Is it just me or is this a weird response?

Typical issue caused by texting I think . Maybe it came over as a humourous comment !

That’s what I remember BlueBelle and I don’t think it was very long ago.

I thought Topsy was driving her grandchildren and friend to and from swimming lessons
It’s all very confusing

I think that kids are kids and if I got this text I would probably laugh too.

I wouldn't comment on children's behaviour to parents unless it was something that needed to be addressed like hurting themselves or each other. When I am looking after children it is up to me to manage their behaviour, not text parents that aren't there and can't help

They don't sound like horrible children and I don't understand the fuss really. They aren't going to be happy and enthusiastic all the time.

Germanshepherdsmum I think we are all confused.

OP also posted about her housekeeper not wanting to socialise with her, so if one has housekeeper then I would guess she doesn’t have too big a workload and is perhaps overthinking everything due to having too much time on her hands.

That I didn’t know. I recall a pretty recent thread where she mentioned picking grandchildren up from swimming and dropping her friend off. I’m confused.

Germanshepherdsmum Op mentioned in another similar thread that her RA is at a stage where she has had to give up driving. This would suggest its quite advanced so I'd agree that its perhaps time to relinquish child care.

I didn’t realise OP has RA. I missed that. Good heavens, that would make looking after young children difficult. Sincere apologies for trivialising your post OP. Pain can magnify seemingly small things out of all proportion on bad days. Don’t downplay your condition to your children. They need to understand that you do not have the childminding capacity you once did.

I am appalled to think your D & SiL expect you to do any but the most occasional babysitting if you have RA. It is a debilating illness, especially in it's active phases.

I trust you have by now told them that they cannot look to you for childcare and that the end of half term saw the end of your childcare responsibilities. you now need a good medical to assess your current state of health and get recommendations about how to maximise your health.

Perhaps it was something else you said in the text. None of us can possibly answer your question so I’m at a loss to understand why you asked us. It’s such a trivial thing. Most people post about real problems. I’m not saying don’t post, but if you are so stressed that this small thing causes you seek answers that can’t be given then you do need to see a doctor as suggested before your blood pressure goes through the roof. In the meantime don’t take on so much responsibility for the grandchildren if it’s so stressful for you.

I have also not read your other posts but as Feelingmyage says the word behaving Kinder should not be an issue as they should behave & have respect for you when they are in your charge and your son should be made to instill this to your DGCs.
Take a well earned rest from this and recharge your batteries you sound very stressed.

I haven’t read your other threads but what I picked up on was the word “kinder”. It implied problems I don’t know about but the children should never be unkind to you.
Have a break and then decide how to go forward.

Take that step back topsy, and use it to consider whether you want to withdraw from childcare altogether. Being grateful that a 7 year old behaves for a change speaks volumes. Give yourself a break.

I don't think it's a laughing matter but glad he found it hilarious....probably why they act up as they do.

Yes, I am certainly taking a step back from it all now. Am fighting a losing battle with them all.

I think your SiL may have just laughed because he knows how the grandchildren can act up. As for the children they can be both mischief and moody at the same time. I wouldn't take it too heart it's just like that with families. If you are having a break from childcare enjoy it.

TopsyandTim You stated yesterday that you had health problems, you said your RA had prevented you from driving.

Can your housekeeper perhaps give a little more support?

Well it's a good guess as any with the information given.

Why are you going on about ketchup?
There is nothing wrong with my health thanks. I am stressed stressed and not going to have the grandkids for a while but I am not losing my marbles or anything like that.

TopsyandTim Whatever the reason, looking after your grandchildren is clearly more than you can cope with at the moment.

Speak to your SiL and tell him straightforwardly that at the moment you are rundown, both physically and mentally, and will have to stop caring for the children for the time being, better not be more specific. Do not blame the children.

Try if you possibly can, to see a doctor for a physical and mental checkover. If your GP is unavailable, contact a private hospital. You can get a 30 minute appointment with a private GP for about £100.

But what you need to do before anything is stop your childcare duties, you are at the end of your tether and need a long rest.

It is just you.

It was because of the ketchup.

7 and 9 are going to get mad if things do not go their way - it is normal

As for the laugh, you are overthinking this, from the information given in the original post.

it posted before I had finished. If you are struggling with them it is okay to say you can't have them anymore

maybe he is laughing because children like adults, have varying moods

In the kindest possible way Topsy and Tim, this is your 3rd thread, in as many days, concerning your family relationships. You do seem to be struggling a bit with the dynamics of your relationship with your son, the behaviour of your grandchildren when they're in your care and other relationships in your friendship circle. Wouldn't it be better to sit down and actually speak to them, face to face? If you had a proper conversation with them about your concerns, I suspect that you'd resolve a lot of your worries.