https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:25:27 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself/page/2#post-2044189 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:48:03 +0000 .twist. 2044189@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pen: Thanks!!! I'm actually getting pretty excited about it. I think secretly, I'm kind of hoping that I don't hurt my mom and dads feelings? They aren't in any place to take this on right now, nor do I think they would want to any way (they want to be grandparents, not care givers which they did for my nephew, and I totally understand that!). But I still have a nagging feeling of guilt about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself/page/2#post-2044166 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:28:04 +0000 Mrs. Pen 2044166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: I think it sounds GREAT!!! And if he's already two, you can do a half-day preschool next year anyway, and waiting for peer socialization/relationships until 3-5 years old isn't a huge deal anyway (I never even went to preschool!). I love that they want to be so involved, including doing activities - how fun! And even if you do one paid activity at a time, there are other extras they could do like library story times, open gym through the community center/library/local gym, indoor play areas, and in the summer parks/beaches... etc etc.. So many things for them to do.</p> <p>We switched J to an in-home and he's the only child she watches - and he hasn't been sick since! He still hangs out with kids - her kids and she plans tons of play dates and activities, and I love that having him with her now enables him to do those things that he wouldn't typically be able to do.</p> <p>I'm excited for you - sounds like a perfect set up! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself/page/2#post-2044139 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:12:33 +0000 Modern Daisy 2044139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Before committing to it fully i would knock him down to 3 days per week at daycare and ask il's to take him the other 2. That way if you realize it was a mistake you can easily go back to fulltime without making things weird. I would tell them that it's only temporary and your goal is to keep him in daycare full time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself/page/2#post-2044095 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:59:29 +0000 blackbird 2044095@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: agreed! ALL THE COOKIES. Plus, if grandma gives a lot of cookies at noon, she'll deal with the inevitable crash at 2pm. E comes home kind of coked out sometimes, but i know she had a great day, too :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044094 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:59:11 +0000 Mamasig 2044094@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: my mom likes to go get a smoothie or ice cream when she picks up DS1 from preschool. The other day I told her lets lay off for a few days because he hasnt been wanting dinner. Her response - ok, I was wondering if maybe that was it! But seriously, if ice cream dates are my biggest concern, I'll take it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044081 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:52:25 +0000 .twist. 2044081@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: haha the cookies, or something similar, would be their only fault, I think. If that's all I have to deal with compared to picking my kid up with poop falling out of his pants and never-ending sickness? I think I can deal with a few extra cookies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044078 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:50:41 +0000 blackbird 2044078@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: It sounds perfect, honestly! Because, like many others, I would be concerned that all day every day grandparent care would lead to lots of tv and cookies, heh, because toddlers are exhausting! You can always put him back in something if it doesn't pan out. My husband was half raised by his grandma and has the best memories :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044076 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:48:57 +0000 .twist. 2044076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@autumnlove: Oh no! That sounds terrible! :( My FIL is insanely intelligent and reading is so important to him. I think they'd probably read 100 books a day if my MIL weren't there to help them get outside. ;) They are really, really good with him that way. I don't really care about a bit of TV or internet vids, but if it were an all day every day thing, I'd be pretty annoyed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044062 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:40:08 +0000 autumnlove 2044062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This sounds great if your in laws are energetic and engaging with your LO. I have friends and family with Grandparent care and it is just YouTube playlists and TV all day...the kids never read, go outside or interact with other people/kids. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044050 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:33:20 +0000 catlady 2044050@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Aw, that's too bad. I guess in your case, I guess I probably would just try it out at your in laws and enroll your LO in some activities to supplement. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044041 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:29:00 +0000 .twist. 2044041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@blackbird: Pre-School will definitely happen if we do this. I feel like L is going to run circles around them. hahaha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044030 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:21:45 +0000 illumina 2044030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: you know what...sometimes I think being "bored" at home has paid off for S because she has become very good recently at occupying herself for long periods of time (like seriously an hour or more...she invents little games with her toys!) which has been great for me! Swings and roundabouts with everything I guess! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044028 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:20:49 +0000 .twist. 2044028@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@catlady: Unfortunately, our daycare doesn't offer part time and it's the most convenient and cheaper daycare in our area. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044027 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:20:43 +0000 MrsMccarthy 2044027@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes! Do it! It will be amazing. Use some of the money you save from daycare to pay for the classes for LO and to but thank you gifts for your in laws often. But save what you can. It's sous like your in laws would love the chance to be close to ther grandson in that way too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044019 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:17:50 +0000 .twist. 2044019@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@illumina: ah! Thanks for sharing. I practically grew up in a daycare so it's very, very familiar to me. It just seems so normal and I, obviously, have a hard time wrapping my head around non-daycare life. haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044016 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:17:15 +0000 catlady 2044016@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would probably do part-time at the daycare if I could, like 2 or 3 days with daycare and the other days at the ILs (or else half days).</p> <p>We are in a similar boat with illness, snow days, and holidays, but I wouldn't pull my LO out completely even if I had the opportunity because she loves all her friends and teachers and I really like the curriculum at our daycare. However, ours is also extremely expensive so I understand the feeling of not getting what you paid for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044009 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:14:32 +0000 blackbird 2044009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sounds like a great opportunity for you! Wouldn't work for me, personally, and our family dynamics, but it works for a LOT of families, so don't discount it! I don't think it'll be a huge mistake as long as you have good communication with your in-laws. When he gets a little older, i agree that a PT preschool or something like that might be a good option so they get some time without him, too. Toddlers will wear you out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2044001 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:12:48 +0000 illumina 2044001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Yeah. I can't comment on daycare socialisation, because I SAH...though I take LO to classes 2-3 times a week (for up to an hour at a time) and I would say she is still super outgoing so I don't feel like she is being deprived ;) I really wouldn't worry too much on that front. