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

The children would get more out of it if looked after separately but it depends how much time you want to commit to.

You don’t say if they are siblings or cousins if siblings I’d take them separate so they have nanna time but if cousins I’d take together as I’ve 2 granddaughters with 3 months apart lol so it’s like having twins and both love when we have a day together because they play with each other. But my grandsons I take separate because they get a break from each other lol

What a joy to have a chance for a full day of 1-1 with each gc

I would definitely have both children together, unless the elder is still jealous of the baby.

This is after all the period of their lives where it is essential that the two children really can begin to feel that they are siblings.

In my experience looking after two children is no more tiring than one at a time.

To start off with you will be tired whatever you do, but once you have established a routine for all three of you, that will wear off.

Or at least, if it doesn't you will have to regretfully inform their parents that you are too old to look after such small children.

I looked after my elder grandson for two days a week but following the birth of the second, I looked after them both for one day a week. Although, this was sometimes extended and my husband and I have looked after them both for half terms or mini breaks with them.

If you have them separately, they will speak freely. Some years ago I had my 4 year old grandson for the day, but he was unusually sad. After gentle questioning, he burst into tears and said he thought his Mummy was going to die because she kept being sick.

Further gentle questioning revealed that it only happened in the morning when he was getting ready for nursery school, but he felt sure she was sick whilst he was away.

I rang my daughter when he had gone home and asked when the baby was due. "How did you know I was pregnant?" she asked. "Just an inkling," I said, " but I think you should let (DGS) in on the secret!"

Depends if you're talking occasionally or regularly. I would really like a day with each as they're so different but I would take whatever was on offer.

I prefer to have mine separately, although we only get the elder one for a full day in the holidays - he's 8 and his younger brother 3. I've had them together but it's extremely hard work, partly because of the age gap but also because they're so very different and there tends to be a lot of squabbling! I'm 63 but have an ongoing health issue so I'm not as fit & able to cope as I'd like to be. I enjoy them best individually & look forward to Gramma Wednesdays with the 3 year old & after school Tuesdays with the big one.

Vegansrock, that is an interesting question. Depends how old / fit you are ! I would probably go for two days , one child at a time. Two children competing for your attention can be difficult. Keeping your eye on two and keeping them safe is quite a task. No matter how well they play together there will be arguments from time to time. Also may depend on whether you live alone or have a partner who can lighten the load ! If you are alone it can be complicated dealing with one who needs changing or visit to the loo and having to leave the other child to his / her own devices. It only takes seconds for an accident to occur. Good luck whatever you decide , if you find you have made a mistake don't worry about changing the arrangement.

Jone day with both for me.

Neither, my mother never had any of my 3 children and I worked full time with all of them, I took my younger son as a baby in a car seat to a board meeting and sat him alongside my chair he is now 29. I have one grandson and I see him for days out, a few hours and the odd evening when I am required but his parents organise their daily routine for work. He goes to nursery and at other times goes with mum or she works from home. Dad looks after him on his days off.

Pros and cons for both, it is nice for the children to spend time without each other though

I look after my 2 GC together 2 afternoons a week but would like it better if I could have them for a full day together, so for me it would be the latter.

When I was younger (60+) I had my twin GDC for one day a week when they were about one year old . They entertained each other and it was such fun to be with them despite then always went off in different directions ! . Now 10 years later I have trouble looking after my GDC aged 10 and 5 . Age gap is a problem and my age is too. They constantly bicker and wind each other up . So your age is definitely a consideration. I also think they would like some individual time with you if you can spare it . But don’t fall into the trap of having both 2 days a week which could be very easy “ as you’re already with one Mum…. “

I worked different shifts and looked after all my 4 grandchildren as soon as the maternity leave finished, so at one point I had a ( 1yr 3yr 4yr & 7yr old) from 7am till around 6pm sometimes 3 days in a row as they were from 2 different families who both worked different shifts. It was hard, but my goodness it was rewarding and never a dull moment. They bounced off each other and kept each other company, and I witnessed each of them learning skills off each other.
One of my grandchildren was really quiet and withdrawn and you'd be amazed to see them now, thanks to the interaction with the other 3. I had my special moments with them at the quiet times or all of them at the same time. A lot of cousins grow up and are not that close, but all my grandchildren who are now 8, 10, 11 and 14, are extremely close and we all have an amazing bond. They also learned a lot of lessons from each other as depending on which one got into trouble, the others knew not to follow suit. If one stood out to do something really well, the others followed suit. Yes they learned a lot from their parents, grandparents teachers etc, but what they learned from each other about sharing, depending, helping, forgiving and loving, was priceless.
I still look after all of them although the situation has changed slightly and I look after 2 and 2, and only all 4 of them occasionally. I also put in place a day every 2 weeks weeks (to let the parents get some "together time" where all my grandkids and their dog stay over at ours and we all do something fun together on the weekend, it warms my heart to see them all excited to see and meet up with each other, after they've all squeezed the life out of me running through the door, calling out for each other, absolute joyful chaos..... I love it.

I had Gd1 from 6 months one day a week, then along came Covid and GS (they are siblings). So, mostly I have them both and when he has a nap we get out the "special" toys that we cannot trust him near (eg beads straight in his mouth and crayons, well I just don't trust him!!) Sometimes their Dad used to have Gs as he used to sleep quite a bit and I had Gd We play it by ear and their occasional concern regarding Covid exposure has given me some relief (every cloud!) even though it has also been a worry, of course. I'd try to mix it up if you can, but I do love having both on the same day, they're family after all! Just try to do what makes everyone happiest. They are not very young for very long. Our 3xyr old is going on 30!! Her M calls her the threenager!!

Definitely 2 days with 1 child.

Are the GCn from the same family or cousins?

I look after my 2 granddaughters 2 days a week together. They are both 18 months old and it can be quite challenging especially when both tired or hungry. I nearly had a breakdown when they both had a tummy bug ! but they are starting to interact with each other and it is very rewarding to see their progress and I am hoping they will be great friends ( they are cousins born on the same day in lockdown) when they get older. Ian sure you would cope with2 together especially if you are able to spend some time outside the home with them.

We did one day a week, in school holidays occasionally with all 4. Mostly though it was 2 cousins.
We are retired but both have busy lives so it suited us to do one day. It also left space for emergency extras

How about five days with a near three years old!!! Luckily just starting preschool. A darling little girl but it's intense! We are really shattered..

I did a fortnight once with a 9 month old and an 18month old GCs, after a week I was in tears and I was only 50 at the time!
MrOops had to take some time off so that I could get some sleep, night feeds were tough, especially as the 18 month old woke up at 5.30am ready to start her day.

vegansrock, neither - I'm not a nanny, childminder or babysitter - except in emergencies - and my four kids all know that. I'd only resent doing it and end up with a headache!

Definitely 2 days with 1 each day. We call it "special Naninka time". I take 3 yr old boy to park, etc. With the 16 month girl I go to story/song time with tactile play.
But I only do mornings!!

Depends if you’re doing it as a solo grandparent or if you have another adult with you. I’m a solo Grannie, have had them both together and singly. I prefer singly. It’s known as ‘special Grannie time’ - lovely to be able to focus on just the one child and to share less pressurised quality time.