Grandparents arms down when taking care of grandchildren in the summer
Every summer, the atmosphere in many residential areas in Hanoi is bustling with the voices of children. But behind the children's joy is the silent fatigue of their grandparents - those who have to put aside their old age to take care of all activities for them.
In an old apartment, Ms. Le Thi Nhan (67 years old, Hanoi) has almost no lunch break for the past two summer months. Her son and daughter-in-law go to work from early morning to late evening, and she takes care of everything for her 6-year-old grandchild.
" take him to summer school in the morning, take him home at noon to cook rice, take him to martial arts classes in the afternoon and evening to sleep. Some days, I am sick and stays up all night, but still have to wake up in the morning to cook congee and rice. It's very tiring, but I have to endure it," Ms. Nhan shared.
Mr. Tran Van Phuc (71 years old, Hanoi) was in a similar situation when taking care of his 5-year-old twin children.
"We are very mischievous, not sleeping at noon and running around the house. He was old and could not run. But if they don't look, who will look? Their parents work and hire outsiders, so they are not assured," said Mr. Phuc.
Those images are not individual. The situation of grandparents taking care of their grandchildren all the time in the summer is becoming more and more common. Although considering it a duty and a joy, many elderly people fall into a state of exhaustion.
Don't let grandparents become "summer victims"
Psychologist Mai Viet Duc - Nhan Hoa Viet Psychotherapy and Counseling Center commented that leaving grandparents to look after grandchildren is familiar in urban life, but without the coordination and sharing of roles from parents, the elderly can easily fall into a state of overload.
Many grandparents hide their fatigue and do not complain because they think they have to take responsibility. But in fact, if it continues, their health and well-being will decline significantly, the expert said.
According to experts, to avoid this situation, families need to proactively divide time appropriately, not to let all the care of children fall on grandparents. You can take turns taking shifts between parents, taking your child to boarding summer classes, or hire a part-time assistant to reduce the burden.
In addition, parents need to have a specific schedule to avoid letting grandparents take care of themselves too much. More importantly, it is necessary to listen to their feelings and create conditions for them to have time to rest and take care of their health.
"Caring for grandchildren should only be a joy when it is within the range of the elderly's endurance. If it is beyond strength, it will no longer be a bond but a burden, emphasized expert Mai Viet Duc.
