Is it too much to babysit 3yr old and 2 month old

BlueBelle

Yes I would have them in a heartbeat when I read the title I thought it was a post about regular childcare not a one off
60 s seems so very young to me I can’t imagine not having them at that age

But the OP has health problems. When we get old, actually at any age, it is not age that matters but howw fit and well we are.

Some people's health at 60 can mean that they cannot cope with the day time care of an active child, while another in their mid 70s, is up to looking after 2 lively todlers or older for a day.

LOUISA1523 - people help in different ways you know.

Yes I would have them in a heartbeat when I read the title I thought it was a post about regular childcare not a one off
60 s seems so very young to me I can’t imagine not having them at that age

I would be a bit daunted, but definitely do it - with lots of preparation done in advance for the day (packed lunches, new activity for 3yo, safe space to put baby if I needed the loo, etc.) and time to rest afterwards.

I'm sure you'll be fine with the help of your other DD.

Good luck.

Kayteetay1

Yes. I am 61 and would never have asked my parents never mind a singular parent to babysit for this length of time. Maybe with support from another family member. You have done your child rearing - time for your children to do theirs!

I am almost your age ...I look after my GC regularly ...often have all 3 of them ...have done it from when they were a few weeks....don't you think its nice to support your kids...give them a bit of time to relax....or don't you help your kids out like that?

Could you ask a friend to come round and keep you company?

Maybe have a trial run of a couple of hours and see how it goes? It is a one off and you could have everything ready so you are not trying to do anything at the same time.cooking or what ever

Sorry, have just seen your last post saying that your other daughter will help. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely day and the experience will help when she asks you to help again.

My 4 month old granddaughter used to come and stay with us for some weeks at a time from the age of about four months as her mother was in hospital from time to time. I was apprehensive but in fact it was fine, though I found the night feeds tiring. Could you perhaps see if she could find someone else to have the three year old? I’m sure you could cope with the baby for just a few hours though.

Having doubts must tell you something. With you anticipating a 7 hour shift will 3 year old be staying overnight and what about the 2 month old, will parents collect late at night? You need to be given more info by DD.

Letthefunbegin - this request is obviously a plea for your daughter and son-in-law to have a Christmas outing so whether you agree or not it will be important to give them your firm and committed answer soon so they can make other arrangements.

If it were my daughter I would do it. It seems like a 'day' event as you say 'brunch'. If so could you stay the night before to ensure you have maximum energy? I wonder also if you could think in advance of your arthritis and what it prevents you from doing confidently because that knowledge would help you to plan how to make things easier for you in your management of the gcs. Also, I'm wondering if you necessarily have to be on your own or whether you have a good friend who might go with you just to give you some moral support. That might work especially if it's a day event because you might fill some of the time by putting both children in a buggy and doing a walk around the park (with your friend). I hope you come to a decision that you feel happy with.

Ultimately you have to feel comfortable so it's your decision.

I wouldn't hesitate - I'm 74 and very fit (fingers crossed) but I reckon I can manage just about anything for 7 hours. Just make sure that you have plenty of time to recover, the day after (and that it does not become a habit!)

That’s good to hear. I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time together x

Thanks everyone and really grateful for everyone’s input, it has been very helpful. My other daughter who I saw today has agreed to help for most of the time, so feeling a lot better about it. Have a good weekend. X

Sorry. Crossed post 🤦🏼‍♀️

It’s a fun thing to do as a family or group of friends. Mobiles are usually forbidden so you can’t cheat 🤣

No phones though Nicksmrs46

The Escape Room is a challenge game where a group of people are locked in a room and have to solve clues and puzzles to escape . Usually takes about an hour to complete !

I would look after them. Just pace yourself and your 3 yr old will actually be very helpful with the baby x

I would do it..I am 73 and have sat for my young grandchildren for various events [ 3 daughters each have 2 xhildren]. The likelihood of a problem with the younger one is minimal, and no doubt parents will give you a phone number for emergency contact if necessary I wonder if you are over thinking different possible but unlikely scenarios .
If necessary allow the 3 year old to' stay up late' whilst you settle the 2month old baby.
Have fun !

I'm 75 with granddaughters the same ages. I will be, starting in January doing a all day care for the little one on Thursday. This will be until she is 18 months.

Only you can decide if you're up to it. I'm 68 with arthritis, in recovery from cancer with a stoma and I'd certainly do it.

Would be so much easier to look after them both in THEIR home where everything is setup for their needs and three year old would have all toys etc to hand.

It’s a big ask and whilst I’m sure you’d manage it if you had to, maybe ask your daughter to make it a bit easier…like…having things to hand….havjng the baby sleep downstairs ….is the older child toilet trained and is there a toilet downstairs…bringing any toys downstairs etc etc. then I think I’d have my other daughter come round too, to share the load. Perhaps explain all of this and see if she’s still asking you. It’s a bit selfish really when they probably could’ve had a shorter outing and I hope they appreciate it!