Your Grandparent Role GUIDED DISCUSSION
Turn to page 40. As a grandparent caregiver or babysitter, your role is a supportive one. Think back to your own experience in raising your children. Were there times when your own parent disagreed with your parenting or told you that you were wrong?
Remember that the child’s parent is in charge. You may not always agree with their choices, but your role is to provide consistency for your grandchildren.
• Will your grandchildren’s parent make parenting mistakes? (Yes, all parents do.)
• Is it helpful to point out those mistakes? (No.) Criticism can damage the relationship with the child’s parents. Never criticize a child’s parent in front of the child.
• Is it okay to offer advice? (Only if asked.)
Remember that parents have plenty of sources of information: childcare books/websites/podcasts, their child’s pediatrician, fellow parents, etc.
Finally, remember that you should only provide care that you are able and willing to provide. Think about your:
• Physical limitations • Energy level • Patience and temperament • Availability • Preferences
Talk to the parent and be clear about when, where, for how long, and how often you can care for your grandchildren. Be honest about activities that you are not able or willing to participate in. Let them know if you expect to be compensated.
We’re almost done! Turn to page 42. This page is included so you can jot down important information that you’ll need while caring for your grandchildren. [Go through the sections together. Remind participants to make note of bedtime or naptime routines; favorite games, toys, or activities; screen time rules; and notes about feeding and toileting.]
If you are babysitting at the child’s home, make sure you know how to work any child locks or safety devices. Add this information to the notes section if needed.
Congratulations on completing Grandparents: Getting Started by Safe Sitter®
! If you are here with your spouse or partner, we encourage you
to keep one copy of your booklet so you can reference it, if needed, and give the second copy of your booklet to your grandchildren’s parents, so they can see what you learned in this course. Additional copies can be ordered on the Safe Sitter®
website at
safesitter.org. Thank you for attending! GRANDPARENTS: GETTING STARTED INSTRUCTOR MANUAL | PAGE 39
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