Worried about grandchild starting nursery

Remembering when mine were at nursery, I barely had time to turn around before it was time to pick them up.
Picking up from nursery is a lovely job, you will see them with their friends, listen to what they have done, etc
While they are at nursery treat yourself to a coffee with a friend, or whatever interests you. I think you will be fine. It is just a new stage of your grandchild's life and of yours.

Thank you for your encouraging words Galaxy

Could you find some volunteering that matters to you?

Yes that is an option kittylester

Try and meet up with a friend for a coffee on the free days. Or continue with a hobby you’ve not done for a while. Do something just for you and the time you spend with your grandson will be extra special.

Once he’s settled in, ask if the school would like any helpers.
Maybe not the nursery but Reception.

You sound like the sort of person that would enjoy that.

Remember that you’re a person not just a Mum or a Grandma or a carer.Learn to enjoy time for yourself, a new hobby, joining a club of some kind, and meet friends whenever you can, there’s nothing like a laugh over coffee with friends.
Reorganise the house, decide to change curtains and cushions.
Update your wardrobe and clear out cupboards.

Good advice Oreo. I’ve just retired and read this applies to me as well.

Once he starts school you will be able to volunteer. Schools are always pleased to have parents and grandparents helping with reading etc.
Get your shopping and housework done while he is at nursery so you can spend quality time with him when he's with you.

Do you have a local u3a? See what groups they have: walking, history, Scrabble, knit and natter, French, recorders, canasta, beer, ambling, Spanish…… these are just some of the groups in my town.

Oreo

Remember that you’re a person not just a Mum or a Grandma or a carer.Learn to enjoy time for yourself, a new hobby, joining a club of some kind, and meet friends whenever you can, there’s nothing like a laugh over coffee with friends.
Reorganise the house, decide to change curtains and cushions.
Update your wardrobe and clear out cupboards.

Good advice and from Cabbie21.

How long is a morning session? I found that when DD started at a school nursery (many years ago) the session was only 2.5 hours per day so, as Galaxy says, there was barely time to turn round before pick-up time.
There may be groups that interest you near the nursery.

Do something for you.

If you are thinking of volunteering at a school, be aware you have to have an Enhanced DBS check, probably at your own expense.

I agree with Cabbie21, see if there is a U3A near you. Lots going on in my local one.
I enjoyed looking after grandchildren around their nursery too, happy days.

Notjustaprettyface I can’t praise volunteering enough it mentally saved me My Dad died, 6 months later my mum died then my job ended, all in the one year I was lost. After a year of me moping around, my daughter pushed me to do some voluntary work, that was 11 years ago and I ve never looked back, I would be lost without it

Allira

If you are thinking of volunteering at a school, be aware you have to have an Enhanced DBS check, probably at your own expense.

The school paid for mine. I didn't realise that wasn't what all schools did.

School paid for mine when I was a governor. And expenses, not that I needed them but would have paid mileage, etc.

You clearly like the company of young children. Have you considered volunteering at one of the local schools, perhaps not the one your GS will attend, and helping the children with their reading? You will need to have a DBS check though,

Thank you all for your kind , encouraging words and practical answers .
Yes I am going to enquire at volunteering at the school and I hope they will be open to my suggestion but I don’t know yet as I haven’t tried
At the church where I go the other day they were asking for volunteers to help the children read but that’s a different school but it needn’t matter
I also like working with animals and yes I should spend more time on myself as that is something I have neglected

Lots of good suggestions OP. As you often read. "Embrace change" as your little GC will be doing. Time to spend on yourself which GC will benefit from as well. Happy gran. Happy child.

I can completely understand how you feel. Judging by my own experiences with my GC we need to accept changes in their lives. Think about how much benefit your GC will derive from going to nursery and how it will prepare him for reception. As their lives change ours do too. I really miss the times I spent with my GC when they were small. On the plus side spending that special time with them has given me a strong bond with them. As others say now is the time to find other things to occupy your time. This isn’t as easy as it sounds! I’m not one for clubs and hobbies at all. I know that there may be playgroups near you who might like some help or you could try a charity shop.

A new hobby or two maybe? Online bridge?

Did you not have a hobby that you enjoyed and that you laid aside while looking after this grandchild?

Could you not take it up again, or find a new hobby?

Or join a group of walkers once a week? Or some other outdoor activity if that sort of thing interests you?

Our join a book-club at your local library. I did after my husband's death. The books are not particularly interesting, but I enjoy the company of the other women.

I was in the same position as you. I look after my grandson 3 times a week (and have done since he was a few months old) Like you full days in the beginning, now I only have him full days in school holidays. He is now 8. I busy myself around the house or go shopping etc but I'm always clock watching until it's time to collect him. It's surprising how that time flies. Do you have any hobbies?
As my grandson is getting older I'm thinking, it won't be long until I'm no longer wanted at all.
So enjoy each day with him as it comes.

I must be the worst grandmother in the world as I can't wait for my GD to start high school in September to get my days back. Hubby is at home but is slowing down, but I love to go out on my own.