Keep it in the family?

I think coming from a large family ive never really considered leaving my children with anyone other than family. The first time I left any of my children with strangers was when they started nursery. I dont think i would feel comfortable leaving them with someone i didnt know, and I think I would be more happy knowing they are with family such as my sister or mom, someone who loves them just as much as i do. They have grown up, (I say grown up, the older two are 11 and 7yrs old), into very outgoing little girls. They are very easy going and have loads of friends, so I feel I have done the best thing in not having sitters for them. ...  Read the complete review

When I became pregnant with my daughter, who is now nearly 2, I was determined to return to work, at least part-time. I enjoyed my job and I knew I would need some mental stimulation in order to cope with my time at home with the baby. Besides, being the main wage earner in our family made it financially necessary for me to do so. Thankfully, my parents-in-law supported my decision and agreed to look after my daughter while I was at work. Everything seemed fine, or so I thought..... I went back to work for 2 1/2 days a week. After a few weeks of this child care arrangement, I realised that things were not always going to be smooth running. My in-laws, although ...  Read the complete review

When I had my daughter I thought it was unfair to expect my parents to baby-sit all the time, so I decided to stay at home and look after her myself. For the first couple of years being the most important in the child’s development, I thought it was only right. What’s the point of having children and then expecting other people to look after them. However, I never knew motherhood would be so demanding and if it wasn’t for the help of my parents, my in-law and my sisters I would have found it very difficult. Babies are so demanding and require 24 hour supervision especially as a baby, the liable to fall over and hurt themselves ...  Read the complete review

The majority who may read this op, will I suspect fall into two categories..1) Those who have no children yet. 2) Those who have a young family..Because lets face it many of us older folk are only just coming to grips with the new technology, and have yet to discover the delights of being a Dooyooer.. Even so I hope it will be useful to all, and give some insight into the joys and pitfalls of being a grandparent… Are you sitting comfortably? Then I will begin.. When my eldest daughter and her husband gave us the great news that they were to have a baby I almost burst with excitement.. That was before I began to worry..Would everything go ...  Read the complete review

When my little boy was 6 months old, I had to return to work for financial reasons. If we had had a choice, I wouldn't have gone at all, but I did on a part time basis, 3 days a week. My mother-in-law (to be) generously offered to look after him so that we wouldn't have to pay for childcare fees. It sounded ideal. She is a paedeatric nurse, she knew and loved him and best of all, no more outgoings. At first, everything was fine. Sure, he cried a little when I dropped him off but that was to be expected and I knew he would be loved and cared for until I got back. After a couple of weeks, I noticed one day when I went to collect him that ...  Read the complete review