When we plan in our earlier years for retirement, we think of all of the greatness that retirement brings. Lazy days, traveling, time with friends and family, being able to enjoy a new hobby and not being rushed or pushed by the clock. All of this seems desirable and ideal. So many times though, things don’t turn out quite this way. An adult child might move back home, your young adult children may have their own children and need your help or you might find yourself taking care of your own parents.
All of these life events may cause you to change or cancel your “well planned out” retirement. Before you completely cancel your well deserved years, let’s think about ways in which you can still enjoy retirement and still help out where help is needed. For the purpose of this blog, we will discuss Caregiving for your grandchildren.
Caregiving for your Grandchildren
- Be open with your kids about how often you can help with the grandkids.
- Plan out times well in advance when you can take the kids. Remind your adult children that you also have a schedule and to respect this. Be creative.
- Plan a one week visit with the grandkids. There are so many grandparent/grandchild vacations that are now being coordinated by camping groups. Let this be a special time for just you and your grandkids (no parents allowed).
- Be sure that your kids have a backup person to take care of your grandkids when you are not able to help out. Continue enjoying your life. Plan day trips or short outings if you are not able to leave for long periods of time.
- Continue to enjoy your hobbies even if the grandchildren are with you. Get them involved. If it’s gardening, the grandkids can help. If the hobby involves crafting or woodworking- I’m sure children would be more than happy and excited to help out. Use this time as a valuable chance to pass a skill onto the younger generation.
- As with Caregiving for older adults, it is still important to have respite. By definition, respite is an interval of rest or relief. If you do not have time away from caregiving, you can get ill. It is important to have time away to revitalize. If you are not well (physically and emotionally) you cannot take care of your love ones.
Tags: Retirement Caregiving Grandchildren Babysitting
