Grandmas often hold a significant role in family life. This is especially true when it concerns looking after their grandkids. However, deciding to step in as a caregiver can sometimes clash with their own plans and needs.
These four real-life stories from Reddit show where grandmothers had to make tough choices between helping their families and preserving their personal time.
Two elderly women sitting on a sofa and a child faced away from the camera | Source: Pexels
Grandma Refused to Babysit Grandkids Because of Daughter-In-Law’s Strict Rules
In July 2020, a grandmother faced a dilemma. Her son, father to a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, needed her to babysit for a week due to his wife’s return to work.
The Original Poster (OP) explained, “She has been trying to return to the workforce for a while now and she finally got an offer in her field. The earliest she can get the kids into daycare is a week after when they want her to start.”
A woman laughing while at work sitting behind a desk | Source: Pexels
This meant OP would look after the kids nine hours a day. The arrangement, however, came with a list of strict rules from her daughter-in-law (DIL): a vegetarian diet without provided food, no TV, enforced enrichment worksheets, and a stringent schedule. “I do understand naps but I think the rest of it is too much when I would be doing them a favor,” said OP.
Most burdensome was the prohibition of visitors, isolating the grandmother from her daily social interactions. OP, who admitted she would rather babysit for her other son, penned:
“I see my friends almost every day. […] She thinks my friends are bad people and she is very strict about the influences on her kids.”
Two elderly women reading the newspaper together | Source: Pexels
“I told my son that that’s way too much to ask of anyone and they need to find a professional,” OP stated, highlighting the unreasonable expectations placed upon her.
OP’s son tried to persuade her otherwise, but she refused to change her mind. Meanwhile, the DIL called her in tears, pleading with her to look after the couple’s children while emphasizing the importance of the job opportunity. But, the grandmother stood her ground, advocating for her own comfort and boundaries.
A woman on the phone while looking unhappy | Source: Freepik
Grandma Refused to Babysit Newborn Grandchild While Daughter Goes Back to Work
Meanwhile, in June 2022, a 29-year-old woman revealed on Reddit that she reached out to her 64-year-old mother for help with her newborn, only to be met with refusal. OP had to return to work at the time.
