Do you plan to escape from your retirement career as a live-in babysitter for your

[Zelda Hunter]

grandchildren and? great grandchildren?

People seem to be living and working longer, and I noticed in a few cases among my older friends, and even in my own family, that some people expect retired grands to hang around to baby sit for them, or perhaps even raise their kids for them.

A friend of mine recently sold her house to her granddaughter for picking up the mortgage, then she moved into her own apartment. Everyone is unhappy about it. But why? Doesn't a woman who is close to 80 years old deserve a little rest?
Another friend has been raising her 3 granddaughters for years, though her son, their father, still lives at home. One of the girls was arrested recently. My friend is planning her escape soon, so she doesn't end up with a serious medical problem from the stress.
I have a grandchild and I would just love to live nera her and help out. This is different. I'm talking about people whose children and grandchildren are looking for full time live in unpaid help with their kids - people who do not do much to raise their own kids.
Is it fair to put this job off on an 80 year old woman? Come on!

[Calamity]

Wow, I never realized people felt that way about their grandchildren. I have two that are 4 and 2 years old.. they are 500 miles away and I would love to be able to "babysit" for them!! They are great fun and so eager to learn new things.. If it were possible I would live close enough to see them a lot more!

[mister ed]

i have a sister who is stuck in that situation and i truly feel sorry for her -- i know there are days she does not feel like taking care of the kids!!! worse part is she is trying to potty train but the real folks put out no effort so come monday morning she and the child are back to square one!!!

[Rousseau]

good luck with that...when my sons start having families, I'm outta here.