“Yes, I did ask for money to look after the grandchildren over the summer holidays. My pension isn’t elastic!”
This year, my daughter-in-law’s mother announced she wouldn’t be looking after the grandchildren during the holidays. Both my daughter-in-law and son work throughout the summer and can’t look after their sons. They can’t even think about getting any time off this year.
They asked the daughter-in-law’s mother to take the grandchildren for at least a week, but she flatly refused:
“I’m not taking on that kind of responsibility!”
The grandchildren are school-aged. What kind of responsibility is that, anyway? Feed them and let them play in the garden — that’s all there is to it. They’re not babies needing nappies changed and carrying around all day.
For instance, my son grew up in the countryside. I always sent him to stay with my mum during the holidays. Back then, all kids grew up in villages while the parents worked. No one fussed about the responsibility because it was simply different times.
Anyway, my son phoned me, almost in tears, saying they had no other options.
“They’ll end up being stuck indoors all day,” he sighed.
“Well, I can take them to my cottage,” I said.
“Really? Mum, you’d be a lifesaver!”
“It’s no trouble. Besides, I don’t want the grandkids cooped up all summer.”
My daughter-in-law was thrilled with my suggestion, naturally. She and I don’t really get along, but that’s a minor issue. Still, I told my son straight away:
“You’ll need to cover their expenses since my pension isn’t infinite.”
He was taken aback, as was his wife. They possibly assumed I’d support the kids all summer by myself. Do they even know what my pension is? It’s just not feasible!
“So, how much are you thinking?”
“Not for me, for the kids. About £200 a month for each.”
My daughter-in-law smirked and pulled my son aside to whisper something in his ear. She didn’t gauge the distance quite right — I heard everything.
“I’ll have to give her half my salary!” she huffed.
“Do you have another solution?”
“Maybe a summer camp?”
“Have you checked the prices? We’d need two salaries for that, and the kids are too young for camp. Your mum isn’t asking for the money for herself but to feed and entertain them. You know how expensive everything is these days.”
“Your mother could’ve asked for less. She knows we’re paying off a mortgage, and I’ve just gone back to work. This isn’t fair.”
“And yours was fair? She wouldn’t even take them for a week, whereas mine is ready to have them all summer!” My son couldn’t hold his frustration.
In the end, my son backed me. They gave me money for the summer and left. My daughter-in-law complained about money troubles but somehow found £1,200.
We had a fantastic summer with the grandchildren. They didn’t lack anything. I bought sweets, toys, and even some clothes.
Every Sunday, a man comes to the village with a van selling toys. How could I resist? He sells all sorts of little things, but they cost money.
The parents came to pick up the children at the end of August. And guess what? My daughter-in-law expected me to account for how I spent the money.
“Sorry, dear, but I didn’t keep track of everything I bought.”
“Well, you asked for money, so there should be a report. What if you spent it all on yourself?” she grumbled.
“So that’s what you think of me?”
“I just don’t understand how £400 a month was spent when you have your own vegetables and not much entertainment at the cottage.”
“How dare you say that! Did you even ask what the kids ate? Not a day without meat! We went to town nearly every weekend for rides, and that costs more than just a few pennies.”
“I just don’t believe you spent every penny.”
“My pension also went into this if you must know. Ask the kids what I bought them, but no, I didn’t keep receipts — you should’ve said in advance.”
I truly regret that my son didn’t hear any of this. I didn’t want to draw him into the argument; they’d only fight over it.
My daughter-in-law counts every penny and thinks I profited. I could have foregone the money, but then the kids would’ve been eating cucumbers and getting ice cream once a week. Is that the kind of holiday she wanted? Next year, we’ll make sure it is!
