When my daughter asked me to babysit my two grandchildren regularly, I agreed without hesitation. I love those little ones more than anything, and spending time with them is a joy. But I also knew that if I didn’t set boundaries, I’d be overwhelmed. So, I came up with three non-negotiable rules. They’re not harsh—they’re about respect, safety, and keeping my sanity intact.
The first rule is simple: no phones or tablets at Grandma’s house. Instead, we play outside, cook together, or read books. At first, they complained, saying, “But Grandma, we’re bored!” Within a week, they were racing each other in the yard and asking me to teach them old games I used to play. Watching them discover fun without screens was worth every pouty face.
The second rule: everyone helps clean up. I told them, “Grandma’s house isn’t a hotel!” If they build a fort, they take it down. If they get toys out, they put them back. It didn’t take long before they made a game of it—timing themselves to see how fast they could clean. My daughter couldn’t believe how neat they kept their rooms after a few weekends with me.
The last rule is my favorite: we always eat dinner together at the table. No grabbing food and disappearing, no TV in the background. We talk, share stories, and say what we’re grateful for. At first, they were shy, but soon they were racing to tell me what happened at school or who their new best friend was. That one rule brought us closer than ever.
When my daughter saw how much the kids thrived under these “Grandma rules,” she laughed and said, “Maybe I should start following them at home.” Babysitting isn’t just about keeping the kids safe—it’s about shaping memories, teaching values, and passing on a little wisdom. And honestly? I think my three simple rules made babysitting just as rewarding for me as it is for them.