys and books (2nd hand shops are great). Crayons, paper, paints, plastic sheeting for floor when grandchild old enough to do these things. High chair, cot/or something to sleep in, spare nappies, bum cream in case you run out. We always had a buggy (still have) as there is a lot to drop off each morning and was easier. Over the years we have got more toys/games, scooters, balls etc. DD1 clears out after Christmas and we and other GPs get the old stuff - now age range is 3 ¾ to 8 so am getting rid of baby things now. Follow DDs timescales and rules.

Hi - moving soon and will be nearer grandchildren who are 2 and almost 4 - they are cousins. I’m not doing regular looking after (as far as I know !!) and will see them mostly separately . My g/s (almost 4) is very lively ( but obedient most of the time !) I want to do calming but absorbing activities with him ( once we have run off the energy) He loves the usual - dinosaurs - Lego - trains and cars. Any brilliant ideas for crafty things ??

Sorry - thought I’d started a new post, didn’t mean to gatecrash this one ....

This Thursday will be our first child free Thursday in 6 years, as the youngest goes into preschool,nursery. We will be collecting him and his brother after school so it isn’t over yet.

If you have other children beware, what began for us as one infant became 4 in two years.

We bought second hand high chairs, other equipment and some toys etc from our local buy and swop Facebook page. We were lucky, the parents were entirely happy with our care, even accepted dinasaur chicken shapes as part of lunch. Establish rules or at least expectations on biscuits, sweets, treats - much easier to say no