Is this fair on my parents?

[perpetualworrier]

My parents are brilliant and I know I am very lucky. They have my 2 DS's 2 days a week while I work.

In a few weeks time, I have to go away with work (very rare) for 4 days and parents have offered to have DC's stay at their house, so that DH doesn't lose time at work (hourly paid). He usually leaves home c. 5am, but would have to start later if he is either to take them to my parents at a reasonable time, or to school breakfast club. He is perfectly happy to do this, but my parents don't want him to lose money

However, I have just learned that my sister is going away that week with her DH and has asked our parents to have her children for the whole week too. She doesn't live locally, so parents don't see their other grandchildren as often as they would like, so there is no way mum would turn down this opportunity to have them all to herself for a week. Mum says she is happy to have all 4 boys. She is an ex-teacher, a very young 60 yo and supremely capable, so I know she can cope, but she will have boys of 7,5, 20 months and 8 months for a week. I'm not sure I'd fancy that.

Trouble is she is adamant she will be OK and I think she may be put out if I insist DH has our boys. Or perhaps relieved? I have asked her and she keeps saying it will be fine. Dad will be there too, but not sure how much help he'll be!

I don't know I think perhaps she will really really enjoy it - all "her boys" at once, plan to do fun things and just make do because it is only a week?

Going on the fact that my MIL is in her early 60's, also an ex teacher and has my 7, 4 and 2 year olds for me, albeit not for a week, I would say let her have them. Be happy. There are people on here who would give their right arm aand both legs for support like this.

Going on the fact that my MIL is in her early 60's, also an ex teacher and has my 7, 4 and 2 year olds for me, albeit not for a week, I would say let her have them. Be happy. There are people on here who would give their right arm aand both legs for support like this.

Aren't you lucky to have such a wonderful mum!! Yes, she probably be knackered at the end of the week, but she would have had a great time. Maybe you and your sister could treat her to something afterwards - pampering day?

I think if she insists, then let her - if you are happy. But afterwards, watch carefully for how she is - does she look zonked/does she sound less enthusiastic etc.

Go for it. They kids will all love it, and it's worth a shot. You are very lucky indeed I must add. Hope it all works out fine

also the older cousins will entertain each other whilst grandma concentrates on the babies.

Yes I know I am very very lucky, that's why I don't want to put on her too much.

LOL CarGirl - no they won't, the older 2 are both mine and are more likely to be fighting!

big ones "helping" with the little ones then! She'll be fine, honest she may never do it again but it will be fine.

it is probably a little unfair as she is unlikely to turn the other 2 down. when i visit my parents i leave dd with her for the day and my nieces, 3 of them , also invite themselves. when i return she is exhausted and it only a day.if your sisters children dont see them often i would have your dh have yours.
i limit my visits sadly to parents as everyone visits, which is lovely, but its getting too much for her.

The alternative would be for your Mum to have your two for a couple of days and your DH to start work for a couple of days. That way DH doesn not loose too much money and your Mum doesn't have all four for too long but they get that fun cousins altogether at Grandma's time. My two stayed at MILs with their cousin for the first time a few weeks ago and they were v. excited.