Grandparents as Carers

Elle goes to her Nana and Poppa's place twice a week. It was for 4 hours each time but now it is 6 or 7 hours as that way I can achieve more in the office and have less to do from home.

They all love it. Elle has benefited from it in so many ways (not to mention the fact they have a lovely big backyard and we have none).   I swear she thinks it's only sunny their house as it seems to be fine when she is there and rainy every other day!

We don't pay them anything, they won't allow us to. I do send her lunch etc though.

It is an excellent arrangement for us...100% benefits for all and no drawbacks whatsoever.

Hey Aimeejoy.

My husband has just increased his hours so there's now an overlap where we're both at work so my MIL looks after Michaela

How many days do they watch your kids for?  5 days
How many hours a day? about 3 hours although Michaela is usually asleep for 1/2 that time.
Do you give them anything for it - money or something else?  Not really, every now and then we give her $100 and I make meals for her but we've done that since before she started looking after Michaela
Any words of wisdom for me?! My MIL loves it.  She has heaps of grandchildren and was always really hands on with them too but the next youngest is 11 and my MIL is nearly 70 now (with angina and high blood pressure) so we were concerned about how she'd cope running around after our little ball of energy but they have a great time. 

Edited by MrsMojo

So how many days do they watch your kids for?
How many hours a day? one day aweek
Do you give them anything for it - money or something else? no mum wouldnt take anything for it
Any words of wisdom for me?!as long as it works for your familiy then its fine

I work Wed-Fri (full 8hr days) and our girl's time is split between her grandparents' and daycare like this -

Wed - my parents
Thurs - ILs
Friday - daycare

We talked to both our parents about 'payment' and I offered them both the same amount we pay daycare. My parents take it in cash, whereas DHs parents refused cash but gratefully accepted groceries each week instead. So we just spend the same in random groceries for them and drop them off when we collect her.

I would recommend keeping a logbook of the kids' routines that everyone fills in each day (and you can too from time to time) so that as it changes (as we know it does), everyone knows what they've been up to and whats going on. It was my lifesaver and we've managed to keep our girl well-routined thanks to the trusty logbook!

Good luck.

So how many days do they watch your kids for? My mum looks after Alyssa for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week while I work those part time hours.
How many hours a day? As above
Do you give them anything for it - money or something else? Mum didn't want anything but I insisted that I would at least give her a little money for supplies and stuff for when Alyssa is at her place, so I pay $50 per week which is stuff all compared to what mum spends!!
Any words of wisdom for me?! Enjoy your break away from the kids!! You'll grow to really love the outside interaction and the girls will love their Nana time and the bond they form :)

Hi

I am sure your Mum will tell you if 2 days is too much. I think it is really important for Grandparents to have quality time with grandchildren and equally important for the children to have time with them.

you are a lucky girl to have such support - will benefit all I am sure.