Why Grandma Is The Best Babysitter.
When my children were babies, I had a dickens of a time trying to find reliable childcare. Both grandma’s lived too far away so it wasn’t feasible. We wanted our babies to be safe, well-cared for, and happy and at a reasonable price. When looking for childcare or a quick need to babysit, one logical place to look is with the grandparents.
If we, as grandma’s, are retired or just not working, we are a great choice to babysit our children’s children! 🙂 Note: Now this may not relate to young grandmothers because many of us are still working. But, if applicable, let me share a few reasons why Grandma is best to care for our grandchildren while families are working or need to go out.
2. Benefits of Grandma Babysitting
When our grandchildren stay with Grandma, both grandma and grandchildren enjoy such an arrangement. According to the American Grandparents Association, 72% of the members love to take care of their grandchildren. Thirteen percent say they are the primary caregivers because it’s easier on the parents. Here are just a few reasons why it’s better for Grandma to babysit.
2.1 Expenses. Childcare, as noted above is expensive. One of the biggest expenses for families with children. Grandma caring for the grandchildren can lift some of the financial burdens from the parents. But all things are not free! 🙂 No one should assume that Grandma’s time is completely free. But realize, time can be ‘paid’ in many different ways. Some may agree to pay , especially if grandma is not working.
You can show Grandma how much you appreciate what they do for you and the grandchildren. You can provide tickets to the movies, take them out to dinner, etc., take grandma shopping, or pay them a fee if required. All are good ways to display your appreciation and show your love.
2.2 Spending Time With Grandma. There’s the priceless benefits of giving grandparents and grandchildren time to enjoy each other. There is a special bond between grandma and the grand kids that cannot be disputed. 🙂 The relationship is deep and unbreakable! It’s like having your own child back in your arms again! Grandma’s love runs as deeply as the love of our own children.
3. Caring and Protection.
As a parent, you know that your child will get the best care “ever” with Grandma! No better care can be given by anyone! Most likely, the worst thing that will happen is our children will be spoiled rotten! 😉 Nevertheless, Grandma, Mom, and Dad should discuss safety and protection. Why? Because parents usually, have “baby-proofed” their own home, so baby-proofing Grandma’s home is a necessity as well to keep everyone safe.
3.1 Childproof the Premises. In the event that something happens, make sure all precautions to ensure the children are safe during the day are in place. Here are a few things to note. The link below leads to additional ways that grandma’s can baby proof the house for safety. https://www.today.com/parents/how-babyproof-your-home-it-s-not-hard-it-sounds-t109555
Educate everyone about the latest safety recommendations for car seats, cribs, toys, and stairs. Stairs should have gates to prevent babies and toddlers from running/crawling up or down. All cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms should have safety locks.
3.2 Safeguard Medications. Many people take prescription medications. Lock cabinets with childproof locks. Make sure medications in the area have childproof caps.
3.3 Explain Technology. Some grandparents may be unfamiliar with some of the devices that we use today. Provide any necessary instructions for security systems and virtual voice assistants, and even the iPad, which children play on regularly.
3.4 Prepare for Emergencies. Emergency telephone numbers and contacts should be placed on the refrigerator door or other visible places where everyone can find them. All numbers should be in your cell phone. Discuss what to do if an emergency arises. Provide the pediatrician’s name and telephone in a visible place.
3.5. Additional Safety
This information is needed for safety of the family and is documented here, Home Safety Tips for Your Grandparents. This article focuses on additional safety criteria for grandparents and grandchildren. A medical alert system to call for help can make an impact, if necessary. Ensure the house has fire extinguishers and that all are operational. Make sure all electrical cords are behind objects where the crawling babies cannot get to them. Ensure electronic outlets have child protectors on them as well to avoid children playing with them.
4.0 Showing Appreciation For Grandma
There are many ways to display your appreciation for Grandma’s help. First, a simple thank you, a hug, taking Grandma out to dinner or shopping. Any one of those things will make grandma feel incredible! It means they are appreciated and you are showing your love. Sometimes just going for a walk to talk to mom is fun and quiet time for everyone. Grandchildren can help us reconnect with our children, (their mom and dads) and bring us all closer together in a different type of bond.
You can slip Grandma a little gift like some extra cash, that favorite blouse she’s been wanting, or whatever. Most grandma’s will say you don’t have to do that. We want them to know they are appreciated for the care and time they take to look after our precious little ones. Thank them frequently and sincerely.
Offer other services like husband doing the yard work, help with the house, rides to doctor appointments, or help with grocery shopping. Anything can be used to re-pay Grandma for their time, care, and love. Your parents will probably need help cleaning up too if our children are staying there during the day. Babies or toddlers are quite active! 😊 Drop by on the weekend to mop floors and dust or offer to pay for a house cleaning service.
5.0 Final Thoughts To Grandma’s
Child care is a pleasure and a job for grandparents. Encourage the parents to suggest outings and activities that our grandchildren will love while we watch them during the day. Remind them to bring the favorite toys, blankets, videos, foods and anything that will keep them happy while they stay at grandma’s. You can also ask them to bring grandma’s special treats to put a smile on your face. 🙂 Whether Grandma serves as a full-time nanny or an occasional babysitters, skillful planning and communication will help every one enjoy this experience!
