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Grandparenting

Grandchildren with no structure

(55 Posts)
Thistlelass Fri 29-Jan-21 12:19:13

I am currently experiencing difficulties offering care for two grandchildren. Little boy age 3 and little girl age 5. They are the children of my son and his wife. I should add I have significant mental health issues, and currently on a Neurologist's books for suspected MS. So I go to their house early to see the girl do her schoolwork with teacher on computer. I was invited to call at this time. There is a 6 month old puppy in the house which is naturally very boisterous. Within minutes of me arriving the kids are excited as is dog. Son is self employed tradesman and was going to do work at his workshop. He did not leave the house for about 1.5 hours after I arrived. Now the pup peed on the kitchen floor and again at the front door also doing its business. The kids were playing around and I was keeping an eye on them. This family does not really live to a routine. Mum has been studying for 4 years and is about to enter the workplace. My grandson, naturally has lots of little play figures - the dog grabs them and runs off, etc. Child starts wailing, that sort of thing. The little girl is very spirited. I love her to bits but she likes to push on the boundaries. I go to their home because it is easier for me.to manage. I know they will run riot in mine and I do get tired..Also have to take steps to keep my mood as even as possible. Kids go to other grandparents and are allowed to run upstairs and play in the 5 bedrooms etc I don't feel I want or can cope with that. I visited one afternoon and quickly the children and dog get excited. My son actually said to me is it worth it?! Meaning.me.visiting. As he went out the door yesterday he said it again! I then spent the afternoon trying to manage situation (pup went with him). It was difficult with the girl wanting to leave the house and run down street etc. But I managed. When my daughter-in-law came back I just made a quick exit. She sent me a message later and I told her what son had said. She responded they were looking for me to be disciplining the kids more effectively. I responded that I did not think it was my place to do that when a parent was in the house. So now I don't know what to think. Just wondering what others would think.about this objectively?

Kerenhappuch Mon 01-Feb-21 14:13:59

Wellbeck:

Op you need to look after yourself.

Seconded!

nanna8 Thu 11-Feb-21 06:31:49

I think you are being treated as a slave and I wouldn’t do it. It is all too much and I would just come clean and say it is too much hard work but you love to see them so perhaps some other arrangement can be made? You have done your bit, now they should take responsibility for their own children. Can’t they go to part time childcare? You could offer to take them perhaps.

BlueBelle Thu 11-Feb-21 07:14:10

I m very muddled as to whether you are going for childcare reasons or just to visit ? Or is it a bit of both
You say you got there at a certain time because 5 year old was having a zoom lesson then say your son was dealing with that so why were you there ?
I m also not clear how regularly these visits are happening are they daily ?
You say you ‘visited one afternoon’ but go on to describe what sounds like child care ?
I think you have to be very clear which is which? If you are offering lots of care do you need to be visiting as well ??
You say the children go to the other grandparents so how much care are you actually doing ?
Think what YOU want to give, if you are muddled so will be your son and children ....be very clear that you can only come twice a week or two mornings or whatever you feel is manageable If you did have them to your house you set the rules about where they go in your house they don’t have to run riot just because they do at the other grandparents house (plus you wouldn’t have the dog)
Take them out to get their energy run down

Jackie12 Thu 11-Feb-21 16:23:08

I think you're giving too much of yourself and you won't be able to sustain it. Have a think about what you can offer and enjoy and discuss this with them. Regarding reprimanding, I'm sure you will do what you think is right and appropriate for you and your role when you're not run ragged and taking on a parenting role. Take care. X