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Granddaughter taking over weekends

569 replies

ThePerkyBiscuit · 20/07/2025 11:01

My son (29) has moved back in with me as he's split from gf. I have lived alone for the last few years and enjoy my peace. His ex has been working on a Saturday and so my granddaughter (9) is there every Saturday overnight till Sunday. They take over the living room and tv. I enjoyed the peace I had , time for hobbies that have now been put aside at the weekends, I feel like saying this is my house and I don't want it every weekend. I feel every other weekend is reasonable. I am not the parent, obviously if something happened I would step up but it's just people putting others out cos they want what they want.

OP posts:
Nanny0gg · 20/07/2025 16:39

Travelfairy · 20/07/2025 15:42

Are you not delighted to see your grandaughter once a week?? Gosh there's so many grandparents who dont get to see grandchildren when couples split. You have the other 6 days to do your hobby, embrace the chaos!

Edited

Not if she's at work...

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2025 16:35

randomlemonsheep · 20/07/2025 14:24

absolutely fine.

Don't have kids then!

I think by the time you're a grandmother (and a working one at that!) you're entitled to your own space!

PithyTaupeWriter · 20/07/2025 16:34

'Granddaughter taking over weekends' - this title is a bit unfair because this is absolutely no fault of hers. You have a son problem, not a granddaughter problem.
You are quite within your rights to want your home to yourself. Perhaps tell your son to step up and actually parent his child for 1/7 of a week and take her out and do things with her.

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2025 16:33

KateMiskin · 20/07/2025 15:53

Don't you know a mother's job is never done? Because children and grandchildren didnt ask to be born.

Oops. Sorry. Forgot

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:31

randomlemonsheep · 20/07/2025 16:21

because you accept that when you have children, you will have grand-children. You might not, but in the absolutely worst case scenario , you are also the one in charge if your own kids can't be. There are enough sad stories of parents having illness and accidents, and grand-parents having to take over. That's what you do.

If you don't want the responsibility, don't have kids.
Don't accept to be a god-parent either

You are free to make any decision you like, but they have consequences. and your grand-children paying the price because you can no longer be bothered is not fair.

"No longer be bothered..."

What if you're at an age where you no longer have the capacity to look after small children?

Many people are having children later in life and thus, the grandparents are also older, so it isn't always feasible for grandparents to take the children on.

You talk as if there's only two options. "Bothered" and "not bothered" when there's a world of space between that.

And I don't and won't ever have kids-because no fucking way am I raising my kids only to be lumped with theirs once I'm done!

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:25

KateMiskin · 20/07/2025 16:21

I was being sarcastic!

My advice upthread was for the OP to ask her son to take his DD out.

I did wonder if you were and happy for the confirmation!

BrentfordForever · 20/07/2025 16:25

randomlemonsheep · 20/07/2025 16:21

because you accept that when you have children, you will have grand-children. You might not, but in the absolutely worst case scenario , you are also the one in charge if your own kids can't be. There are enough sad stories of parents having illness and accidents, and grand-parents having to take over. That's what you do.

If you don't want the responsibility, don't have kids.
Don't accept to be a god-parent either

You are free to make any decision you like, but they have consequences. and your grand-children paying the price because you can no longer be bothered is not fair.

God parent is unrelated

only in US you take over if something happens to parents , in other countries you don’t

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:25

OP isn't refusing to host her own child, though, is she?

She's allowed her DS to move back in with her. She has prioritised her son, and allowed her GD over every weekend which was more than was agreed/expected and the impact on the OP's life is detrimental to her.

YMMV on that, but you can't tell OP how she ought to feel about her space and time being occupied in a way that does not feel suitable to her.

Her DS needs to step up to mitigate the impact of his current situation on his DM. By taking his DD out at the weekend, spending alone time with her and giving his DM the space that she needs to live her life and get her own downtime.

It is her home, and swear to god, some people on here act so sanctimonious and like martyrs at the mere thought of a woman putting herself first for a change. Heaven forbid a woman want to kick her feet up and spend some time doing what she wants in a space that is hers and not have her life ran by the choices of others. @randomlemonsheep

KateMiskin · 20/07/2025 16:21

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:14

Sure, that's reasonable for the children part.

Why is a grandchild the responsibility or burden of the grandparent who didn't choose or ask for them to be born?

Edited

I was being sarcastic!

My advice upthread was for the OP to ask her son to take his DD out.

randomlemonsheep · 20/07/2025 16:21

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:14

Sure, that's reasonable for the children part.

Why is a grandchild the responsibility or burden of the grandparent who didn't choose or ask for them to be born?

Edited

because you accept that when you have children, you will have grand-children. You might not, but in the absolutely worst case scenario , you are also the one in charge if your own kids can't be. There are enough sad stories of parents having illness and accidents, and grand-parents having to take over. That's what you do.

If you don't want the responsibility, don't have kids.
Don't accept to be a god-parent either

You are free to make any decision you like, but they have consequences. and your grand-children paying the price because you can no longer be bothered is not fair.

randomlemonsheep · 20/07/2025 16:19

Cherrytree86 · 20/07/2025 14:46

@randomlemonsheep

nah there has to be a point after having kids that’s the mothers needs, wants and preferences can become her priority again in the same way - or very similar way- to before she had children. This bloke is 29 and people are expecting her to centre him and subjugate herself just cos she birthed him nearly three decades ago! Nah!

disagree

As much as I disagree about being a martyr with younger children, and refusing to have a life, to take 2 or 3 evenings off a week, to go on holiday alone, to put all your need behind....as much as I disagree with that nonsense, kids are and always will the PRIORITY.

whatever their age.

