Grandparents Raising Children Support Group
This community is dedicated to grandparents who are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren. In cases where the parents are not willing or able to provide adequate care for their children, grandparents may take on the role of primary caregivers. Join the support group to find support, share your experience, and get advice from other members.
My granddaughter just turned 4 months old. I've had her since she was born. I never had a break from her and it was getting hard. As I knew it wasn't her fault....I thought ....it's not my fault either. I felt like I was getting to a point that I would never had a life. I've been single for many years and now I'm raising my granddaughter being single. This wasn't in my plans for sure. As much as I love her with every inch of my being....I just needed time to myself. I forgot how to take a shower without rushing or eating a meal while it was still hot. No running to the store any more as I now have a baby to load up. After loading her up...diaper bag, fixing bottles, and everything else...I would forget what I was going for in the first place! So I was able to get a sitter for last Saturday evening. I went out for 4 hours...had a wonderful meal and just was in peace. Adult conversation is wonderful...I had forgotten that too! It was weird because as I couldn't wait to get away from her....I more-so couldn't wait to get back to her. I can't believe that I missed her so much for those few hours. I felt 100% better when I got her. We played and had a wonderful time after that. I was so relieved and felt stress free. I'm going to make sure that at least once a month, I get some time to myself. I know how it is so important. I am perfectly fine with raising her, but I'm not super woman and I know that I too need a break. I appreciate this board so much as it's hard for anyone to understand how hard this is. I have numerous people say how I'm so strong and how lucky she is to have me and all these wonderful compliments, but they still don't really get how hard it is. I know God blessed this child and he knew I would take wonderful care of her. I feel that I am doing that. My life is definitely more exciting with her in it as I know her purpose here is going to be bigger than I can even imagine. A true blessing she is....So bottom line of this.....Everyone needs a break and you have to make a plan and just get out. We thought these day's were over after raising our own children, and now we are beginning again.....although wiser....alot older! Thanks for listening....
deleted_user
I'm glad you finally got some "me" time. Its so important for all of us to remember to do that. It really helps to recharge our batteries!
GiGi923
I think having time for yourself is very important. It makes you a better parent. When we first got custody of our GD I never got a break and she was high needs. She had an aunt that was willing to get her for a weekend and my DH was hesitant but I insisted because I needed a break. She's 8 now and still sees her aunt every few months or so. It helps a lot.
fortress
My Gd is 8 now, but I've had care of her since infancy. I remember feeling for many months like I had post postpartum depression _ and I had no idea a Gm could experience that ! On top of the exhaustion and isolation a new mom can feel, there was the sadness for the child's future w/o a bio in her life, the changes in my own life and the bios major problems. Someone here has said.. it's the toughest job we never asked for... but I don't regret it and I'm just glad that so far I'm able to raise her. So glad you recognized the need for adult time away from the baby and enjoyed it, as well as the reunion with her.
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