Are sleepovers at Grandparents normal for children 1 - 2 years old

[jackstack]

My wife is of the opinion that it would be uncommon for a child of my sons age (13 months) to sleep over at her mums on a regular basis, say 2 to 3 times a month.

Grandma currently babysits 4 out of 5 days of the week, is late 50's, lives 20 mins away and has a spare room set up with cot.

Id personally love to get a break every now and again, to go on a date night, or even have some time to myself, wife seems to think it would be abnormal for him to sleepover and is very reluctant given his age.

Anyway, I'm respectful of her choice, but curious on other people's perspectives on what is 'normal'.

 

[starshinesunshine]

@jackstack I don’t see what the issue is. We do once a month and love the time we get. Maybe buy a crib but otherwise, enjoy the time. Millions of parents wish they had that option.

 

[thetruthopensminds]

@starshinesunshine I’m one of them. Grandma isn’t quite up for it.

 

[rwoman]

@thetruthopensminds Me to. My mom used to be able to, but got a knee replaced and just doesn’t have the mobility to deal with a toddler anymore.

 

[thetruthopensminds]

@rwoman Yup. Our grandparents can do daystimes. But I’m 100% sure that as soon as there’s 2 it won’t be happening. She’ll only want to watch 1 at a time.

 

[welmadixson]

@thetruthopensminds We had 3 under 2 with a set of twins and as soon as the older brother got to be highly mobile it was over for grandma and grandpa to watch them all overnight.

That being said, both grandparents sets do/did overnights often with single babies or the twins at that age. It’s good bonding time for the babies and grandparents, good for kids to work on separation stuff overnight. And good for bonding time for parents.

 

[tthompso1n]

@rwoman Same here, except hip. Our big kid is ok to stay but the toddler is a bit much for them.

 

[mttyhu]

@thetruthopensminds My MIL lived within walking distance. We had to wait until my oldest was 4 until she could spend the night. Definitely can't handle more than one or younger. My Mom can and will watch all 3 of em, but lives 4 hours away. She would take them once a week if we lived closer.

 

[ethomas89]

@starshinesunshine This is it. If the grandparents are open to it/want to, do it! Great bonding for them and the grandkids and free time for you and the wife.

 

[prmiami777]

@jackstack hell my kid would stay the night one a week, with a 70 year old grandparents, they aren’t like your typical 70 year olds

 

[dev54mal]

@prmiami777 I think right now, if he could choose, my youngest would live with his grandparents full time and have one or two sleep overs a month at my house

 

[prmiami777]

@dev54mal cus grandparents let him get away with everything like ours?

 

[dev54mal]

@prmiami777 Honestly, no, my mom makes him follow the same rules we do, but apparently its fun? He also just seems to be fascinated with my dad.

 

[ttp777]

@dev54mal That's really precious. Let him stay all he wants! Those are long term memories.

 

[mmelanie]

@dev54mal My boy was the same when he was younger, absolutely obsessed with my dad. Was amazing watching them bond

 

[debbie351]

@dev54mal Oh I feel this. No one is adored more than The Papa.

 

[mac4701]

@dev54mal This would have been my preferred arrangement

 

[anonymousbl]

@jackstack Totally normal and a reasonable age to start, assuming your child deals well with those situations.

 

[piggybank]

@anonymousbl I’d say even if they don’t do a sleep over where you stay over too or have grandparents over to do bed time to start getting your kid used to it.

 

[navyvet47]

@anonymousbl My 2 yo sleeps better with his Grandma than me. Any time she watches him late, I walk in to him asleep on her lap.