The granny thread

mioliere

kittie wrote: »

This thread
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=425697
is a replica of my thread on the families thread but it might be better on here

I am calling on any child-minding granny to give me some hints and tips about helping and coping. Please

Hi Kittie! I am a grandmother who looks after GDS (aged 7) on a Tuesday after school and GDS (aged 4) after pre-school. I always have a full of drawing and crafting stuff for them to share when they come round together and one smaller one each for when they are each here on their own. Doesn't have to cost very much because you can pick up the bits and bobs from the cheap pound shops; have safety scissors, sellotape and child's glue at hand and it's amazing what they produce. I have also found the charity shops invaluable for picking up toys, books, puzzles etc and, for just a couple of pounds every so often, I can produce something 'new' for them to play with!

If they are babies and the weather is good, you can take them out for walks - just make sure, in this age of cars and car seats, that the parents leave a pram or pushchair with you. I once had to take a very heavy five month old to the bank without one and one of my arms was twice as long as the other by the time I got home!

Anyway, good luck!

[Deleted User]

I`m just about finished buying, except for little things and now I`ll enjoy the hols knowing that I am prepared. Everything is good as new and the cot is new. Everything is washed and clean. I have

a quinny buzz pram with footmuff
the cabrio car seat and easyfix base
a graco cot with bassinet and changing top
a babydan playpen with a wendy house cover and a play gym
a comfy-looking baby bouncer

the extras are
rattles and first toys
babynest
several grobags in different sizes
a laundry bag which is storing the toys

I`ll have to get some cot sheets and a few bits of clothing as well as feeding and nappy items and a small bath for messy nappy times

That must be pretty well it. I don`t know how some struggling people manage as everything is very expensive but ebay has come up trumps for everything but it still cost several hundred £

The baby scan was done yesterday and the baby is a boy

The reason for me getting evrything is that my dd has to travel quite a way to work and her dh may be starting a new job, also quite a way away. There won`t be time to pack anything other than the baby. They have 2 active dogs and I`m wondering how on earth they`re going to manage anyway. He`ll have to stay late from time to time in this new job as it is

Anyway I have 6 months after birthday, in which to get 100% finished. One of the reasons for getting the big things now is that my dh retires in 3 weeks and of course income will plummet

tanith

Kittie sounds like you are well prepared but I have to say you are a braver woman than I. I would find what you are doing for your family very daunting and I may be selfish but think I have earned a reasonably stress free retirement... I love all my grandchildren to bits and find it comforting that they always want to come to Nan's house (even the biggies) but to have a baby on a regular basis would be too much I value my own space too much I guess....

That said I hope all goes well with the new edition and that you enjoy your time with him, its very precious as they grow up so soon....

Supergran_2

Hi Kittie, I started looking after my eight month grandson last week, I am sharing his care with his daddy so it is not everyday. A word of warning, be prepared to be very tired, it's not like looking after your own children it's a bigger responsibility you worry so much about them hurting themselves. It's a big pleasure though being part of their early months and getting lovely cuddles. I use the travel cot as a playpen and I have plenty of musical and colourful toys.

Looking at your list you seem to be well organised. I wish you lots of happy hours with your new Grandson.

3XsAlady

it'smeinit wrote: »

Wow! congratulations.:T
We were given the best gift anyone can have, our grandaughter. she has brought a new lease of life to our family. She will be 2 soon and we try to have her stay most weekends, I and my dh still work full time so weekdays it's not possible, Yes she can be very tireing but when she goes home the house seems so very quiet, and I can't wait till she is back again.
You are entering a very exciting time of your life. Our house is now full of dollies pushchairs and toys. But we love every bit of it. :hello:

Fully endorse everything it'smeinit has said, a wonderful time for us new grandparents.