“Yes, I asked for some money to look after the grandchildren during the summer holidays. My pension doesn’t stretch that far!”
This year, my daughter-in-law’s family said they wouldn’t take care of the grandchildren over the holidays. Both my daughter-in-law and son-in-law work throughout the summer and have no time to look after their sons. They don’t even have a holiday booked this year.
They asked my daughter-in-law’s mum if she could at least look after the kids for a week, but she flatly refused: “I’m not taking on that responsibility!”
The kids are school-aged, so there’s really no heavy responsibility involved. Feeding them and letting them play in the garden is about it. They’re not babies who need nappies changing and carrying around all day.
When my son was a child, he spent his holidays in the village with my mum. Back then, all the kids were brought up in the countryside while the parents worked. Responsibility wasn’t the same since times were different.
Eventually, my son called me, worried about their no-win situation. “They’ll be cooped up indoors all day,” he sighed.
“Well, I could take them to my cottage,” I suggested.
“Really? Mum, that would be a huge help.”
“I don’t mind. I don’t want the grandchildren spending summer stuck within four walls.”
My daughter-in-law was also thrilled with the idea. She and I have never seen eye to eye, but that’s beside the point. However, I let my son know upfront: “You’ll need to cover their expenses since my pension is limited.”
He was taken aback, as was his wife. They must’ve thought I’d provide for the children all summer by myself. Do they even know what my pension is? It’s just not feasible!
“How much money do you need?”
“It’s not for me, but for the grandchildren. Around £500 each per month.”
My daughter-in-law smirked and whispered to my son, though I heard everything. “I’ll have to give her half my salary!” she exclaimed.
“So what? Do you have another solution?”
“Maybe send them to a camp?”
“Have you checked prices? We’d need two salaries for that! Plus, the kids are too young for camp. The money’s for food and outings. You know how expensive things are these days.”
“Your mum didn’t have to ask for that much. She knows we’ve got a mortgage, and I’ve just started working again. She’s being unreasonable.”
“And yours is any better? She can’t take them for even a week, and mine is ready to have them all summer!” my son argued.
In the end, my son supported me. They gave me money for the entire summer and left. Despite her complaints about financial struggles, my daughter-in-law managed to find £3,000 somewhere.
The grandchildren and I had a wonderful summer. They didn’t go without anything. I bought them sweets, toys, and even some clothes.
Every Sunday, a man in a van comes to the village selling toys. How could I say no? Even small things cost money.
Their parents picked them up at the end of August. The most surprising part? My daughter-in-law demanded a detailed account of what I’d spent.
“Sorry, dear, but I didn’t keep a record.”
“Well, since you wanted money, there should be an account. How do I know you didn’t spend it all on yourself?” she retorted.
“That’s what you think of me?”
“Well, I struggle to see how you spent £1,000 a month when fruits and vegetables are home-grown. There are no major distractions at the cottage. Gave them a cucumber and sent them off to play, keeping the rest!”
“How can you speak like that about me? Did you even ask what the children ate? Not a day without meat! We went to town almost every weekend for rides, and those aren’t cheap.”
“I just don’t believe you spent it all.”
“Even my pension went towards it. If you’re curious, ask the kids about what I bought them, but I don’t have receipts – should have asked me earlier, and I would’ve saved them.”
I regret that my son didn’t hear any of this. I didn’t want to drag him into the conflict, as it would definitely spark an argument with his wife. My daughter-in-law tallies every expense, convinced I profited from it. I could have avoided taking their money – then the children would have really been eating cucumbers and getting ice cream once a week. Is that the kind of holiday she wanted? Next year, we’ll arrange just that!
