Childminder

trying to guilt=trip people esp family members into doing things or bending to our will is not a recommendable way to live.
we can all slip into it.
and then we can decide to step out of it.
live your own life.
you do not owe anyone anything.
go about, explore, be with your partner/ friends while you can. why should your life be drudgery, and restricted because of others' life decisions.
fairness doesn't come into it. you cannot be contracted into something that wasn't discussed, far less agreed. you've done your slogging. it's your turn now. go, live. be yourself. not just a convenience for others.

There came a time when I gently said No to any more regular childminding of grandchildren. I’d done it for 10 years plus with lots of overnights as well because of shift work and when those two children didn’t need me as much and I was asked to take on two toddlers instead I plucked up courage to say No. I explained that I/we had done our share of looking after children and grandchildren and that we ready for a rest and to be able to enjoy life without so many commitments. People were quite shocked at first and didn’t think we meant it at first but I assured them that we’d be happy to be the emergency backup for illness etc., and that’s what we’ve done. The parents had to pay for regular childcare and I don’t suppose that went down very well but after raising 5 children of our own I think we deserved to have a reasonably no strings retirement. I don’t regret the decision at all. It’s too easy to be taken for granted and to feel too guilty to say no.

well said, grannytomany.
~OP please take note.

My GC have just left after 5 days stay , my daughter so enjoy our times together . I went straight back to bed , because I could ! Lovely.
When she returns to work in July , I will do 2 days a fortnight. She has worked round the other family helpers as well , plus the childminder.
I will look forward to my slot , it keeps you fit & creative .
Every week would kill me. It’s a balance , did every week for other daughter with twins. I also had my mum with dementia living here too, that was tough !.

I agree with those like grandtante suggesting compromise.

I pick up grandchild after school one day a week ( drive is over an hour) stay for dinner then drive home - done since she started school, and love it! in hols do two days with sleepover ( gives OH a free day too). She is 9 now and we have a great relationship!
Expected she would be only grandchild but son has now had a baby son - I think he expected me to babysit immediately, child mind etc but they live over 2 hrs away and at 69 do not feel up to it, He got cross when I said no but I explained I didn't do that for GD, until she'd reached school age, He got over it but I did feel a bit guilty for a while.. GS is just a delight and want him to know us so when GD starts senior school I bet I start a day child minding him! Even though it'll take over 2 hours to get there...Watch this space! So do what you feel is best for you.

It's called boundaries. I have a friend whose daughter treats her like dirt because she sometimes says no. I would love to.Be in your shoes as my DIL absolutely will.not let.us have our grandson.