Why Grandparents Can Be The Best Caregivers When You Are Away

Posted: July 13, 2016

Staying with grandparents can create lasting memories and bonds. They can also be the best caregivers when you are not available.

What is it with us moms? For often we make plans, just to feel guilty about it at a later time.

So, recently a sponsored holiday trip came our way, and hubby and I were all too keen to grab the opportunity. But this also meant leaving our 6 year old for a week with my parents. Kiddo loves spending time with them, as there are seldom any rules for her in their home. However this would be the first time she would be without either one of us- hubby or me – for a couple of days.

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It was tough indeed! As I let those tiny palms slip out of my hand, at the airport, I turned my face away, ‘lest my kiddo notice them. What if she cried through the nights? Maybe she wouldn’t eat her meals properly. What if it affects her psychologically? Would she really be okay? Maybe I shouldn’t be doing this trip.

The thoughts ran wild as the flood gates opened and tears tumbled down my eyes. From behind the glass, I saw her staring as though into the oblivion. I was guilt stricken.

During the course of the next few days, I would message my mom constantly to check how she was doing. It was only after receiving the usual “She’s fine don’t worry…” kind of message, I would feel at peace.

The day I landed back; I couldn’t wait to get home to her. Every minute in the traffic seemed like an era. As I reached my parents’ home, I saw kiddo digging with her toy spade in the garden, unaware I stood behind. I called out to her, and she came running. The floodgates opened again and my tears were uncontrollable. Kiddo looked up and asked, “So what did you buy for me?” I simply laughed.

I soon realized how silly it was of me to feel guilty about the trip, ‘coz kiddo had spent a happy week enjoying the simple joys of life, sans gadgets and video games. Mornings were for digging up the garden with my father, exploring life in the soil or lying on the grass admiring the butterflies strutting around. When she had had enough of the mud all over her, she would splash around in a tub of water.

Afternoons were spent lazing around reading and singing old songs which grandma would teach her. They would cook together with kiddo seated on the kitchen platform until she retired to bed tired, after a nice story session – of Gods, kings and horses.

Grandparents sure play a crucial role in nurturing children, whether they live in the next street or miles away in another city. The bond between them and the child is truly special. For us parents, feeling guilty about leaving them with grandparents should seldom exist. The child stays happy and active in their company and, for the grandparents it is delightful to receive unconditional love. It fills lonely lives with joy, and keeps them energized, post retirement.

And of course don’t we also require that quality time with spouse?

So the next time you plan to leave your child for a week, give them the opportunity to bond with their grandparents. It is the safest and the best place to get children to live without their parents as it creates intimate memories that would last a lifetime.

Published here earlier.

Image source: Shutterstock.