GrandParents as Daily Childcare Providers
There is also another type of daycare grandparents need to consider - that is providing childcare for a ill child or special needs child. Providing daycare for your grandchild when they are ill and unable to attend school or regular daycare is an especially unselfish act. Taking care of an energetic well child is a piece of cake compared to taking care of a sick child. It takes a little more understanding, compassion and patience to provide childcare for a sick child. So in your discussions with your grandchild's parent please address what to do when the child is ill and be fair about your limitations if any in caring for the child. The parent needs to be sure who is available to take care of the sick child, be it you or themselves. If you are able to provide daycare for a special needs child or for a child who is ill but normally goes to school offer the option to the parent. The parent will be thankful to have the option available and have less to worry about if the time comes.
As for daily routines, babies rule the roost with their own schedules, feeding, changing, napping, and playtime. Plan out some fun activities to do with your grandchild everyday, I always had schooltime for learning new skills, playtime for us to get on floor and play, storytime for calming effect before naps, songtime while changing diapers or bath time, mealtime preparation is conversation time, clean up time to teach helpful cooperation skills, teatime for me, while grandchild napped peacefully and then playtime again until Mommy arrives to happily end the day. When my daughter arrives Sarah is her's, and I no longer am in charge. We talk about Sarah's day and day's concerns. If Sarah needs anything Mommy takes care of her until the next mourning when I'm in charge of her care. There is a thin line not to be overstepped by me, I am the Grammie not the Mommy, so what Mommy says is what we go by - even when I might know better - I remember Sarah is her child and my daughter has the parental rights. If a problem arises, we never argue or discuss it in front of my grandchild. But we do discuss the problem and voice our opinions on the issue, be it discipline, giving in, or spoiling. My daughter
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