Guilty feelings

Many of us feel the same way Bungle but are outnumbered by the grandparents who provide great amounts of care.
I love my children and grandchildren but I also like my own life and activities. I do find child care very wearing. Like tanith my grandchildren are all grown up now so I am not needed.

I’m glad the baby sitting now falls on my daughters’shoulders as mostly my GC are grown up with children of their own.
Don’t feel guilty it’s hard work looking after little ones.

Definitely not, we don't look after our grandchildren unless it's an emergency or there is no one else. I haven't got the patience and have a lot of aches and pains so it is difficult. Today's children are hard work, you can't just get toys out for them anymore. Don't feel guilty.

There are times I feel overwhelmed by working and also being my DGS's childcare. I do feel a bit guilty, because I adore him, but he exhausts me.

But it's my choice. I could not do it but they're little for such a short time. I'd regret not doing it and missing out.

I felt the same, I wanted to ask to have grandchildren to stay when I wanted to have them, and have random days out or just over for tea.

If possible I would try to change these arrangments or you may become resentful and not enjoy seeing them as much.

Don't feel guilty. You did your childcare stint years ago. Now should be your time but you feel obliged to give it up to look after your grandchildren. I know you love them to bits and don't mind helping your DD but at the end of the day you know in your heart that there are plenty of other things you'd rather be doing. It's natural to feel a but put upon.