Upset

I don't feel used as such, but I do think we've allowed ourselves to become too available. SIL is a freelancer so works irregular hours and tends to do very long days. DD teaches a few yoga classes a week and we cover for then when required. This involves an overnight stay ... DGD is dropped off somewhere between 11-11.30 despite the first class starting at 6.30pm!
However the actual babysitting isn't a problem, it's the other times when they (DD & DGD) drop in during the afternoon and hang around till we find some dinner for them. If we've planned on something that won't stretch we have to go out or collect a takeaway.
Is it just me???

No, I don't feel used. My family are very considerate. I am not well enough to take on all day childcare at present so GC have to go to holiday clubs and they don't like it. I would give my right arm to make them happy and have them stay with me.

No, but it is what it is. We can also choose what we do.

That sounds so lovely annodomini

Thank everyone I wasn't sure if I would get any replies they do make me feel better

No. I hope that mine are not the exception and that the rest of you get an equally good welcome when you visit. DS1 and family took me on several holidays with them and I was never asked to look after the children. DS2 and his partner asked me to cat-sit on a couple of occasions but that gave me a nice little holiday with minimal responsibility. Just once, I looked after the boys while mum and dad went off to a big wedding. I have, as a result, a number of pretty scarves and earrings!

I'm with you there, obi. I think it's quite sad that young people seem to have moved away from the 'extended family' way of living that was the much more the norm when I was young. I didn't always take my mother's advice, but I was more than happy to ask for it and listen. And I never got in a strop if she made an uninvited comment or suggestion. But that's all I seem to hear nowadays, especially on GN - it's the constant 'keep your lips sealed if you don't want to risk losing them' advice.
Goodness, we would never have cut our parents out of our lives like that, just for giving unwanted advice! And I'm speaking for my siblings and most of my friends in those days. I would have told my mum not to interfere if that's what she was doing, and then put the kettle on for a cuppa! We seriously would not have fallen out over it. I don't like the current 'nuclear family' trend at all.

But didnt you want to? It seems to me that parents' advice is not so welcome as it used to be. Personally I wanted all the help and advice I could get.
Perhaps, with the internet, younger people now get advice from there, or through their peers.
I prefer and still prefer parental advice.

I think they all lead very busy lives - I am sure that they appreciate the child care that you offer.

I always try to recall how much time I spent with my parents when I was at that busy phase of my life. It was not much!

Yes, Jane not so ok ! There's a lot of us on here that sometimes feel the way you're feeling - it passes , it's life - get busy , enjoy your quiet time - the kids will be back ! Get reading and yapping on here , it's comforting that others have the same ( and worse) problems .
It's a dull wet Sunday here , I'll be alone all day but will look at it as a chance to catch up with things . Snow White's on this evening - a reward after my planned work ! Be kind to you .

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