Granny Nanny,..
and not happy about it.

by Julie

I am sure there are loads of lovely older mums whose children have produced lovely grandchildren, but how do learn to say no !!

I had six children but now, though I have hated retirement, I am working harder than ever.

I look after the babies when the mums go to work and I feel I am not living! Its hard cos they're strugglying with housing costs and cant afford nursery fees but I find it so tiring !!

Wendy First, I wonder if your family knows you "hated retirement".. if so, I wonder if they are trying to keep you busy and happy.

Second, it's a tough place to be in -- want to keep your kids happy, help them out a bit -- but there has to be life left for you.

One idea -- what about telling them that you are happy to do two days a week, but more than that exhausts you (and it does). Just say you are getting too old for kids every day.. whatever! At least you help them out financially, a bit, and they can find a sitter for the other days. Other families work it out somehow, they will too.

Sometimes when I feel bad for my nephews, I think again and wonder where their money goes. They have nicer cell phones, or special cable tv channels, car payments, whatever. Life is a choice.. and they need to figure this money stuff out for themselves at some point. Think about it - there is never enough
money when you have kids.

Just consider asking about doing only a few days a week.. you might LIKE doing a few days to get you out of the house, and have other days where you can do lunch with friends or stay home in your pj's all day!

Best Wishes!!