My partner and I recently returned from an absolutely wonderful four-day getaway—just the two of us, free from the chaos of parenting. We could rise and retire at our leisure, indulging in the simple joy of doing whatever we pleased. Did I mention it was amazing?
Planning any trip, whether with or without kids, entails a mountain of preparations. From laundry and packing to arranging carpools and ensuring that the caregivers are well-equipped—it’s a lot. And let’s not forget the exhaustive list of rules about what is allowed when leaving the children in someone else’s care.
But here’s the truth: the only “instruction” we left for the grandparents watching our kids was simply this: HAVE FUN.
Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration. We also reminded the kids not to misbehave, but honestly, that was pretty much it. As we dashed out the door, we shouted a quick “have fun!” Our list was nonexistent.
There were no notes about bedtimes or bath schedules, and certainly no limits on candy consumption. In fact, since it was Easter weekend, there was bound to be an abundance of sweets.
Did we return to our kids bouncing off the walls from sugar and complaining about chores? Yes. Did they whine when they couldn’t have chocolate waffles piled high with syrup? Absolutely. Were they tired and lacking basic hygiene? For sure. Did they behave like little terrors? Maybe.
But let’s be honest: they were already acting like that before their weekend at Grandma’s. Because kids, by nature, can be a handful.
Some parents might insist on lengthy lists of dos and don’ts, lamenting about their children’s behavior post-grandparents. While that might be valid, the opportunity for free childcare and the chance for kids to bond with their extended family is worth a bit of chaos.
The benefits of kids spending time with their grandparents – aunts, uncles, and cousins – are immeasurable. They learn to trust and respect adults outside their parents, a crucial lesson as they enter their teenage years. They get to be playful and silly, indulging in annoying toys like kazoos and Whoopie Cushions that would drive me nuts at home. They sneak away with cousins to share stories and make goofy videos. They experience love and attention, even if it comes in the form of cheap toys and sugary snacks.
Now, I recognize that not every family is fortunate enough to have involved grandparents. Some grandparents live far away, are unable to help due to health issues, or simply choose not to take on that role.
However, if your children are lucky enough to have grandparents who are eager to spend time with them, my advice is simple: Embrace it.
Let go of the stringent rules and elaborate instructions (with the exception of car seat reminders, of course). Sure, it might be frustrating when your kids return on a sugar high with bags of unwanted toys. But these experiences create lasting memories. Your children will remember staying up late to hunt for Easter eggs with Grandma, creating music videos with their cousins, and the excitement of too many lollipops turning their tongues bright blue. They’ll remember the joy of feeling cherished and free.
Grandparents benefit, too. They feel trusted and valued, and they relish the chance to create unforgettable memories with their grandkids. They get to enjoy laughter, stories, and love in a unique way that only grandparents can provide.
And as parents, we relish our time away. We reconnect with our partner, recalling the days before we were just “Mom” and “Dad.” We find comfort in knowing our kids are with people who adore them, giving us the chance to rest—oh, the glorious sleep!
So, when it comes to leaving the kids with grandparents, my advice boils down to this: Have fun. And thank you.
Oh, and remember the car seats.
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Summary
This article encourages parents to relax their rules when leaving children with grandparents. The focus is on the invaluable experiences children gain from spending time with extended family, allowing parents the much-needed time to recharge. Emphasizing trust and enjoyment over strict rules, it advocates for a balance between child care and familial bonds.
Keyphrase: Leaving kids with grandparents
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