I have my 7 yr old grand son 3 evenings a week and most friday nights ( Sleep over!!!!) After being awake since 3 am, 8:30pm can't come soon enough some days, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! Not only do I have a strong bond with him, it keeps my in close contact with my daughter. They should all be born grandchildren first!

We were blessed with DIL and 1st GD living with us for 18 months. The memories are so special. We did babysit when DIL worked part time in evening once we were home from work, and weekends. Now have 2 GD and they to far (WAY to far) away. I sometimes feel jealous of those that who can their grandbabies all the time.
I don't know if I could do 40 hours a week though.

Watched all 3 of my grandkid --last one goes to school next year. They live just down the road, so they are a BIG part of our lives. When they go to school their world get so much bigger, the "I want to go to Grams" changes, guess we granparents have to let go just like we did with our children. I worshipped the ground my grandmother walked on and have enjoyed playing a part in the early developement if these three. I even went so far as to have 3 little fishes tatooed on my lower leg when I was 62, told the young'uns they would always be with me. Another lady I know had a morning glory in different colors done around her ankle for each of her grandkids, was it ever neat. DD bout croaked when I had it done. Being over 60 is liberating to say the least!

I too am retired and babysit a 2 year old for a friend of mine. She is adorable but very active at this age. She is alot of fun, I'm realizing how much her mother is missing out on each day. I am also supposed to be babysitting her new brother in a few months....that will be a challenge taking care of two. I sometimes think, omg, I am too old for this. But it does keep me young at heart and also it is a needed job to supplement my income since retirement sure doesn't provide much.
Quilting, sewing....a thing of the past during the week, have to do those projects on weekends only. Good luck and bless you. It is tiring, though isn't it?

Yes! I started watching my grandbaby girl, Lily, this past week. I will watch her three days a week, a friend will watch her one day, and her Mommy will stay home on Friday to work from home. And, YES, I haven't quilted in quite some time. I made a list yesterday of quilts I want to make....Oh, I also am a teacher, who wants to sub two days a week if called. When to quilt. I pray each day that I am not called, like today. Lily will be baptised tomorrow and the celebration is here... then on Wed. I head to Tampa for a birthday part for my grandson... one year old. Staying extra days to help watch Maverick while mom and dad prepare to move on base as the house they are in is being put up for sale. Never a dull moment. Would not trade for a million bucks.

Our youngest son and his family live with us to help take care of my husband who has a whole host of health issues. His children are 10 and 4 and they keep us going. I don't know what I would do without them here. They provide help that allows me time to do things I like to do - sew, bridge, canasta, etc. Cherish them while you can.

I had my three grandchildren (ages 6, 5, & 1-1/2) last summer for a total of 5 weeks, in two-week increments. It was So much Fun, but I can't deny that I was exhausted. There's a difference between being 30 with three kids, and being 59! However: the bond between us is Strong - their parents divorced last April and Grandma's House is their favorite home (they tell me). Their parents have since moved in with significant others who have children also - it's a big adjustment for them.

This summer we will have them for six concurrent weeks (our son picks them up at night and returns them in the morning). I will be planning ahead and enrolling them in various classes, teams, and "day camps." I want their summer to be fun and busy. I don't anticipate any sewing time come june. lol...

I was the emergency baby sitter. The "other grandma" was the full time home baby sitter, however she baby sat for one other set of grands also, and lived in the same town. They had to bring the little one 20 miles to me.

I would love to baysit my grandchildren even it it meant giving up my quilting and everything else but distance won't allow it

I love being Grandmom and being able to watch my grandgirls. Oldest is 5 and I have watched her since she was a baby. Our next grandgirl is 24 months and have had her since mom went back to college and she is working full time too. I don't have much free time. Quilting has taken a back seat for now. I stay connected on the site. Thanks all I will be back.