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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To tell our daughter we can’t manage the childcare anymore?

603 replies

five5five · 09/12/2025 09:53

Our daughter 43 has 3 children the older two are in primary school and when she returned to work I did say I would have the girls while she worked to save with costs.
This was 10 years ago and while I have kept to my promise she now has another baby and I don’t think I am the best person to be looking after a baby.
I will be 80 next year and my husband has mobility difficulties and early onset dementia so I am also caring for him so it’s only me who really looks after them but I know she relies on me as childcare will cripple them.
I was very happy to have them when I offered and I don’t want to sound like I’m dropping her now with a baby but the older girls are in school so I only need to pick them up and have them here a couple of hours but we are older now and I am starting to feel it and really I’m finding it a lot and a baby is a lot more work than a 6 and 10.
I also have other grandchildren I look after although not on a regular basis so more as and when needed so sometimes I have had all 6 in.
AIBU to go back on my offer now there is 3 as I don’t honestly think I am the best choice of care for a baby and I would struggle full time.
I know it doesn’t suit my husband to have a baby around the house all day.

OP posts:
Betty91 · 09/12/2025 09:56

Everything can be reviewed as our circumstances change. Health matters, ageing are very good reasons to re establish the support you're able to offer. Could you just say what you've said here about your husband and how over stretched you're feeling?

AmberSpy · 09/12/2025 09:55

Not unreasonable at all. You have gone above and beyond already. I feel for your daughter and I'm sure it won't be easy with the cost of childcare being what it is, but she will have to make alternative arrangements. Don't feel bad at all.

Smartiepants79 · 09/12/2025 09:55

How much do you have them? Every day? Is the baby with you all day everyday?
Can you start by saying you need to cut back on how many days?
How old is the baby?

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