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Original poster

Grandparent child care while parent is off sick

155 replies

NannyK62 · 25/07/2024 18:57

I look after my grandson (2) one day per week, he goes to nursery on the other days. My son and DIL both work full time.

my DIL is now off sick due to stress but still wants me to have my grandson on my “usual day”. He is still going to nursery the other days which I understand as they have to pay to keep his space but I feel like he should stay home with mum if she is off work.

I work 4 days a week myself and it would be a nice change to have that day to myself for the next month which is the length of her current sick note. I love having him but it is tiring at my age. Am I being selfish to refuse to have him? Do you think it will damage my relationship with son/DIL?

many thanks

OP posts:
maryberryslayers · 25/07/2024 19:05

If she is getting the other 4 days at home child free to rest, you could ask if she could have him at home with her. If she would find it too much in her current state, perhaps ask your son to have him 2 out of the 4 weeks or see if he could attend nursery for the extra days to give you a break?

gentlemum · 25/07/2024 19:05

That sounds like a tough one. She's obviously very unwell with stress and what's more stressful than looking after a two year old all day?! Rather than just say no, maybe have a conversation and say your point of view about having a break yourself whilst there's the opportunity or maybe come to some compromise. Like you go round to their house to help for a couple of hours and the rest of the day is for yourself for example?

Wherewithout · 25/07/2024 18:59

I think if she is too unwell to work she is probably also too unwell to look after a toddler all day!

Original poster
NannyK62 · 25/07/2024 18:59

JellyWellyBoots · 25/07/2024 18:58

Do they pay you for looking after him?

No I offered to reduce my hours when he was born as I wanted a close bond with him so I didn’t ask for any money

OP posts:
JellyWellyBoots · 25/07/2024 18:58

Do they pay you for looking after him?