# Catherine refuses weekly babysitting at 61

> Catherine, 61, says she's a bad grandmother for refusing to babysit every Wednesday
- Title: Catherine refuses weekly babysitting at 61 · Psychologies
- Summary: Catherine, 61, says she's a bad grandmother for refusing to babysit every Wednesday Setting boundaries with grandchildren doesn't mean abandoning family
- Keywords: catherine, grandchildren, babysitting, weddnesday, grandparenting, psychology, coulpability, family, time boundaries, seattle, refuses, weekly
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/famille/relations-familiales/grands-parents/A-61-ans-Catherine-a-refuse-de-garder-ses-petits-enfants-tous-les-mercredis-Jai-eu-limpression-detre-une-mauvaise-grand-mere-641821
- Author: Laurena Valette
- Published: 2026-09-22T18:02:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: catherine, grandchildren, babysitting, weddnesday, grandparenting, psychology, coulpability, family, time boundaries, seattle
## 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
## Key takeaway

Setting boundaries with grandchildren doesn't mean abandoning family