A hypothetical, what would you think about a routine family system where the kids' parents went out to work and the 4 grandparents raised the kids?

[rachel776]

[IslaTheWitch]

No, thank you. I really enjoy the time I spend with my kids. I enjoy our deep conversations, observing their learning process and supporting them.

I wouldn't give up my role as a mother, as a supporter and everyday comrade in life's adventure. Raising kids is challenging AF. It requires a lot of respect and humility. But it's part of the journey.

I respect grandparents' role in my kids' lives. I don't deny their impact and the positive effects of their actions. But I wouldn't give up being a mother.

[Mansearching]

Don't think the question was meaning that. But I could be misunderstanding it myself. My grandmother pretty much raised/babysat me as both parents worked. Weekends were different. Parents were off and home.

[IslaTheWitch]

@Mansearching I talk daily to my kids, even those adults. Afternoons, after school/work, evenings, mornings.
We use a babysitter to avoid nursery, but since the kids hit 3 years, they played in Kita while we were working. Morning trips to Kita/school and afternoon trips home. Endless conversations. Afternoons on playing grounds, evenings at home. Playing together, watching movies together, developing language and conversation skills, and simply being together. Discovering physics laws, chemistry and life together. Evenings readings... Weekends for me would not be enough. I enjoyed every second spent with them.

[Mansearching]

Don't get me wrong. You're lucky you have that/those chances. That's great. I applaud that.

My point is, not all parents have the same opportunity as that. They work 12 to 18 hrs a day (I've done it) and don't see their kids till a day off. Lucky kids to have parents that will work those hrs to have roof over head and food on table. But unlucky parents to have to work that much.

[wolfcat87]

YES, my daughter's potential future in-laws and I are already ready to fight it out over who gets the grandkids more. Ha ha. We are super excited to be a part of their lives. I doubt they'll ever need daycare. <3 It takes a village, and having a great support system is the best way to bring kids up.

[nawtee_me]

And their favorite will be the ones that let them eat more ice cream…. lol

[wolfcat87]

@nawtee_me We would have words... hahaha

[hahahmm]

No.. because the dynamic between grandparents and grandkids is different than between a parent and a child usually. To me it's like asking if the retired guy who only puts half energy into fixing cars should be responsible for maintaining your car. No, get off your azz and do it yourself. You're the parent. Being a parent means YOU have responsibilities.

[Fireguy17]

not out of the norm, it probably happens a lot.
The neighbors across the street have his grandparents there a fair amount.
Less now that school is in session, but fairly often in the summer.

[devilish-cutie]

If parents go to work, doesn't mean they dont raise their children, its only an issue if they work all day. Grandparents can take care of the kids, same like their kindergradren teacher or scool teach would

[lightbulb27]

not so uncommon, to some extent... including historically.

tough on the grandparents... and sometimes the kids as the elders don't have the patience to deal with young on their own. it could work.

time for a reality show eh?

[molonski2]

Personally I'd have no problem with that , it's how it works here all the time , very common , the parents go to " work " ( sometimes ) the grand parents look after the kids.

[AviatorTom]

History has had many situations like that, and there are still situations like that. Anthropologists call this Extended Family.

[Sparkie460]

I see it happening more and more. The parents have to work to pay the bills so the grandparents step up and watch them during the day so they don't have to get a babysitter

[GoodGuyBreakingBad]

It's sad to say, but grandparents live with their children and grandchildren and some of them are sick.

[loveslongnails]

Whose responsibility is it to raise your kids? The grandparents did their work already and probably don't want to do it ALL again.

[elizamichale1]

Well u can't really make them responsible for ur kids...

[Mansearching]

Depends on situation. Some have no choice.

[elizamichale1]

@Mansearching yea but still... ur kids r urs

[Mansearching]

And with both parents working long hours who takes care of the kids? Can't take kids to work...
Or they can give kids up for adoption so kids can have a chance to have a dad that works and a stay at home mom instead of a working mom.

I always look at both sides and whole picture.

[elizamichale1]

@Mansearching well no i dont mean tht

[TruExo7]

Grandparent’s deserve their golden years to enjoy their grandchildren with company only. They already did their part to raise kids. Parents have to put kids before jobs. Exercising balancing both

[strateguy632]

wrong, but divide time and after job with kids

[Guido]

That is normal in some countries. Not necessarily both sets of grandparents though.

[msc545]

I think it's a really bad idea. Children need their biological parents to raise them properly

[Anonymous]

That's just typical Indian model

Practiced a lot

[antelope51]

This is why I don't have kids.

[Mansearching]

Some families have no choice

[sheenagwapa]

agree! practicability!

[Wise4myage]

The Grand parents were taken advantage of.

[riverrat3]

you have to make do with what you have