I Feel I’m Being Taken For ranted
I’ve gladly watched my grandson – he’s four now and about to start nursery – for my daughter so that she can work part-time and keep her career going. He’s a joy, but my daughter is pregnant again and seems to expect that I will watch this baby, too. I don’t want to let anyone down, but I’m four years older now, and I really don’t think I could cope with a new baby again.
Yes, it must seem daunting as babies are not always easy and it seems an expectation has been placed upon you without consultation. Perhaps you have been such a marvellous childminder/ granny, your family assume you’ll carry on while the older lad goes to nursery? But it might be wise to hold off making pronouncements until things settle.
All this is quite a long way off. None of us can predict the future in terms of our
When the time comes, I’m sure you will love your new grandchild and want to be involved
own health and abilities. Your daughter may well ask for help after the birth. But after maternity leave, she may decide not to resume work, go even more part-time – or find another child care option.
Maybe you need time to adjust? It’s a big step for your beloved grandson to go to nursery. Maybe you will miss him? On the other hand, it’s a big step to be responsible for a new baby as well. Why not initiate discussion of options for future child care and your daughter’s work goals, balanced with your need to have time to yourself?
When the time comes, I’m sure you’ll love your new grandchild and want to be involved, as well as with your grandson. You can discuss who does what nearer the time. Don’t say “no” yet and keep exploring options on all sides.