How do I tell my children I want a life without grandkids?
Im 55 now, and I have three grown-up children. My eldest finished university, found a job, and promptly got married. Personally, I thought it was a bit soon, but thats his business. Not long after, I was made a grandmother.
So, how do you suppose I feel about all this? My son turns up almost every week and says,
Mum, will you have your grandson for the weekend? Were still young, we want to go out and enjoy ourselves!
Of course, I understandbut does that mean Im old and dont want to go out as well? Id love to see my friends in the evenings, pop out for a coffee, or join a yoga class. I want to look after my health too. Why is it assumed I should always be on hand for babysitting?
Just last week, my middle son told me,
Mum, Sophie and Iwell, shes five months pregnant now! You wont be short of company any time soon!
Excuse me, who ever said I was bored before? Everything was perfectly fine. I wasnt bored at all. I want time for myself now.
Honestly, Im at a loss. I cant stand it when my daughter drops by and says, Heres your granddaughter.
How am I supposed to tell my kids that I want to be by myself, without little ones running around every weekend? Why do people just assume every grandmother wants to drop everything for child care?
Its madness. Grandmothers want to enjoy life too and share the odd coffee with their friends. Grandchildren are wonderful, yesbut now and again is quite enough.
If theres one thing Ive learned, its that you have to stand up for your own happiness, no matter how old your children get.
