Are We Being Asked To Do Too Much?

Blog Written by Mark Morris, Retired Pastor, Springfield, MO

Spring has sprung and the flowers are blooming. I really enjoy sitting outside and listening to the birds singing as they build their nest. The school children have had spring break and now they are counting the days till summer vacation begins. With more free time for the children it can mean more responsibilities for we grandparents. Do your children rely on you or expect to rely on you to help look after their children during the summer months if so, this is not a new thing. Many stories have been told by grandparents of how their children are using them for drop off spots or to run the children to summer activities. Or even as a babysitter when mom and dad go to work or when they want a night out for a date night .

Mark Morris, Blog Author

We as grandparents want to help. It’s what we have been looking forward to even before we became grandparents. But do you ever feel you are being taken advantage of?

One grandmother said, “I love my grandchildren and enjoy spending time with them , but when my son was a baby, I never dreamed of asking my parents to take care of my son while we went on a weekend vacation.”

Has time changed our expectations of what grandparents should do? Perhaps the economy doesn’t allow for the hiring of babysitters.

Unfortunately, for some taking care of grandchildren could possibly cause their retirement plans to be put on hold

What do you think about this trend? Do you ever have to change your plans to accommodate your children?

Whatever the case I know being in your grandchildren‘s life is a great reward. Enjoy the summer and really enjoy those precious grandchildren.