Grandparents and childcare .....

[mumnet87]

DH and I just booked a getaway a couple of hours away for us and DS6 and DS3 in the summer. 2 nights. When I told my friend she asked if it was just me and DH or if the children were coming too. We aren't in a position to ask grandparents for that kind of childcare absolutely not! DH unfortunately lost both parents however my DM is retired and in good health, only 64, regularly getting hair and nails done etc and out . never any plans however will only ever help with childcare once in a blue moon if something serious happens. Not saying grandparents owe childcare before people jump on my throat!!!! But made me think.. i couldn't imagine having that kind of village?

What do you think is reasonable as a parent or grandparent? What help do u get or give? Just curious????!!

Just to clarify- the hair and nails was to show she's quite glamorous and young for her age, not struggling with health etc!! Looks after herself! No need for sarcasm and rudeness in only Asked a a

One persons reasonable is another’s too much. We have four grandkids between 8 and 1, between school pick ups and having them when parents at work we probably have two free days a week, during school holidays though nowhere near as much

Similar position to you. DH’s parents are dead. I only have my mum. She works 4 days so doesn’t really have much time. She does the very occasional night for us. Probably 5/6 times a year.

My husband and I immigrated here so we've never had family around. We've never had a night away or anyone else to pick them up from nursery. And we can't easily afford paid childcare so have barely left the house alone together in 12 years. My husband also worked away a lot when they were younger so it was often just me and we both work full time. Then I was sick for several months so it was just my husband.

We like travelling with the kids so that was no bother but the logistics can be exhausting sometimes for sure. I have definitely been envious of people with someone else who can pick up from nursery now and again!

Now they're older so we have more of a village with their friends parents so we have someone to swap football lifts with and such. But any sort of illness or emergency it's just us.