More and more grandparents are chipping in and helping with childcare. The cost of childcare can stress a young family financially and grandparents step in to help if they can. They know that it means a great deal to you when you can leave your little ones with someone that you love and trust.
Grandparents caring for your kids
Grandparents make great company for kids. They have the time to devote to caring for your child, they are not worrying about the pile of laundry that has to be done by tomorrow or that important report that the boss wants on his or her desk by first thing in the morning. The relationship is natural and easy. They also like to indulge in the simple things that kids enjoy so much. It could be a long walk in the woods or a day spent curled up on the sofa watching films.
Grandparents do not have the responsibility of educating children and so they are not bothered by educational games. They are happy to spend time playing simple, silly games that kids love. Yet, kids learn so much from being with grandparents. They learn about what the world was like years ago and what it feels like to be older.
Saying thank you for their help
It is very important that you don’t take this help for granted. Your parents or your partner’s parents may have given up a lot and made sacrifices to look after your child. They may put off holidays or not pursue a hobby so that they have enough time to help you out. It is also tiring looking after young children. If it wears you out, just imagine what it feels like when you are in your seventies!
It is very important that you show them that you appreciate what they do for you as a family. You can do this is the way that you behave. Don’t expect them to drop everything and come running just because you are having a childcare crisis. If you and your partner both have to attend work and you have a sick child, it is not fair that your parents have to cancel their flight to Italy to help you out! If they can’t do it, just accept that and sort something out. Don’t sulk about it and start acting like a child yourself.
If you are buying a gift, show that you have put some thought into it. Buying gifts for the male members of the family can be tricky. You know the problems that you have trying to find gifts for your husband. However, there are gifts for men that are especially suitable for grandfathers. Grandpas will love the race car driving, golf lessons, and food or beer tours when they are having some time off from looking after your kids. It shows that you have taken notice of what they love and want them to enjoy yourselves.
Little gestures mean a lot to grandmothers. They may love a spa day or a cookery course or, of course, anything that has been made by their grandkids!
