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btrflygrl
me and baby #3!
Member since 5/05 12013 total posts
Name:
Shana
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Let Down by family....
AS many of you know, my 80 YO grandma lives with is and helps out with the kids. Well for months she's been pushing for us to leave the kids with her and let her babysit.
We caved and let her watch them last night while we went to Parent Orientation for Alysons' preschool since our babysitter was out of town.
Complete Let Down.....The meeting ran late I guess...so we were headed home around 8 (it started at 6:30) and mind you-we are LITERALLY around the corner from the church.
DH cell phone rings and it's her--"these kids are staggering tired...WHERE ARE YOU?"
We walk in and they were happy but obviously tired. She says she tried putting DS down, but he freaked out (which is probably true).
I now have NO CONFIDENCE in leaving my kids alone with her nor will she be taking Aly anywhere in the car with her since she is unable to handle the harness on the carseat.
AFter all the pushing...all she can do is complain about it.
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Posted 8/29/08 4:06 PM  |
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JChia
Mom of 2 Princesses
Member since 9/07 2540 total posts
Name:
Jen
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Re: Let Down by family....
well, at least she tried. maybe it would be better if you did it for a short run to the store for 1/2 hour next time so the kids got used to being with just her or maybe a time that does not coincide with bedtime- I remember bedtime being a very difficult time to babysit when I was younger - the kids always wanted to wait until parents got home even though they were tired....
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| Posted 8/29/08 4:22 PM |
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pinkandblue
Our family is complete, maybe
Member since 9/05 32436 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Let Down by family....
she did the best she could, she is 80 after all
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| Posted 8/29/08 4:27 PM |
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EmmaNick
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Member since 12/06 16001 total posts
Name:
*
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Re: Let Down by family....
At least she tried. I think her heart was in the right place. I mean 80 is pretty old to be watching kids 
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| Posted 8/29/08 4:33 PM |
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monkeybride
My Everything
Member since 5/05 20541 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
I know my friend's mother cannot get her kids to bed and if she does it's always very late when the kids are just toast. My friend just accepts it as part of having her mom babysit so they can get a night out.
Maybe if you go over with your grandma what responsibilities she is comfortable handling then you can have her babysit at more appropriate times for her. Like may you and DH could do a matinee in the afternoon and then bedtime isn't an issue.
Sorry it didn't work too well. It was probably more work than she realized.
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| Posted 8/29/08 4:34 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
dont consider it a let down. She is 80 so they just out did her. I would still allow her to watch them on smaller outings. It will do you and her both good.
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| Posted 8/29/08 5:24 PM |
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stickydust
Now a mommy of 2!!!
Member since 4/06 3164 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
Posted by stephanief
she did the best she could, she is 80 after all
I agree. Don't be too hard on her.
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| Posted 8/29/08 6:39 PM |
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pmpkn087
Life is good...
Member since 9/05 18504 total posts
Name:
Stephanie
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Re: Let Down by family....
Posted by PrincessP
dont consider it a let down. She is 80 so they just out did her. I would still allow her to watch them on smaller outings. It will do you and her both good.
I agree with Paulette!
My grandma watches Steven for a few hours every wednesday and it's a lot for her. And that's only ONE child.
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| Posted 8/29/08 6:42 PM |
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KateDevine
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Member since 6/06 24950 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
I think making it that long with two little toddlers at her age is WONDERFUL!!!
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| Posted 8/29/08 7:47 PM |
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beachgirl
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 7967 total posts
Name:
sara
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Re: Let Down by family....
I would applaud an 80 year old to take on three kids- I am in my 30's and would find it a challenge so I think you should let it go. I would agree that you should not let her drive your kids anywhere.
She probably pushed you to let her do it as at that age they still cling to the hope that they can do everything that they could do when they are younger.
If I were you I would let her take care of the kids in shorter stints - i.e no more than an hour, that way you will both be happy and taking care of kids in the evening when they are tired and cranky is a challenge for the best of us
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| Posted 8/29/08 7:48 PM |
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joenick
Us
Member since 6/06 9370 total posts
Name:
Valerie...aka...Do Me A Favor?
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Re: Let Down by family....
OMG...if my 83 year old Grandmother watched my kids while I peed, I'd be impressed.
My almost 60 year old mother can barely handle it. 
I give your Grandma much props to be able to watch 2 kids for an hour and a half. That's pretty impressive!
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| Posted 8/29/08 8:11 PM |
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Sweets13
Bella Bambini
Member since 5/05 9300 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
I am sure your 80 year grandmother was disappointed in herself since she probably REALLY wanted to be able to care for them both and allow you and DH a night out alone..even if it was for a meeting...I would of thank'd my 80 year old grandmother for TRYING. I don't see it as her letting you down. I am sure you have a hard time caring for both your kids at some point,,,,can you imagine an 80 year old????
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| Posted 8/29/08 8:27 PM |
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mommy0604
My Son is my world...
Member since 10/07 3270 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
I think what's important is that she tried...
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| Posted 8/29/08 9:17 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
Posted by PrincessP
dont consider it a let down. She is 80 so they just out did her. I would still allow her to watch them on smaller outings. It will do you and her both good.
I agree.
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| Posted 8/29/08 9:22 PM |
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smdl
I love Gary too..on a plate!
Member since 5/06 32461 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Let Down by family....
I think she forgot what it was and got tired very quickly. She is 80.
I don't think she will offer again. I think she underestimated the work involved.
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| Posted 8/29/08 9:22 PM |
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lvdolphins
My Loves!
Member since 5/05 46292 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by PrincessP
dont consider it a let down. She is 80 so they just out did her. I would still allow her to watch them on smaller outings. It will do you and her both good.
I agree.
ITA I wouldn't be let down. I admire her for even trying!
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| Posted 8/29/08 9:23 PM |
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DmarieK
My loves!!
Member since 1/06 9203 total posts
Name:
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Re: Let Down by family....
Posted by PrincessP
dont consider it a let down. She is 80 so they just out did her. I would still allow her to watch them on smaller outings. It will do you and her both good.
I agree!!
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| Posted 8/30/08 1:10 AM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: Let Down by family....
I agree - and think it's great that she watched them! We get tired from our kids - I couldn't imagine being 80 and watching them.
Maybe you could possibly put them to sleep before you go next time - that way you can enjoy yourself without worrying?
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| Posted 8/30/08 8:42 AM |
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nbc188
Best friends!
Member since 12/06 23090 total posts
Name:
C
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Re: Let Down by family....
Posted by smdl
I think she forgot what it was and got tired very quickly. She is 80.
I don't think she will offer again. I think she underestimated the work involved.
ITA!
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| Posted 8/30/08 8:49 AM |
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