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043999 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:11:45 +0000 looch 2043999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks like I am late to the discussion, but I think it's a great choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043996 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:11:11 +0000 yellowbird 2043996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take it in a heartbeat!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043995 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:10:42 +0000 wonderstruck 2043995@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: Well in that case I'm jealous and would totally do it, haha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043988 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 15:08:44 +0000 .twist. 2043988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lawbee11: I know. I'm struggling with this. Maybe this is where my attachment to the daycare lies. Our daycare doesn't offer part time. :/ I keep reminding myself that LOTS of people keep their kids home and don't have a class full of kids around all the time. </p> <p>@Madison43: @wonderstruck: They are great grandparents. They don't do a lot, if any, TV, so I don't worry about that. They're very interactive and involved. I think if we set out a schedule with certain expectations they would definitely stick to it. </p> <p>@Leah: They watched him for about a month when I had to go back to work but before we were accepted into the daycare, so that is definitely already one of our pros! :D </p> <p>@illumina: The more I think about it, the more I feel like maybe this was where I was stuck, and it's truly a no brainer that I would much rather him be healthy and less socialized. </p> <p>@Mama Bird: The health issue is definitely one part of it, the aspect of saving money is another as well. Our daycare is so bloody expensive and I'm not 100% satisfied with their care (already). The fact that he's sick 95% of the time is just another one of the reasons I'm considering pulling him.</p> <p>Thanks for all you're input guys. I think we will probably go for it. I have a month to think it over (the IL's are going to Phoenix for February) so we will re-open the discussion when they get back and decide then. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something very obvious. I don't want to pull him and have it be a big mistake, thinking about it gives me anxiety. lol </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043946 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:49:29 +0000 Charm54 2043946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>OMG this is basically my dream scenario. My mom takes her one day a week and it's always my (and LO's!) favourite day of the week.</p> <p>I would love to keep her at home until she's 3 then put her into preschool a couple mornings a week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043944 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:48:40 +0000 wonderstruck 2043944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Depends on two main factors for me. One is what @Madison43 said - most activities will be like a once or twice a week thing, so will they be engaging the rest of the time or just turn on the TV? Other question is will they follow your rules for him or make you feel bad if you don't like the way they're doing something? I could never do this with my MIL because she'd be giving my newborn rice cereal, cramming my toddler full of junk food and letting him watch TV all day, arguing with me about how she doesn't want to put him in time out if he hits or enforce nap time because she's grandma and supposed to be fun, and she will lie and say she's going along with my rules when she's not.</p> <p>Fortunately, I got to see how this went down with my SIL before I had my kids so that when my MIL wanted to be our childcare I was able to say no way. My mom respects my rules and loved playing with them and teaching them, so if it were her I'd be all over it if it wouldn't be a burden. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043941 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:47:51 +0000 Mama Bird 2043941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>That sounds like such a great offer! I think you can find other ways for your son to be around other kids. Honestly, my experience with day care socialization was so so... DS is totally used to being around kids and loves it, but he was also around a lot of pre-verbal babies for the first year and it really slowed his speech development. I'm sure having his grandparents talking to him all day would have been better, if that was an option.</p> <p>That said, if you decide to keep him in day care, it does get better with the illness. And by the time he starts school, he'll have immunity to many of these childhood germs!</p> <p>Our first winter we were all horribly sick, so we pulled him out for all of February and then went back. The day care was fine with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043924 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:38:52 +0000 illumina 2043924@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wouldn't worry about burdening them, because I doubt they'd offer if that felt that was the case. I guess it's about what the priority is for you guys...that L doesn't get so sick or that he gets maximum socialisation opportunities? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043921 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:37:40 +0000 Orchid 2043921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely take up the offer, but I would say something like, "it might be more demanding than you imagine, so let's try it for two weeks/1 month, then see how we feel" I think that would help them to feel less pressured if it was too much for them. And if you keep the trial period short maybe you could just pay for the daycare to keep your spot available. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043917 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:35:10 +0000 Madison43 2043917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I guess it would depend on what type of grandparents they are. Like I would not leave my LO with my parents full time because even though they are capable of taking care of her and love her, etc... they are totally content to sit on the couch and watch TV all day, and I want my LO to have interesting, fun days more than I want free child care. If they were more active and engaged, I'd totally do it. I guess the flip side to that is that if my LO was chronically sick, I'd rather have her be healthy and a little bored than sick and entertained. I guess that wasn't helpful at all - sorry! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043856 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:06:04 +0000 .twist. 2043856@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Reese: @youboots: I worry about pulling him and then enrolling him again. It takes, like a year to get into a daycare here. lol. So, if I pulled him and it didn't work for whatever reason, we'd be hooped. I do trust them, and they looked after him for about a month before we were accepted into the daycare. </p> <p>I don't know why, but I have a weird attachment to the daycare, like he's going to miss something important in his development if he isn't with those same kids. It is crazy pants guys. Crazy. </p> <p>@LuLu Mom: Ah! Yea, I forgot about some of the free stuff too, I will make sure to bring that up for days they aren't doing any special activity. </p> <p>@MaryM: @PurplePeony: I will definitely sit down and go over ground rules. Not sure we need anything in writing (my MIL and I are really, really close, so it would just seem really weird?), but we'll definitely talk about our expectations. </p> <p>@Mamasig: Yea, they're both retired so they said they don't need compensation for it. Besides any activities they put him in. Which is just a fantastic bonus and very lucky for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-if-this-opportunity-presented-itself#post-2043841 Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:01:57 +0000 Bluebonnet 2043841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LBee: has as great suggestion - could you do a mother's day out or part time preschool? </p>