Name: IreneJ Title: Grandmother is a new Mother!

Recently my daughter moved to Europe and was unable to take her two children with her. I am now looking after my grandchildren (a girl and a boy) on my own. I am 75 years old and used to staying at home pretty much all of the time. I'm not sure i'll be able to manage these rambunctious kids! I don't even know what kids like these days! I just wanted to know if anyone has any ideas about how this arrangement could go smoothly.  ?

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Name: Krys • Date: 08/02/2005 14:52:32

Children are alot different these days. But discipline is really the only thing to keep them on the right track. Sometimes people are afraid to yell or spank (NOT BEAT) their children, but they are better off in the long run and will appareciate you for it in the end. Stand your ground. Kids like different things than in the past. Computers, cell phones, with the new technology, they're all alittke smarter. Don't OVER give them things becuase they need to learn the importance of appreciation! Good luck!  =

Name: bigdaddy • Date: 11/06/2005 14:50:02

Hi Irene- You posted this a while ago--how are things goig? If it is any consolation, the grandparent parents I work with really do an excellent job. It is important to make each of the children feel responsible for what goes on in your home. Make them a part of even the simplest decisonmaking, and you will find that they will take over and make your household work. If the dishes need to be done, sit down with them and say, "Listen, the dishes need to be done. I have to finish the laundry and can do them after you all go to bed. But it would would be a huge help to me if you could figure out how to get some of them done so I don't have to do that." They are smart enough to know that you are old, and not Supergirl. If they had no one to raise them, they would figure something out. The fact that they have you is a super bonus and they don't want to lose you.

And pick your battles. If they won't brush their teeth, just say, "Well, you may grow up with rotten teeth. I suppose you can get them drilled out later." Concentrate on the crucial issues, like getting to school (on time? That's their responsibility.) If they stink in school, someone will set them straight, the power of peer pressure to your advantage.

You are all partners in your mutual success. Hang in there.  =

Name: laurevere • Date: 07/28/2006 21:06:01

Save up your money and your daughter money and send her children to her. I made that same mistake when my grandson was 3 days old, now he is 16 yrs old. The children need their mother and you need to enjoy the rest of your life. Kids these days are nothing like the kids of our generaton! TRUST ME!! Help her financially from a distance to keep her kids with her. Take your life back NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  =

Name: CHRIS • Date: 08/16/2006 02:00:01

I WAN TO KNOW ABOUT GRANDMOTHERS LIKE ME  =

Name: to Irene • Date: 08/19/2006 08:11:35

Any mother that leave her children to go to europe can't be much of a mother do the kids a favor and keep them I know its hard but try the kids will never forget and will love you forever  =

Name: Debbie • Date: 10/19/2006 20:59:01

I must say that if I was 75-- my daughter would have to take the kids with her!  =

Name: Lizzi • Date: 10/20/2006 17:47:28

How old are these children?That's kind of rude for your daughter to dump them off on you like that,has she no respect for you? I would insist she give up Europe and come back and be a mother to her children! You could go to the wel-fare department and get foodstamps and a medical card for the kids.Your daughter should at least be sending you money though i hope?! What kind of mother leaves her children like that? What was so important in Europe that she had to leave her kids behind? what kids aren't allowed in Europe or what?  =

Name: to lizzi • Date: 10/20/2006 22:22:26

theres a man over there and he does not know she has children  =

Name: marija • Date: 10/20/2006 22:45:42

At 75, how old ar e your grandchildren?
If theyre young i dont think there is anything that is going tyo make it easy! Get the mother back, Unless she is in Europe having a medical emergency or she is only there for a short holiday/work committment 2-3 weeks she SHOULD be the one looking after them!
If theyre older teens then make sure they respect the rules of the house and your daily routine, then they will pretty much look after themselves.
Good luck  =

Name: Lizzi • Date: 10/22/2006 20:59:54

Oh then by all means she should put the man first! UH-NOT!!!!!  =

Name: Chris Ramey • Date: 10/25/2006 22:05:04

These kids willl keep you busy. It depends on how old they are. and how active you are.Do you have a church to help??Can you afford a day care-once or twice a week-if their young, a youth center if their older for games & activities, books to read, computer games @ the library if you dont have a computer. The library has dvd's (movies)to take out, if you have a card. check with a youth organion in your area for charity help  =

Name: Alfreda Washington • Date: 07/06/2007 03:55:45

Am new grandmom again and I am hurting and i need to talk to someone  =

Name: young2007 • Date: 07/22/2007 13:02:51

hi  =

Name: Julie • Date: 07/24/2007 23:52:25

man that is too bad your daughter couldn't take them I watch my grandkids but hope they are not to young that would be hard to take care of.  =

Name: Eileen White • Date: 10/27/2007 00:48:47

HI Irene my name is Eileen I took in my 2 Grandchildren last Dec. after going to court to get them ,aboy 2 and a girl 5 .Both my kids have Autism .Idid not think Icould do it but hang in there and have a smile on your fase because it is worth it.  =

Name: liz • Date: 12/26/2007 20:42:03

grandkids are of joy of fun .tell me how old are your grandkids.  =

Name: Grandmaof5 • Date: 01/20/2008 18:02:46

I admire you for taking on this responsibility! All children need parameters. Inside this space they feel safe. If they cross outside the "line" they need correction. If you love them, love them, and care enough to correct them - they'll be fine and you'll be a Saint!  =

Name: Jayne • Date: 03/23/2008 23:09:32

How old are the kids. At 74 years I am currently taking care of a boy of 1 and half and his sister who is 2 and a half. It's very tiring but the love and affection I get more than makes up for it.  =

Name: sue z • Date: 04/30/2008 10:03:10

i am watching a 2 and 4 year old grandsons-it isn't easy-i'm tired and i have no time for myself,after working full-time for years i;m busier than ever. I try to keep our day structured with play time, outside time, meal time , and a rest period for all of
us,be consistant  =