How should grandparents set limits on childcare duties?
Grandparents should not be bullied or guilted into watching kids. They need to be upfront in explaining what they can handle. Do most retirees have enough money saved to help their children and grandchildren financially? It can be taxing on their budgets. With the current economy and people losing their jobs, sometimes grandparents are the only ones who have money, and they are supporting their grown kids who have their own kids. I see grandparents who impoverish themselves to make sure that their kids have money. What advice do you have on balancing the desire to help your kids financially with the need to stay solvent? You should not be breaking the bank to help your kids and grandkids. You need to get a good feel for the numbers to figure out what you can afford. The grandparenting piece comes in after paying the mortgage and paying the bills. Do you see too many grandparents spending money foolishly on birthday and holiday presents? Outright gifts to grandkids are the most common a
