Hey mum, are you up for babysitting this weekend?
For most of us becoming a grandparent comes about the time the thought of going to a night club gives us the chills (who can hear a thing at those places), going out to eat after 7:30 makes no sense and so the odd bit of baby minding is usually pretty do-able. Especially when the baby concerned is our baby!
The best bit about babysitting the grandchildren is that you can (usually) give them back, relax and enjoy the chaos that is your lounge room - then go to bed early. Oh, and the joy of just having them in your life. Smiling at the little finger prints on yours windows, the toy car you find under the coach and treasuring the big smile and wave when they see you.
The downside can be that you don't see them enough, you might not really like the name the parents chose or parenting methods (but would never say), or they are just too far away and you miss them. You might also have to share your grandchildren with their other grandparents.
And after the first grandchild settles in to your life they tend become a multiple of how many children you had. You may have only had to manage two - this could easily become SIX children that you might need to supervise (all at once) AND remember all their birthdays and attend their special events.
The links below will take you to list and links to activity ideas. Share how you entertain the new baby or older kids on our Facebook page - other grandparents need your help.
One of the first demands by new parent is that you baby-proof your home. If it has been a while since you have had young children in the house it might be time to swat up on the latest expectations for keeping a baby safe. Not that your eyes will leave them for a second.
Check out our page for help to baby proofing your home.
For helpful ideas on babysitting -
And after they go home - you might need a holiday yourself!
