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I love my grandkids and don't mind watching them, but I work full-time and also am a caregiver of a moderately developmentally disabled adult. I don't really want to do overnights and don't offer. I always see people who want to do overnights. Am I that much in the minority?
I love my grandkids and don't mind watching them, but I work full-time and also am a caregiver of a moderately developmentally disabled adult. I don't really want to do overnights and don't offer. I always see people who want to do overnights. Am I that much in the minority?
I am a grandparent, too, plus I have many friends who are grandparents. You are in a much different situation, working full time plus being a caregiver, than a grandparent who is not working or retired and looking for ways to fill their days & nights. Plus, being a caregiver, even part time, is extremely exhausting and demanding.
IMHO, as long as you love your grandchildren and spend time with them you can be a wonderful grandparent without doing overnight visits.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lainelady
I love my grandkids and don't mind watching them, but I work full-time and also am a caregiver of a moderately developmentally disabled adult. I don't really want to do overnights and don't offer. I always see people who want to do overnights. Am I that much in the minority?
I can understand your position, and it's up to the grandparents to decide. We both work still, but love having our two spend the night, even several nights. I would think that having grandkids while a caregiver for an adult could be too much. You certainly have nothing to feel guilty about.
I love cuddling overnight with the grandchildren, but couldn't do that and care for a developmentally disabled adult. Too much! Don't belittle your good judgment.
I love my grandkids and don't mind watching them, but I work full-time and also am a caregiver of a moderately developmentally disabled adult. I don't really want to do overnights and don't offer. I always see people who want to do overnights. Am I that much in the minority?
we all have different needs and circumstances as grandparents and families. You've already got your plate full, it’s understandable you would rather not do overnights.
I don't want to do overnights either. When I bought my current house I set it up so that there is only one bedroom (the other two were made into a computer room and a giant closet), and the tv room does not have a sofa -- it has three single chairs. The only way anyone could stay overnight here would be in a sleeping bag on the cement foundation floor. I doubt that will hold much appeal.
It's not that I have a job or other obligations: I just don't like anyone staying overnight, whether child or adult, relative or not. When my son moved out, went to college and then got his own home after graduation that was the end of any overnight guests and that is the way I like it/intend it to stay.
A friend of mine recently moved from a 2-bedroom to a 1-bedroom apartment while her daughter is pregnant. Another friend said to her when we were at lunch "But where will your future grandson sleep when he comes to visit you??" My friend answered with a wink and a smile "Yes that's exactly why I did it. I can only handle young children in small doses and that does not include overnight."
I love my grandkids and don't mind watching them, but I work full-time and also am a caregiver of a moderately developmentally disabled adult. I don't really want to do overnights and don't offer. I always see people who want to do overnights. Am I that much in the minority?
No...not at all.
Best leave that for when they're REALLY in a pinch.
No need to keep the little ones over night to have quality time with them.
Thankfully my daughter prefers her children in their own beds at night...not that I wouldn't take them (and have) on the occasional time it's been needed.
I don't work but we camp winter and summer, and go out often. I keep busy but I like my down time too. (naps in the afternoon)
We have one grand-child, a lovely 2 1/2 year old grand-daughter. We love her to bits, but man, a 2 year old can tire this old girl out quickly. I try not to let her out of my sight so she can't get into anything around the house or pester our two small dogs. It's always much easier when hubby is around to help and entertain her, but he still works and often has a lot of outside work to do around the house when he's home.
I can do an overnight or two in a row, but that's about it. I'm beat after her mom or dad picks her up and heave a sigh of relief. I can't imagine trying to keep up with her for a week if her parent's decide to fly off to a vacation spot and leave her with us. It's been mentioned, but hasn't happened.
Honestly, she is a very well behaved girl, but I'd far rather visit with her when at least one of her parents are around to help keep an eye on her.
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