What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say childcare? Expensive right? I knew it! That’s why it really comes in handy when there are grandparents around to help. Even if they do just the odd day here and there. It makes a huge difference to the amount of money you have to spend (and it’s great to catch up with housework once in a while too) But let’s be honest, preschool kids are hard work. Even at the best of times, they go at 100mph. So here are a few tips to help the grandparents in your life find babysitting so much easier. Especially if it’s a long term plan.
Accessibility
Whether you choose to borrow stair gates for a few months while your toddlers learn that stairs are not a playground or browse stairlifts for sale to make a permanent positive change, once things for sure; making your home more accessible will make a huge difference to the grandparents looking after your little ones. It’s all about making it less strenuous on them, helping them keep the kids safe and of course, keeping everyone happy.
Activities
Having a box of activities ready for the grandparents to dip into is a huge help. Whether they’re at your house or their own. Having a bunch of different activities on hand, that you change every couple of weeks will make a huge difference. Everything from simple colouring-in activities to sending the kids around with a cupcake mix. It all helps their creativity and stops Grandparents taking the burden of them being bored.
Food plan
Don’t you hate planning dinner every night? Constantly asking others what they fancy for a change? Exactly. The same goes for little ones. But it gets hard when your toddler is asking for a birthday cake at lunchtime! So make a food plan for the grandparents to stick too (as rigidly as they like) to help them plan the child care. Even if it’s just to help them constantly having to be imaginative with food for fussy kids. (because almost all kids are fussy right?)
Technology
OK so I know that we should all limit screen time for our little ones but there are times when the tablet games really come in handy for keeping them occupied. Grandparents might not be fully up to date with all the latest tech these days so make sure you give them a tutorial so they feel comfortable with it. I guarantee you’ll pick your littles up and it’ll be the grandparents watching Youtube totally dumbfounded haha.
Gratitude
Saying thank you goes a long way. When you get into a childcare routine, especially with grandparents, saying thank you sometimes get forgotten about. Remind your little ones to make the occasional card or picture for their grandparents. A little homemade gift would go down a treat too. It’s the thought that counts!
