by Carol Gioia

Created on: October 25, 2010

Often grandparents assume the role of babysitter for their grandchildren in order to give their adult children a respite, help them avoid childcare costs, or simply as a way to spend time with the delightful little ones who have added so much enrichment to their lives.

Many times these babysitting arrangements work out to advantage for both the grandparents and the parents. Unfortunately sometimes, due to lack of communication, differences of opinion or unrealistic expectations, the relationship between the generations becomes strained, with the precious grandchildren unwittingly being the focal point of the misunderstanding.

Some practical strategies grandparents and parents can employ in order to avoid the pitfalls that might potentially occur when grandparents baby-sit their grandchildren:

Strategies for parents:

* Ask in advance

Whether the grandparents are babysitting for a few hours, overnight or for an extended period of time, be sure to schedule your request for childcare well in advance of the time it is needed. Grandparents have their own lives and schedules to consider and may have to rearrange or cancel plans to accommodate your request.

* Supply necessities for your child

Even if your child never spills and is completely toilet trained, accidents happen. Ensure you child’s comfort and the grandparents peace of mind by providing extra clothing.

Be sure to pack our child’s favorite toy, “blankie,” special foods, preferred snacks and anything else that might be needed to make his stay with grandparents more satisfactory.

* Provide pertinent information

If your child is sick, notify the grandparents in advance to ensure they are up to coping with the additional responsibility. If your child is contagious, cancel the arrangement, or postpone until he is well. Provide emergency telephone numbers in the event your child takes a turn for the worse and you are needed. Leave instructions for any allergy medications or other pertinent information the grandparents might need.

* Talk to your kids in advance

Have a conversation with your children about how they should behave in their grandparents home. Stress that while they are in the care of their grandparents they must be on their best behavior. The children will probably forget all your practical advice, and the grandparents will love them anyway, but it doesn’t hurt to reinforce their manners.

* Consider the grandparents

If you are going out for the evening, ensure to

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