Grandparents help out by baby-sitting
Grandparents help out by baby-sitting
Witnessing your children getting older and starting their own lives and families can be bittersweet. There is pride that comes with seeing their successes, but also melancholy in knowing the years have passed so quickly. Although you may no longer be tucking your children into bed, reading them bedtime stories or bandaging “boo-boos,” when your children have children, the chance to nurture can start anew.
One of the great joys that comes from having older children is the ability to welcome and love grandchildren. Grandchildren are points of light in people’s lives and provide the exuberance that remind them of their own youth. Grandparents are often thrilled to be involved in the care and upbringing of their grandkids. To help take some pressures off their adult children, some grandparents may also live with their grandchildren.
Baby-sitting is one way grandparents can be a frequent fixture in their grandkids’ lives. If it’s been some time since you cared for little children, it’s well worth it to take a refresher course in child care.
Make sure it’s safe
If grandchildren will be coming over to your place, conduct a safety audit of your home. Are electric outlets secured with covers? Are medications out of reach? Do you have gates to block stairs or restrict access to certain rooms? Modifications may be needed.
Assess your health
Be sure you are up for the challenge and have the stamina to care for children. If you have any medical conditions that can impair judgment or reaction time, you might want to reconsider baby-sitting.
Take directions
The way you parented may not be the same way your children parent. Be humble, and follow their lead with regard to instructions. The parenting guide Apt Parenting advises that you should ask about the eating and sleeping habits of the child. You may have to defer to your own children’s guidelines on discipline and behavior.
Learn what’s new
Many things regarding child care have changed in the past 20 years, including safety laws and guidelines. Be sure you are up to date on these changes, and if you aren’t certain about something, ask. This involves everything from crib bar widths to car-seat installation.
Baby-sitting can be a joyous task for grandparents who are ready for the job.