A year and a half ago, I was actively focused on my career, but my mother and mother-in-law persuaded me to have a grandchild for them. They promised, they would help and that I’d be able to go back to work right after giving birth. I ended up having twins. The boys are now three months old and it’s time for me to return to work. Otherwise someone else will take my position. But now the grandmothers don’t want to take care of the babies. What should I do?

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  • Jessie C Love

    1mo
    Best answer

    I'm sorry that they tricked you into carrying and birthing children. Sounds like you're going to have to pay for childcare with strangers. It's rare... for anyone to actually follow through with the promise to help others raise their children. I almost feel like you should sue them for childcare costs and a breach of contract... more

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  • I doubt you got it in writing that they would help with the kid(s) and you could return to work. I know that when you work so hard for a career and... things change, it can be an extremely difficult adjustment period, but you can do this. Key questions would be: 1- Can your family survive adequately with a single income household? 2- have you reminded the promisors of their promise? If so, what were their responses? 3- Did you (and your husband) even want children?

    Another person recommended adoption. Although I can't imagine that's a realistic suggestion, would it be possible to use the threat of adoption to get the grandparents to follow through with their promise?

    Either way, this is a very sticky and lose-lose, situation. Regardless of what you decide to do as a family, your relationship with the g-parents will never be the same. No trust. On top of that, two lives were brought into this world and they had no say in the matter. It's going to be a tough row to hoe no matter what.
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  • Yes. Why do you ask?

  • After reading many of the responses to your question, it saddens me that the people who responded tend to shame and blame the mom for her situation... without mentioning the father’s responsibility. Some people criticize mom for daring to have a career without knowing her financial situation. Maybe she needs to work because her husband can’t work due to a disability? Maybe she needs to work because they now have twins? The family clearly needs external supports, and a responsive workplace.  more

    2
  • Wrong reasons to have a child. You chose to have the baby, and the kids are your responsibly.

    -2
  • In the West, we regard the matter of having children as a decision solely made by a husband and wife taking each partners' work, marital division of... labour, finances and desired lifestyle into account. That said, few careers are linear and no life or marriage is without it's surprises.

    Speaking as a retiree, when I recall the highlights of my life, the ones that come to mind most readily are the times when I taught my kids to read, ride a bike, drive a car and get their first job. The career moments including all the speeches, the reports, the presentation and the workshops take a back seat, gradually fading to grey. I can only suggest that you consider the possibility that your double blessing, no matter how inconvenient the timing seems, will be the enduring source of happy memories a decade or two from now.

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  • What if you could build a business from home that gives you both the time to be with your children and the income to achieve true financial freedom?... Let me know if you have any questions. more

  • Raise your children first

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  • If you don’t mind me asking, where are you located? I may know someone who can help provide care for you from $15-$20 per hour. Or she may charge you... a complete flat rate for the week.  more

  • Locate to your own home,get house helpers proceed and work .

  • What about the father ? You both should make this decision, or find a good daycare and have him pay for it.

  • Drop them off on your way to work!

    3
  • Do you love the babies? What has been your experience taking care of them? Do you think your mothers can really manage them? Here is my peice of... advice: Own the babies and love them so dearly- cherish them - they are a blessing; think positively and look for baby sitters for them; your mothers can only play oversight role. Have a very positive mind in every decision you make without thinking about whoever persuaded you to conceive. You will thank them later. Enjoy motherhood.  more

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  • Family is very important, when we retire we go back to it,bring up a good one.

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  • Family is very important, when we retire we go back to it,bring up a good one.

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  • I believe your mothe and mother-in-law probably believed that you would change your mind and want to be a stay-at-home mom. There are now... Parent-Focused Coworking Spaces with Onsite Childcare. If you have a job where you can work from home a few days a week you can bring your laptop to the space and focus on work while childcare professionals take care of the kids. You may have to look for another job. Also, you are a married woman, your spouse needs to tap in too, maybe they can work from home the other days while you go into the office. You will have to pay for this of course. Lastly, at the next family reunion/gathering chat with your extended family, let them know you need some help. I bet there are a few Aunties who wouldn't mind helping. You can do it!  more

    3
  • Children are blessing from God. Therefore, he will help you get assistance with babies while carrying on with work

  • So your children, a gift from the God are a burden to you. I think you should re think your priorities. Children and family are the goal your career... is a tool. where is the children's father?  more

  • When there is a will, there is a way.
    I know you can find your way out. It won't be easy and you know it. Both the work to care for the children and... the children itself are ultimate priority you can not avoid and blessings as well enjoy them the hard way in your own way.  more

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  • Be grateful you have a family, take responsibility, and God will provide for you

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  • Be grateful you have a family, take responsibility, and God will provide for you