Worried I will miss out on my grandson

Better to have the operation and be able to get back to full fitness than to worry about a 6 week gap in child care, surely.

You'll still be able to see your DGS .

Good luck with the operation.

6 weeks will fly by and you can be back to look after your much-loved grandson.
It’s better for your grandson to have a fit and pain-free grandma than an unfit one.
Good luck with the operation.

Can you adapt the way you care for him?

Shorter periods, by agreement with DD:

Sadly less cuddles and cuddle play, but a three year old is just about old enough to understand "grandma's shoulder is hurty". It wouldn't do him any harm a while to have ready prepared or mum prepared food - funny word games instead of physical games, made up stories, water play if its good weather, setting them targets..."I bet you can't run there and back quickly"

Is he potty trained? thats a bit of a "biggie"

Have your operation, you need it, your grandson will understand, at 3 years old, to be extra careful around you and can still give you a gentle hug without going near your shoulder. The 6 weeks will fly by. Good luck 💐.

Don't worry. Get the op. These are important life lessons for all concerned.

You already have that rapport, it won’t go away.
After caring for our grandson once every week from 1-3 years, we retired and moved 250 miles away. We see him 4 times a year or so, for a week each time, now, with a few flying weekend visits by us. He’s nearly six. When he arrives, it’s like we saw him yesterday. Don’t worry, the bond is lifelong 😊

We looked after our DGD for two days a week from the age of nine months. I had a hip replacement operation when she was about four and she was very understanding that she shouldn’t jump on my lap or expect me to do physical things with her. So I’m sure your DGS will understand. However, I do have a DH who was able to do these things. If you are on your own Notjustaprettyface it might not be quite as easy. I would talk to your DD and tell her your worries. I’m sure that she will make arrangements for you to see your GS regularly until you are able to resume childminding if necessary,

I had a total shoulder replacement in November last and my DGD was born in October. I still had cuddles (with help). I hate to be the bearer of bad news but it won't just be 6 weeks, the physio will go on for months after. I can't lift my GD now 6 months later or carry her. At 3 you could maybe make it in a learning curve about people being poorly? Good luck 💐

Be reassured- of course it wont jepordise the relationship you have with your GS ! You will not be letting your daughter down , you will be having an operation that will enable you continue childcare.
Your health is a priority and your daughter will understand that. I understand you are worried about how your daughter will manage when you are indisposed, but at the risk of appearing harsh - that is her problem and not yours. There is not the remotest chance that your post op recovery will change the rapport with your GS .
Hope you are not waiting too long for surgery, good luck .

Basgetti

You already have that rapport, it won’t go away.
After caring for our grandson once every week from 1-3 years, we retired and moved 250 miles away. We see him 4 times a year or so, for a week each time, now, with a few flying weekend visits by us. He’s nearly six. When he arrives, it’s like we saw him yesterday. Don’t worry, the bond is lifelong 😊

I agree.

Good luck with your operation, you’re not letting anyone down and you will continue to build on the bond with your DGS

Lots of people ordinarily don’t see grandchildren for six weeks or longer, including myself. We do weekly video calls and our four year old grandson always remembers us…and our house…and where he sleeps when he stays…and when we do see him, he’s not distant or shy with us…and we’ve never looked after him at all. I wouldn’t worry.

I don’t see how you’ll miss out. DGS is three and old enough to know that grandma has a poorly shoulder and cannot play superwoman today. Times like this are best spent reading with him and encouraging him to colour pictures. Surely your DD will understand that there’s to be no lifting, no driving, no physical activities ……I know my DD would!

I had an operation which prevented me from looking after GC for 6 weeks although I did have occasional visits from them. Nothing seemed to have changed when we went back to normal.