They come first, which doesn't mean you raise entitled brats either. (which is why I personally think having kids too young and losing your actual freedom for ever is stupid, but that's another issue 😂)

Having a child doing nothing but slobbing on the sofa all weekend, while you run around bringing them food and doing their laundry, at any age? 100% no

He should be a decent parent and take his kid out anyway.

Refusing to host your own child to give them a chance to save to go back on their feet, and resenting your 9 yo grand-child for existing? That's awful.

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:14

KateMiskin · 20/07/2025 15:53

Don't you know a mother's job is never done? Because children and grandchildren didnt ask to be born.

Sure, that's reasonable for the children part.

Why is a grandchild the responsibility or burden of the grandparent who didn't choose or ask for them to be born?

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:11

MumWifeOther · 20/07/2025 14:12

Yeah, selfish ones.

Oh, look, the holier than thou fools have rocked up to the thread, ready to impart their "wisdom."

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 16:09

Honestly, I get it, OP.

I don't have kids nor do I want them, but I live alone and I like and enjoy my own space, and if my brother had to move in here and my nephew (who I love) had to visit every weekend, I'd feel like pulling my hair out.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to enjoy your space and peace at the weekends. I have real difficulty with people who don't understand this and seem to equate a desire for space with a lack of love or care for your family. That is not the case.

You've already done the job of raising your children. Now, every weekend, your days are dominated by your GD. Not remotely her fault-but does your DS do anything with her? Or is it a case of she gets dropped off/picked up and dumped in front of the TV all weekend? And you're expected to mind her whilst he does his own thing?

I don't think you can make a suggestion for him to see her less, but you can definitely place some boundaries in regarding your space. Like request when she is there that he does things with her-takes her to the park, goes to the cinema or wherever she would like to go to-spends some time with her outside of the home and gives you time to yourself.

What's his room situation like? Where does she sleep when she stays over? At nine, is she allowed her own room/space where she could have a little TV set up and a bit of privacy for herself? I know at nine I really enjoyed my own time and space in my own room. I know that's a lot and it may not be possible/feasible, but if it is, it may help ease the transition whilst he is there.

LancashireButterPie · 20/07/2025 16:02

Are you falling into the trap of "hosting". You can still do your own thing and let him take responsibility for his DD.
Therefore he shops, cooks and feeds her. Most importantly he is responsible for entertaining her.
You crack on and do your things.

4forksache · 20/07/2025 16:01

Travelfairy · 20/07/2025 15:42

Are you not delighted to see your grandaughter once a week?? Gosh there's so many grandparents who dont get to see grandchildren when couples split. You have the other 6 days to do your hobby, embrace the chaos!

Edited

It’s both Saturday and Sunday every week. Not just one day.

OversharedsoNCneeded · 20/07/2025 16:01

The man child will probably find another partner to move in with and take over parenting soon enough OP.

PoppyRoseBucky · 20/07/2025 15:59

Jaws2025 · 20/07/2025 11:34

Did you notice there's not a single mention of liking this child though, not "I love seeing her but not every weekend" or whatever.
Very detached

That is your reading on it, though.

So, it would be acceptable to you if a woman couches her frustrations in "I love her, but..." and only then is it acceptable for a woman to voice her frustrations at her space being taken over?

4forksache · 20/07/2025 15:59

You’ve done your time as a parent. You are used to a peaceful house where you can relax and that’s how it should be at our age. We don’t have the energy or capacity we did when we were younger.
I’m sure you love your GD but all weekend, every weekend would be too much for me too, when you can’t do your hobbies or even choose what to watch on tv. Better see her less often and enjoy quality time rather than the whole weekend being spoiled by resentment at the lack of privacy and relaxation.

Your ds does need to move out and regain his independence.

At the very least you need to put a TV in your room and create a place of peace for yourself.

Kiwirose · 20/07/2025 15:53

I admit to not having read the entire thread.

But just wondering why he can't do childcare at the child's house every other weekend? I appreciate it may not be what the mum wants but it is probably good for the child and enables the mm to work and the grandparent to have space.

KateMiskin · 20/07/2025 15:53

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2025 15:47

At what age is their job done?

Don't you know a mother's job is never done? Because children and grandchildren didnt ask to be born.

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2025 15:47

Poopeepoopee · 20/07/2025 12:08

Since when is the OP’s responsibility to ensure her son is a decent enough parent ?

Are you serious? Thats exactly the job of a parent - to ensure their own kids become decent human beings.

At what age is their job done?

Nanny0gg · 20/07/2025 15:45

MumWifeOther · 20/07/2025 14:12

Yeah, selfish ones.

I have done lots for my children and grandchildren. I help often and I have had various combinations of them live with me. So I'm hardly selfish

But I've done my bit and I want my own space

Good job I didn't need help when I was their age as I had no parents to pick up the pieces

Travelfairy · 20/07/2025 15:42

Are you not delighted to see your grandaughter once a week?? Gosh there's so many grandparents who dont get to see grandchildren when couples split. You have the other 6 days to do your hobby, embrace the chaos!

Maddy70 · 20/07/2025 15:39

ThePerkyBiscuit · 20/07/2025 11:18

All day Saturday and Sunday. Thank you. Every week.

So tell him to take her out fir the day on the Saturday or Sunday so you have one day to yourself honestly he needs your support now just as much as you need your quiet time can't you sit in the garden with a book

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