I am fortunate to have a lovely relationship with both of my children and their families. However I am really afraid that what I need to try and sort out will change this and I’m really reluctant to say anything. I would be grateful for any kind advise.
When my DIL returned to work I sat down with them both and agreed that I would look after my grandchild for one day a week and they would go to a childminder for 3 days, my son works a 4 day week and I would be free for emergencies, sickness etc.
This started well but my grandchild did not get on well at the childminder. They were unhappy, wouldn’t eat, cried and generally were very unsettled. So after giving it a really good time to settle down, they were losing weight and it was obviously very upsetting for everyone so they took them out of that situation, a decision I was absolutely pleased with.
I stepped up as emergency cover whilst they found another option…..
However that was 10 months ago and I am still looking after them for 4 days a week, 11hours a day, I am exhausted, truly so exhausted I go to bed so early, to get up at 5.30.
We go out and about at least once a week to either, library, museum, soft play, we bake and paint and we love books together.
I want to say, I can’t keep doing this, but I’m scared about the alternative and will I be letting them down.
what will happen to the relationship if I say I can no longer do all these days.
Does anyone have any advice as to how this situation may be addressed without upsetting anyone. Thankyou