Spending time with grandchildren can make seniors feel young and valued. Grandparents are often asked to step in as caregivers to the youngsters they love. The U.S. Department of Labor reports 2.74 million children in the United States were being raised by a grandparent in 2021, the most recent year for data. Census data from 2021 also shows one in five Canadian grandparents regularly helps with grandchild care.
Chasing around a toddler or school-aged child can affect seniors differently than it affects parents in their 20s or 30s. Effectively and safely managing the physical and emotional toll of caring for grandchildren may come down to emphasizing balance.
• Protect your body. Grandparents should rely on strollers, high chairs and step stools to minimize heavy lifting. When a child wants to be held, a senior can sit on the couch or a chair and have the child climb up to them.
• Incorporate downtime. Seniors should schedule quiet time so they can get a physical and mental break. Whether this time involves reading books or engaging in easy crafts, ensuring there are blocks of time for rest is essential.
• Conduct a safety check. It’s important for a home to be safe for kids and seniors alike. Removing breakable items and covering up sharp edges on furniture and other hard surfaces can protect grandparents and grandkids.
• Establish some boundaries. Grandparents should establish clear communication with their own children regarding their expectations. It’s important to define a schedule that works for the senior, and he or she should be honest about how much they can manage.
• Know the rules. Grandparents should discuss what parents expect regarding screen time, naps, food, and more. A united front from parents and grandparents can reduce the need to negotiate with headstrong children.
• Make a backup plan. Seniors should emphasize to their children that they need to have a backup caregiver available for when they are not able to watch the grandchildren. Seniors deserve days off.
Grandparents frequently are called upon to pitch in and help their children with caregiving needs. Bonding with grandchildren can be rewarding, but seniors must balance their own needs with the needs of their children and grandchildren.
