How did I survive looking after young kids - nanas 7 day babysitting

[Cheermonger]

Christ alive no idea how I ever brought up 3 functional adults and survived as I’ve just looked after one adorable 3 year old grand baby and I’m broken. Exhausted. Hats off to you all, I’d totally forgotten the relentlessness even when said child is an angel.

bloody give yourselves a round of applause as I’m off to bed

How long ago did you bring up your children?
And my lovely mil says it's more exhausting minding her grandchildren! She feels so much more responsible.

I agree that you feel much more responsible. Yes, it is exhausting too, but it’s also lovely!

Youngest left home 5 years ago so a looong time since they were 3 🤣🤣🤣

This is lovely!!! Thank you x

Agreed, I’m blessed but knackered

Ah that's lovely OP. 3yos are tiny terrorists! I bet your DGD had a fantastic time.

No, thank you. You’re doing a great job 😍

We’ve had the best time and lll miss her but omg the 5.45 am starts are a killer. I’d forgotten how long the days were 🤣

My sister (single mum) once looked after my two as well as her one and she said she was exhausted. I said 'now you know how our mum felt (three kids)'. That took my sister by surprise!
Let's all appreciate our mothers who may not have had washing machines and did have cloth nappies!

That. It's exhausting because I feel like I can't take my eyes off them.

When my own were that age, I engaged with them a lot, but I'd also get on with housework, read a magazine, whatever. But being responsible for someone's else's children (a someone else who you love so much) is something else. So I never get to tune out, and my worst nightmare would be having to tell them that one of her children had come to harm in my care.

So I absolutely love having them, but yes, mentally exhausting.

Yes, I think every grandparent should do at least a full day and night looking after their small DGCs every so often, just so that they realise/remember how hard it is.

This made me smile so much

Ten days, whilst their parents were on holiday was exhausting. But they were a bit older.

I think grandparents tend to engage 100% whereas if it's your own you spend a considerable amount of the day trying to ignore them as you need to get work done and you need a break mentally. The mornings are a nightmare no doubt about that. But at that age I had a blanket and eye mask by the couch and would snooze while they played or watched TV, I'm betting nana was interacting all the time.

I had 4 under seven and managed them and the house no problem. One day of Grandson and I feel completely exhausted even though he is such a lovely boy. I know I'm older but have no health problems so can't understand why it should be so much harder now.

Yes and maybe younger people should wear an old age simulator suit and be informed about what it’s like to have fading eyesight, creaky bones, less flexibility and less energy overall.

Agree, I had 3 under 3..... I've got PTSD, then I had another after 10 years!!!
Just think I was so tuned in to doing it, it just happened... all stages last until you think " I can't do this!" and then something changes.... now it seems like a blink of an eye but then 🤪