Full-Time Granny: When the Love for Grandchildren Becomes a Heavy Burden

Fulltime Grandma: When love for the grandchildren turns into a burden
I always imagined retirement would finally be my chanceto read, knit, stroll through the park and enjoy the things I never had time for. Those dreams vanished the moment the doorbell rang.
It was a Sunday, just before the autumn break. My daughter Claire arrived at the door with her two sonsThomas, twelve, and Lucas, fourwithout any warning or explanation.
Mom, can you watch the kids? Were heading off with Julien for a retreat. Were exhausted! she said, pulling the boys coats off.
But werent there supposed to be no holidays now? And what about work? I asked, bewildered.
Julien took three days off. Mom, we dont have time! she replied, and they were already gone.
Moments later the television blared, and clothes were strewn all over the floor. I tried to put things in ordernothing helped. The boys refused the soup Id made because their mother had promised them pizza. I called Claire to tell her the children wanted a restaurantstyle meal.
Ill order a pizza for them. They never eat your porridge anywayevery day its a battle! Take them somewhere, have fun! You keep saying they wear you out at home! she snapped, irritated.
And with what money? My pension? I demanded, indignant.
Theyre your grandchildren, not strangers! I cant believe youd say that! she shouted before hanging up.
For an entire week I cooked, cleaned, pleaded, and endured. I truly love my grandchildren, but I cant remain the freeofcharge grandma forever. The generation gap and my childrens lack of respect have made it unbearable.
I gave everything so my daughter could have a happy life, and now Im met only with criticism. Dont we, the older generation, deserve a little peace? Why does everyone act as if our lives have lost all value?
Well, I will no longer keep silent.