Parenthood is definitely one of the most amazing and happiest moments in a person’s life. However, taking care of your newborn is a challenge. We always look up to our family members or relatives to assist us in our time of need.
When it comes to babysitting our children, which is quite a tough task yet is quite rewarding, we rely on our parents, especially as hiring a babysitter or nanny or going in for child care services is pretty expensive and trust plays an important role in the selection of the perfect nanny. But one needs to understand and analyze the repercussions of always calling on grandparents to look after your children.
Indeed, the feeling of safety, trust are the main factors which new parents prioritize on and this makes them count on their parent to be babysitters. In addition to this, there is zero cost involved in having a family member to babysit your kids. This makes it simpler to understand the figures and facts according to the U.S. Census Bureau, wherein about 30 percent of the preschool kids, the mothers of whom are working women, are taken care of by their grandparents. But what one needs to understand is if this choice is the best one for you or not. There are certain parameters which will help you through this process.
Understanding your Parents
Relying on and always calling on your parents to be a nanny to your kids seems like a brilliant idea. However, the possibilities of sour feelings are high, if you aren’t careful enough. The most important point one needs to note, is that your parents wouldn’t want to spend the rest of her days in diapering, feeding and playing with your kid, taking into consideration the age factor of your parents. Looking after kids- be it newborns or toddlers is physically tough.
Though we tend to assume that our parents will do the job just because they aren’t working anymore, doesn’t necessarily have to be so, as they would be having other activities such as social service, volunteer work and the like. Your parents might promise to be there when needed, but even a two-day stint with the kids can be challenging for them. Sometimes, some grandparents may not want to sacrifice their personal time and space, or age may make them reconsider the option. Many others may wish to continue working. (According to a report published by the American Association of Retired Persons, the average age of being grandparents is around 48years) and yes, the average age to retire is around 62 years!
Following Ground Rules and Discussion
It is a commonly known fact, that good thing are always taken for granted and taken advantage of. When it comes to any child care service, there are certain protocols to be followed, which we do; but when it comes to family, one tends to overlook most of the times. It’s alright to get late once, but if it is a regular affair, it might lead to issues between you and your parents. One needs to be empathetic and understand what your parents are going through and how they feel about the whole set-up, rather than simply shifting the responsibility.
Also, there might be some issues which need to be discussed, either by you or your parents, such as discussing how the child is doing, plans for the week, restocking of diapers, baby food, nap schedules, etc. It is always better to discuss it immediately than prolong it.
The difference in child-care approaches followed
Your parents might have had a different way of raising you up, whereas you believe in a completely different approach. This might lead to disagreement due to the difference in opinions. Your mother might feel leaving the child in a playpen is no big deal, as that’s the way how she raised you. However, certain rules are not negotiable, such as sleep safety, as ignoring the Back to Sleep rule which is designed to reduce the risk of SIDS. Ensure you also have a no-argument zone established especially on the topics which you feel are critical. Other than this, always remember to treat the approach as a collaboration and give your parents the choice to make decisions for the child for the day.
Remuneration as a token of gratitude
If you were to hire a babysitter to enroll your child into child care services such a daycare facility, it would definitely call for a lot of expenses. It’s true, you cannot employ your parents, but remuneration is a feel-good factor and can be a way to express your gratitude towards their effort. It also makes you feel better about asking them to babysit your kids. It is a way to acknowledge the sacrifices they make for you at that age. Parents may not always want to accept money for the love and care they offer, but yes, you could pay their bills, or buy their groceries instead, or send them on a vacation, thereby making their life a little easier. Also ensure, that you maintain a stock of everything your child may require- bet it diapers, the crib, the snacks, the clothes, etc., which is quite important if your child is taken care of in your parent’s house.
Make the entire experience a memorable one
Being with grandparents is probably the best your child can get. Though the entire babysitting process might be a bit challenging, as grandparents love to play and spoil their grandchildren, in ways they probably wouldn’t do, while they raised you up! The most common mistake that they do is asking the opinion of kids, when they are the ones who are supposed to decide for the kids. It’s a little hard to have a fun relationship with the kids when grandparents have to be authoritative. A balance needs to be struck between responsibilities and fun.
Believe in Trusted Nest
Yes, family, relatives, grandparents play a vital role in bringing up a child especially in joint families. Everyone wishes to have their parents around as they make the entire process of motherhood and parenting a memorable one. We, at Trusted Nest, understand that the transition from being a wife or a husband to the stage of becoming a parent is filled with anxiety and worry; especially if you don’t have your parents around you for support, for various reasons. Taking care of newborn calls for undivided attention, emotional support as well as help to undertake various chores that require running around. Parenting is a stressful process without the support of experienced hands.
This brings in the requirement for a trustworthy and experienced woman who can help you raise your child, in the absence of your parents. Trusted Nest understands that you cannot leave the responsibility of babysitting your child with a complete stranger. At Trusted Nest, we offer granny-nannies who can totally substitute the grandmother, with their experience of life and allows you to get back to your work life with a peace of mind. The nannies are reliable and trustworthy women who have been tried and recommended by your friends and will take care of your baby with utmost love and care, thereby saving you the asking your relatives for help.
The Child Care Service offered by a Trusted Nest enables you to get back to work while being rest assured that your child is being loved and cared for in the same manner as you do. The trademark of the granny-Nanny provided by Trusted Nest is loyalty, trustworthiness and yes, patience.
Yes, it goes without an argument that grandparents are the glue of families and keepers of traditions and history. And we, at Trusted Nest, provide you with the best Granny-Nanny who can substitute the grandparents, at times when you don’t have them around you, and ensure your decision to avail our service is the right choice.