When Grandma is a Parent’s Worst Nightmare

Or, how to keep the parents guessing when they’re away…

I was recently scrolling through some older photos with my grandkids when we came across these. They made us laugh all over again!

Here’s the backstory.

My daughter and her hubby asked me to come and stay with the three youngest kids for a week so they could go away for their anniversary. They had never left them for that long, so they started checking in with us every day, just to say hi and to make sure all was going well.

Our first few photos started out as a fun way to check in with them, but quickly escalated into a group effort to make them laugh—and us, too! We spent hours brainstorming new ideas, gathering props, and having an outrageous time together!

Here are the photos we sent, along with the captions we used!

   “No worries about the homeschooling, the kids are doing their work…”
(BTW, none of the kids wear glasses)

The following day the girls and I prepared a rather extravagant high tea, so we sent this photo with this caption:

   “The kids have been making me a nice lunch every day.”

Then, our ideas began to escalate!

                    “We’re having a nice, relaxing evening.”

Next, after gathering all the junk food and media devices we could find in the house for props—all very restricted—we staged a sidewalk sale…

“WHEN are you coming home???????????”

And lastly, on the morning the parents were driving back home…

   “The kids came up with a fun new game this morning.”

We had so much fun doing this—the kids are in their teens now and still talk about it! We set a high bar, so now the next time I stay with them the challenge will be to outdo ourselves!

What are some creative and fun ideas you’ve shared with your grandkids? I’d love to hear about them!