Grandparents as Carers
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=19442
Printed Date: 12 September 2025 at 11:41pm
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Topic: Grandparents as Carers
Posted By: aimeejoy
Subject: Grandparents as Carers
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 1:24pm
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For those of you whose parents or ILs look after your kids regularly while you work I have a couple of questions. I am about to go back to work 2 days a week and mum has offered to look after the girls which is cool, but I feel guilty (I think) and it seems like two days is a lot to ask.
So how many days do they watch your kids for? How many hours a day? Do you give them anything for it - money or something else? Any words of wisdom for me?! ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Replies:
Posted By: FionaS
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 1:34pm
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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. ------------- Mummy to Gabrielle and Ashley |
Posted By: susieq
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 1:38pm
| I loved it when I looked after Cailtyn for Kelly and I did it a s a family educator through Porse |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 1:40pm
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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 -------------  
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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 MichaelaPosted By: Snappy
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 1:44pm
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My Nana looked after Janaya for one year while I studied/worked. She was 65 at the time.
She didnt like the idea of having her in childcare (she doesnt like any of her grandkids or great grandkids in care) She INSISTED she have her. I didnt give her anything (she wouldnt take anything) But would sometimes make soup or cakes for her in return. My nana took such great care of her, I always felt secure and NEVER worried about Janaya at all. She looked after all of her grandkids while their parents went to work so I didnt really feel too guilty? I think its a real blessing, I dont think theres anyone better than having grandparents as carers. They will always have that bond. I dont know how I would have felt if it were my IL's family looking after her though... ------------- Mummy to two beauties... Formerly Kaiz. |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 1:57pm
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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  ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 3:27pm
Awesome, thanks.  You've all made me feel heaps better about it. I trust my mum more than anyone else so won't worry about them. She used to look after Hannah one day a week and they used to have such a great time! ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: babyg
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 4:45pm
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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. ------------- Ev, Mum to: Carys Ruby - 4 October 2007 Spencer James - 2 July 2010 |
Posted By: Brenna
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 6:13pm
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So how many days do they watch your kids for?
MIL does 8 days per fortnight and my mum does 2 days per fortnight How many hours a day? 8 at the most Do you give them anything for it - money or something else? We are very lucky. Neither one will let us. We get them a nice pressie every now and then - facial etc Any words of wisdom for me?! Nothing beats a Nana :) -------------  My beautiful 2 girls...nearly 4 and 13 months
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Posted By: pepsi
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 6:23pm
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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 :) |
Posted By: sparkle
Date Posted: 24 July 2008 at 7:25pm
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My MIL looks after Coop one day a week at the moment, then next term (Oct-Dec) it will be 2 days.
He's there from 8.00 - 3.30ish and has a ball!! I send all his food and nappies etc, but they always come back as his Grandma has her own supplies! We don't pay her (they are L O A D E D!!!!) but do get little gifts every now and then from Coop. Last month I framed a picture of Grandma and Coop and it now sits very proudly in their lounge. I'd love it to be my mum but mum works plus she lives a good 40 minute drive away, in the opp direction to work. MIL stopped working when she had her kids (30 years ago and never went back  ) and only lives 10 minutes away.------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: AmmaS
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 10:45am
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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. 
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Posted By: yummymummy
Date Posted: 25 July 2008 at 11:28am
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So how many days do they watch your kids for? 4 days
How many hours a day? 8-12 hours - gran comes to stay with us Do you give them anything for it - money or something else? Not money but she can have anything while staying with us so we get her things she likes for food/drink Any words of wisdom for me? Be prepared that you will disagree about parenting at some point and pick your battles - it's easier to just let it go somethimes unless it's something you really believe in ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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