Recently, my partner and I enjoyed four blissful days away from home—just the two of us, relishing the freedom of no kids. We had the luxury of waking up when we wanted, going to bed at our leisure, and doing whatever we pleased without any obligations. It was nothing short of amazing.
Preparing for a getaway, whether with children or not, often entails a considerable amount of work. There’s laundry to be done, bags to pack, transportation to coordinate, and ensuring that the caregivers have everything they need. This usually includes a comprehensive list of dos and don’ts for the kids’ stay.
In our case, however, the instructions we left for the grandparents watching our kids were refreshingly simple:
Have fun.
Well, it wasn’t entirely that straightforward. We did remind our kids to behave, but other than that, our departure was marked by a hasty encouragement to enjoy themselves. We didn’t mention specific bedtimes, bathing routines, or candy restrictions—after all, it was Easter weekend, and candy was going to be plentiful.
Did we return to hyperactive kids who complained about chores and sulked over breakfast choices? Absolutely. But they were likely already acting like little monsters before their stay at Grandma’s house. Kids, after all, often test boundaries.
Some parents prepare extensive lists of rules because they dread the chaos that follows a weekend with the grandparents. While that might be a valid concern, the trade-off of free childcare and quality family bonding time is worth it. The benefits of their time spent with grandparents—building trust and respect for adults outside their parents—are invaluable as they grow older.
These moments allow kids to be carefree and silly, playing with toys—like kazoos and whoopee cushions—that might annoy us at home. They get to sneak away with cousins, create goofy videos, and indulge in the love and spoiling that only grandparents can provide.
It’s important to acknowledge that not all grandparents are the same. Some families may lack nearby extended family, while others may have grandparents who are unable or unwilling to take on the responsibility. However, if your children are lucky enough to have involved grandparents, my advice is to embrace it.
Let go of the rules and detailed instructions (except for car seat safety, of course). Yes, it can be frustrating when kids come back buzzing with sugar and bags full of random toys, but these will be the cherished memories they carry with them. They’ll remember the late-night Easter egg hunts, the homemade music videos, and the silly moments that make childhood magical.
Grandparents benefit too, knowing that you trust them with your kids and appreciating the time spent together. They create lasting memories and share laughter, which is a gift in itself.
And as parents, we gain valuable time away to reconnect. We can rediscover our relationship beyond “Mom” and “Dad” and enjoy some well-deserved rest.
So, my final note for the grandparents is simply this: Have fun. Thank you for being there. And don’t forget the car seats.
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In summary, it’s essential to prioritize the relationship your children have with their grandparents while allowing yourself some time to recharge. The memories created during these visits are priceless and will enrich your kids’ lives in countless ways.