Page 5 | Guide for grandparents doing childcare

M0therBear · 2024-12-28T21:33:19+00:00

My dad has very kindly offered to look after my toddler for one day per week. I'd like to make him a handbook/guide for my toddler so that everything he will need to know is in one place. I'm thinking of including information on when and how to make naps happen, food and allergy information, emergency numbers, our approach to handling emotions/behaviour etc. Has anyone else done this? If so what information did you include?

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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SirChenjins · 29/12/2024 10:22

The difference @NorthernExpat is that your mum asks you for information - you obviously speak about what’s required and you give information that’s helpful to her.

I’m sorry that the OP is upset by the posts on here. I would suggest she speaks to her dad and asks him what he thinks would help, rather than us (as complete strangers) . It’s been many years since my children we little (27, 25 and 18 years) but I wouldn’t need some of the information she suggested, for example.

BigMingeEnergy · 29/12/2024 10:27

TheyCantBurnUsAll · 29/12/2024 04:27

It's important not to go ott. I'd say an A4 page with the routine and include in that tips eg
x time- prep lunch so it's ready
X time- lunch
X time start going out routine (nappy, bag, shoes, coat)
X time leave for toddler group (POSTCODE. Parking is tricky so park over the road)
X time- nap. Needs dummy and teddy
Etc

Then in the back write the list of emergency numbers. Where he stop cock is. Where batteries are. Lean sleep sacks found in x cupboard

Put a couple rules if you really do feel strongly eg screen time or fizzy drinks. But don't explain how to settle when sad or your approach to disapline and that type stuff- you either trust him with your child or you don't

Christ, are you warming up the food with a heated blanket?

lleeggoo · 29/12/2024 10:51

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 29/12/2024 09:55

Op also add on where the thermometer and calpol is and when to give and how much and explain how the syringe works as my parents are terrified of the syringe

I probably wouldn't be leaving my child with a pair of adults who were terrified of a medicine syringe. Perhaps they are not best placed to be responsible.

jannier · 29/12/2024 13:31

TheyCantBurnUsAll · 29/12/2024 04:27

It's important not to go ott. I'd say an A4 page with the routine and include in that tips eg
x time- prep lunch so it's ready
X time- lunch
X time start going out routine (nappy, bag, shoes, coat)
X time leave for toddler group (POSTCODE. Parking is tricky so park over the road)
X time- nap. Needs dummy and teddy
Etc

Then in the back write the list of emergency numbers. Where he stop cock is. Where batteries are. Lean sleep sacks found in x cupboard

Put a couple rules if you really do feel strongly eg screen time or fizzy drinks. But don't explain how to settle when sad or your approach to disapline and that type stuff- you either trust him with your child or you don't

That's micro managing he will get to realise how long it takes to get ready just like you did. Will you write him a schedule when he's older now dad prep your tea at X don't forget brush your teeth? Just say he's used to eating at X and gets really grumpy same with naps.or prep the food ready and say I've brought his snacks and lunch.

jannier · 29/12/2024 13:34

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 29/12/2024 09:55

Op also add on where the thermometer and calpol is and when to give and how much and explain how the syringe works as my parents are terrified of the syringe

Wtf they don't know how to use a medicine syringe ...it was common in kids meds 35 years ago.....or do you mean they prefer a spoon....I like a spoon never have an issue with it

jannier · 29/12/2024 13:36

thehousewiththesagegreensofa · 29/12/2024 04:45

My parents live 5 hrs away so didn't do regular childcare but did (and still do) come and stay for a few days and do childcare whilst DH and I go away. They did this for the first time when DC1 was 13 months (just an overnight that time). The DC are now teens and still get given a list with all of the info about emergency information (including which hospital is minor injuries, which has A&E); useful numbers (eg another parent who brings the DC home from an activity); how the house works (boiler settings etc). It used to include information about their routine (what time nursery/school or baby groups started, naps etc) and various other things like that.
It took me about 45 mins to prepare the first time and 5 mins to update every time since. It gives my parents peace of mind and limits the number of WhatsApp messages. Actually, I didn't give it to them for the most recent weekend away on the basis the teens could answer any questions and had three messages about what went in which bin and two about the tumble dryer (my parents don't have one). If I'd bothered to leave them the guide, they'd have known.

But they are not local and we're doing care for a few days at a time in a strange house with kids they didn't see weekly.

Twitwootoo · 29/12/2024 13:43

TheyCantBurnUsAll · 29/12/2024 04:27

It's important not to go ott. I'd say an A4 page with the routine and include in that tips eg
x time- prep lunch so it's ready
X time- lunch
X time start going out routine (nappy, bag, shoes, coat)
X time leave for toddler group (POSTCODE. Parking is tricky so park over the road)
X time- nap. Needs dummy and teddy
Etc

Then in the back write the list of emergency numbers. Where he stop cock is. Where batteries are. Lean sleep sacks found in x cupboard

Put a couple rules if you really do feel strongly eg screen time or fizzy drinks. But don't explain how to settle when sad or your approach to disapline and that type stuff- you either trust him with your child or you don't

Absolutely do not tell a grandparent what time to prep lunch and what time to start getting things together to leave the house WTF

if my child did this for me I would seriously wonder where I had gone wrong with them

FiveWhatByFiveWhat · 29/12/2024 15:10

lleeggoo · 29/12/2024 10:51

I probably wouldn't be leaving my child with a pair of adults who were terrified of a medicine syringe. Perhaps they are not best placed to be responsible.

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I can still remember me and my mum taking my son for his first set of jabs 5 years ago.

As advised we waited in the reception for 15 mins after and used that time to give him Calpol. He was hysterical, I was upset and neither of us could work the lid /syringe for the Calpol - what a ridiculous sight it must have been! Luckily a very kind mum sat across came and helped. I'm an old hand at it now, but I wish I'd have practiced before that moment 🤣

lleeggoo · 29/12/2024 15:19

@FiveWhatByFiveWhat

Let's not pretend not knowing how to use it for the first time under stress is the same a being terrified of it.

Guide for grandparents doing childcare

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