Caregiving Grandparent=exhaustion.

I am, in all reality, the primary caregiver to my 3 grand, 4, 6 & 15. The hours become longer and longer.

I live in MIL apartment at my daughters' house. It's about 700 sq. feet. Almost, lol, big enough for me. The teen does keep to herself quite a bit, but she's also a big help. The 4 of us are extremely close. Always were, even before this. Almost 4 years now.

My relationship with my grands now is not so much the fun one it used to be. It's too much for me. I'm always trying to catch up with whatever work there is.

Everybody loses here in some way. And right now, it's my daughter's loss.

Our home is separated by a door. The kids would move in with me if they could. When she is here, I often feel bad about telling them they have to go home for awhile. I usually get a fight from them. And a 15 minute respite...

I am to blame for much of it. Need those early boundaries. It's sad that they would rather be with me. One in particular. Did I mention that they are all girls? The 6 year old just doesn't want to leave. I sleep like the dead. She forever sneaks in and sleeps in the recliner in my room.

I spent alot of time with them before Covid. But since then it is full time. School has begun for one and another goes next week. Now I can try to figure out how to occupy a 4 yo that is hell on wheels. To give an example: I take her to the bus stop when I take the 1st grader. 4 yo: you have to take me, huh Gram? Because I'll wreck the house if nobody watches me.

God help me if I have to do remote school again this year. In the meantime, I hope I'm giving them as much self-esteem as they can get.