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Grandparenting

Childcare- 1 Day with 2GC or 2 days with 1?

(54 Posts)
vegansrock Mon 15-Nov-21 07:22:45

Which would you choose - one full day of childcare with 2 Gchildren (ages 3 and 1) or 2 full days with each child on their own?

Eviebeanz Mon 15-Nov-21 07:32:58

I would choose 2 days x 1 child. We have done both. With similar age gap.
We found the experiences very different.

tanith Mon 15-Nov-21 07:34:26

I think I’d go for both together but I have a library, park nearby and a safe garden so lots of places walk and to entertain them. If you are likely to be indoors with them maybe I’d have them separately.

Eviebeanz Mon 15-Nov-21 07:34:42

Sometimes there are days when we look after both children together (while parents work) and it can be exhausting. Also the children get less out of it.

Thoro Mon 15-Nov-21 07:55:31

I’ve looked after my 3 yr old grandson one day a week from a year old, then along came twins!
I have the twins two days a week.
I think in answer to your question it depends on how well the children get on. My 3 year old likes me to be part of his games and wants us to be doing something together!
Even at 9 months I can see that the twins interact with each other so as they grow I think they won’t need me quite as much (well not as a playmate)
Also how much of your time can you spare!

Oopsadaisy1 Mon 15-Nov-21 09:30:44

I did it, the children played well together and when the younger one had naps I could play with the older one on their own or read a story, draw etc.
So I would go for one day.
Small children don’t like to feel left out, (or left at home with their Mum in this case).

GagaJo Mon 15-Nov-21 09:32:48

I think it depends if you still work or if you can spare 2 days. If you are 100% retired and don't have a lot of activities/commitments it would be nice for the children to have you to themselves and get some individual attention. Also a bit easier than having 2 fighting toddlers.

BUT if you don't have a lot of spare time, you could bite the bullet and have them together.

Lesley60 Tue 16-Nov-21 10:34:40

I would get it done in one day, then you would have the rest of the week free.
I find it easier to take them out somewhere than staying in

Coco51 Tue 16-Nov-21 10:40:58

One child each day. Having 5yo twins together has been a nightmare. If one gets upset, the other joins in and they spark each other off. It is much easier to have one twin and/or his older sister (8) but she regards our house as little different from home and her presence seems to calm her brothers

glammanana Tue 16-Nov-21 10:42:36

I think I would prefer to have just one day and get it over and done with,I used to have my 2 x eldest DGS's when they where 2 & 3yrs when mummy went back to work we joined the local library and walked there through the park for story time it spent a good hour or two back for lunch and a nap,the day went very quickly.

Unigran4 Tue 16-Nov-21 10:44:24

My wonderful MiL had 3 children but said that, during the holidays, she took each one out for the day individually so that they had a chance to speak freely without sibling interruption or interference.

I took that advice on board with my two girls and it paid dividends. So when the 4 DGC came along, I took them each out individually and I now have a different, but lovely, relationship with each of them.

I know your two are still quite young, but I think you will be well repaid for having them separately.

Gwenisgreat1 Tue 16-Nov-21 10:53:16

1 day with both, definitely more challenging, but they can and might just entertain each other? Mind you last time I had my 5 year old and 8 year old they were at opposite end of the house making messes!!

MooM00 Tue 16-Nov-21 11:12:03

I think it’s really nice to have each one on different day’s. you can give them your individual attention. I look after my two grandchildren 3 days a week ages 4 and 9 but insist I have the 4 year old one of those days to myself
it’s just magical.

ElaineElaine60 Tue 16-Nov-21 11:12:46

One on each day.
Much easier
But why not try both and see what works for you.

jenpax Tue 16-Nov-21 11:16:54

I look after GC a lot and in my opinion all together is very tiring! However, that said, if you have the energy then one day should be fine and as others have said it gives you more free time.

Juicylucy Tue 16-Nov-21 11:20:02

One day with both.

Kartush Tue 16-Nov-21 11:27:52

I have looked after my great grandson almost since he was born so i am used to only one, now his dads new partner has a little boy the same age so I have two. One is was easier

Danma Tue 16-Nov-21 11:31:39

A day each in my opinion.
This way you all get the best out of each other
You get to enjoy special times with each child and they in turn get your undivided attention

Awesomegranny Tue 16-Nov-21 11:34:24

Depends how fit you are, as with two youngsters they will both be constantly on the go, but two together they are likely to entertain each other under supervision. From a selfish point of view to have them on separate days means you’ll be able to give each your undivided attention and have a great bonding experience

suggsy1 Tue 16-Nov-21 11:43:52

We have the 2 year old grandson 2 full days each week, and the 3 and 5 year old one afternoon. It's fine, but really hard in the school holidays when we have all three some days!

JdotJ Tue 16-Nov-21 11:46:53

Are the grandchildren siblings, or cousins.
If the former I would have them both at the same time so one doesn't feel left out.
If the latter, I would have them separately over 2 days.

katy1950 Tue 16-Nov-21 11:50:14

One day with 2 they will entertain each other

Daisydaisydaisy Tue 16-Nov-21 11:53:52

I agree with Lesley 2 together..I will be looking after My Grandchild one day week next year smile

Riggie Tue 16-Nov-21 11:55:41

I guess it depends on what you do the rest of the week and whether 2 days is eating into your own time?

If they are siblings then there's always the danger of the two days a week, each with one child turning into both children on 2 days a week.

Ginpin Tue 16-Nov-21 11:57:00

When our daughter goes back to work 2 days a week next September, the grandaughters will only be nearly 3 and nearly1 but there will not be a choice of days, she will have to work both days and so will her husband full time. They cannot afford childcare ( vet nurse and he doesn't earn much more per hour than her). She has to keep her hand in with Vet care, but it would be good from our point of view if she only went back one day a week, despite loving the babies dearly.