No, I’m not giving my kids away!!!
But the more I think about it, the more I realize that people from different age groups might be able to provide things that I’m not capable of. Don’t get me wrong, I’m going to wipe my hands of the job entirely, just augment it a bit…
From the age 20s age group:
My sister and her husband have taken my kids for a few weekends and spend time with my kids during the holidays. During these time periods, I try to let my sister and brother-in-law play with my kids interact with my kids as much as possible while I disappear onto a different floor to read.
From Older Age Groups:
With the parents, usually the kids visit them for the day or stay overnight. My parents (both mine and my wife’s) are able to teach my kids skills that I just don’thave or know. My father-in-law is a great craftsman, so my son will learn woodworking from him. My dad is an engineer, so hopefully my son will be able to improve this natural ability with math and science.
My mother-in-law has many skills: cooking, painting, sewing, gardening, etc! My daughter will learn tons from her too!
I mention this because in a few weeks we’ll be going on vacation! This year are we going to Hilton Head, with my parent and sister’s family. For me it will be a time of relaxation and time to catchup on reading. During this time period I will do stuff with the kids, but I like taking a second seat with respect to the attention that they receive from others. When everybody else is tired and my kids still want to do stuff, that’s when I take over. I did this last year, and I’ll do it again this year.
What do you think of my approach? Do you think that I’m broading my kids experiences or does this just confuse them?
-MR
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Money Reasons, I have to scold you! You have to get that son of yours to learn how to cook too, and get your daughter to learn how to build things!
Regarding your plan, as long as all your family members are on board with it, then I think it is great. Kids can learn a lot from the older generations, and it is great for them to bond with all family members.
HAHAHA! Everyday Tips beat me to the scolding, lol. As she said, your daughter and son could both stand to learn craftsmanship and cooking.
I think it’s great to expose your kids to all kinds of people so they can learn tons…kids are like little sponges.
My grandpa taught me how to change a tire and play 5 card draw. My uncles taught me drinking games with soda (they were college kids and I was 4…I still like doing shots of rootbeer, lol). My grandma showed me how to paint clay statues, properly build an outdoor fire, and the ins and outs of the stock market. My step-dad showed me how to measure twice and cut once for all things crafty. He also taught me the importance of reading directions. My mom tried to show me how to cook and clean although I can honestly say I didn’t give that my all. She also taught me how to drive and manage money…see I paid attention sometimes.
@Everyday Tips
Hehe, next you’ll want me to buy my daughter shoes too…
Actually, my son can already cook (he makes better scrambled eggs that I do).
My daughter can’t cook yet, but we’ve taken them both to Lowes free building projects. Both kids had fun with that. My daughter isn’t really into building things though, she’s more into writing books (with pictures, pretty good for a 6 year old).
I confess, I spoil my kids to a degree. So whatever they ask me for I try to do.
@Budgeting in the Fun Stuff
Lol, sounds like you were raised the way I want my kids to be raised!
My grandmother had a huge roll in raising me… From teaching me chess, checkers, math (multiplication, fractions etc), writing and reading. She was also the one that would read bedtime stories to me.
My grandfather though me how to ride a bike and taught me how to swim, and a little bit of basic math too (addition and subtraction).
I think it’s a great experience for your kids, your sister and her husband, and your parents. Everyone gets to hang out with your kids until they need a break (that’s code for … they get tired of them!
).
I don’t have kids, but when we visit our nieces and nephews, we always have a blast with them. I don’t know if we necessarily teach them anything, but it’s a great experience for all of us. Then, when they become a little whiney or annoying, it’s time to hand them back to their parents.
@Little House
All part of my evil plan muahaha.
lol, that happens. Then I get to where the red cape and become super dad
My sister and brother-in-law do great with the kids, my parent wear out quickly. Luckily, my wife’s parents (at least her mother) last a little longer!
Let’s face it. Kids don’t always think they’re parents are cool or fun.
I remember loving to have a change of pace and spending time with other family members. They were some of my funnest memories.
So I try not to feel guilty when/if someone else watches them. I think your approach is fine as long as the other adults are willing babysitters.