12 hours a day, 5 days a week

Some forty years ago I thought this was the cutest big butt I had ever seen. We used clothe diapers then.

Linda, my wife, runs a childcare center out of our home.  Twelve hours a day, five days  a week I am the unofficial assistant.   My main job is to be here.  The ‘big bad Grandpa’ is my official title.

State and childcare service department laws do not allow the use of corporal punishment in a day care facility.  Some type of time out system is the usual reminder for the child that he should  not act in a certain way.  When that fails, “You go see  Grandpa.”

Using my Grandpa voice I read the riot act.  Does it work?   For about three minutes!!  My three kids swear the same younger “Daddy voice” struck fear in their hearts……I say it was about as effective then as it is now.

Caring for six kids twelve hours a day keeps Linda busy!!  Her charges range in from three months to eight years.   Two children are cousins, two are brothers, one is our granddaughter, and the other is a three year old little mama.  Each presents an interesting study in individuality.

From the start I made it clear that I would do anything during the day except diaper or clothes changes.   There were two reasons.  Each was important .

1. It is sad that these days Grandpas have to be so careful about avoiding any hint of what could be interpreted as abuse to young children.  Yes, I am paranoid in this regard in the daycare situation.
2. I did my time changing poopy, soggy, clothe diapers  with my own three.   Linda signed on for this role….let her do it!

Yep!  things get interesting around our house some days, but what a joy to watch these very distinctly individual little people grow!   Just like my own did, they drive us up the wall, sometimes.   The big happy difference is….we know in a few hours Mommie will pick each up and it will be quiet for the night at our house.   Maybe!

I AM GROWING