From Psychologies · Laurena Valette · · 50s
Catherine refuses weekly babysitting at 61
Catherine, 61, says she's a bad grandmother for refusing to babysit every Wednesday
In brief
Catherine, 61, says she's a bad grandmother for refusing to babysit every Wednesday Setting boundaries with grandchildren doesn't mean abandoning family Originally reported by Psychologies.
Catherine's decision
Catherine, 61, refused to babysit her grandchildren every Wednesday after feeling like a bad grandmother
“J'ai eu l'impression d'être une mauvaise grand-mère”
Why she felt guilty
Catherine felt guilty because she wanted to keep her own time but society expects grandparents to be always available
Psychologist explains
Psychologist Jeff Segal says grandparents often feel contradictory emotions about their role
Realistic limits
Experts recommend setting clear boundaries like occasional babysitting instead of regular weekly care
Stronger bonds
Quality time like shared meals and stories builds stronger family connections than regular babysitting
The key point
Setting boundaries with grandchildren doesn't mean abandoning family
