Grandchildren overnight

Cant wait for the time when we can start reading Enid Blyton, re-live my childhood

My DGD comes to stay regularly overnight and I love it, she has her own room and instead of lugging baby equipment back and forth Ive bought my own stuff and will donate it to charity as she grows out of it. I have no trouble with her and I love telling her stories in bed, she sleeps well just gets up a bit early for me. we watch peppa pig from about 6am.
As she cant come downstairs alone she has to be carried so its hard on my spondylosis (cant spell) so im usually in pain by the time she goes home but I wouldn't say anything to my daughter, I just have a nice hot bath. Could'nt cope without Peppa though!!!

We child mind our 2 GC for a 12 hour shift on one day each week. They also come as a family for Sunday dinner. Sleepovers are as required. They are aged 3 and 6 and sleepovers have their own routine. A treat plate and a movie and then bedtime which is much later than at home. Treat place is a biscuit, a marshmallow, strawberries and grapes. And some Nutella in an eggcup for 'dipping'.
What happens at Granny's... stays at Granny's. Mum and dad know this, know kiddies are up late, but also know that we also keep to discipline and boundaries.

We've also had our GC since they were small although we've not had the latest arrival who's now 18m overnight yet but he does come for one day a week and has his nap quite happily. DDs children constantly ask when they can sleep over and they only live down the road! They are no trouble but they have quite a few activities in the week so our free time and theirs doesn't
always correspond.

Like Grannyactivist we have a sleepover routine and it works well. I love reading stories that for me is the best bit. It is tiring though but worth it.

Nina try again, he probably only thought that for one day.

My four year and one year old grandsons have been staying overnight (or longer) on a regular basis since they were just weeks old and regard my house very much as a second home. We have fairly tight routines, so they know pretty much how the daily rituals such as meals, bath and bedtimes go and are very comfortable being here without their mother. It helps that we have our own equipment for them here so even when they're only visiting for the day with their parents they feel at home as soon as they walk through the door. They're coming for the day on Monday with parents and next weekend they're staying here whilst mum and dad go to a wedding. If I'm having them early in the day I much prefer that they stay the night before. It is hard work though and as much as I love having them it's good when they leave too.

I used to love reading bed time stories. Sadly 5yr old has deemed himself to old !

Well, I should be so lucky ! To all of you - just enjoy. tbusmile]

Aka and cuddling up with a story at bedtime.

I had to have DGS to stay for days at a time at 2.5-3 yrs as DD had several hospital admissions with her 2nd pregnancy. He was fine except at that age he was a very early riser.
I haven't had the younger one yet as at just 2 he is still in a cot, but DD is leading a long weekend guide camp in August so good old mum will have both as SiL works nights

I'll look on the bright side....it will make having just two overnight seem like a doddle!

Isn't there something just adorable about little children just woken up, all warm and crumpled PJs, crawling into bed with you for an early morning cuddle though?

....and good luck Aka - rather you than me

Good luck Gally

Gally stop worrying, they will be fine and you will survive! Your instincts will kick in and you will enjoy it.

I've made a big boo boo

Both my 'children' asked me to have the GC overnight as they were going to a concert. I wasn't particularly listening but just agreed. I've only noticed when I went to write it on the calendar and realised both families are going to the concert together and that will mean all four GC staying over on the same night

It is good for children to have as many new (good) experiences as they can so that when they start school and other activities it is not intimidating. I think the 'velcro mums' sometimes do it to cling to their children but the best thing we can do is teach our children to be independent so that they can be more confident in life. I know parents who seem to cling on to their older children too but for their own sake. Far too controlling IMO.

Aka I can understand that excitement with the new and am sure it will wear off, they are obviously very happy with you!

DD and family are staying this week. She and SiL are going away tonight and I am dreading it. 2 active boys of 2 and 3 one of whom is a very mummy's boy. I went to bed early last night in order to prepare myself . I rarely see any of the gc's apart from in their own homes and have done a bit of babysitting there, but to have them on my own for 20 hours is a daunting prospect. I foresee a sleepless night........... Perhaps practice makes perfect?

Sometimes my GS stays overnight - now 5. He is a sensitive little flower and needs reassurance at bedtime. They are all different, but need sensitive response to their different needs. I never stayed over with my grandparents (or indeed anyone else) till I was in my teens - I think people do things differently now as so many parents both work and help is needed.

\I think it is a very good idea to get them used to sleeping elsewhere. I live too far away from DGS to make this practical at present, he is nearly 19months. I suspect he might still be getting the odd feed from his mum. He was very happy for me to bath and put him to bed in his house when I baby sat a couple of weeks ago.