How Did I Get Into This?

[silliemillie]

Grand daughters 4th birthday next week so have been looking at presents for her.

But not only her, I also now feel obliged to get her 2 brothers a little something as well. I do the same when its the others birthdays.

My theory is that the others may be jealous if one of them gets all the presents (although the know whos birthday it is).

Do you think this is the right thing to do? I really wish I hadn't started it but I cant stop it now.

I didnt do it for my own children, they understood that they would get theirs on their birthday.

I'm going soft in my old age.

[MadMen]

My Mum does the same - although I do always remind her she also never did it with me and my sisters when we were kids :)

I tell her not to, that they have to understand it's their siblings 'day', but she says she doesn't want them to be left out. I completely understand, it's quite sweet really.
I think just keep it something simple, like a book, or a comic and a bag of sweets :-)

[wardlaw]

Mrs W does the same. It must be a Grannie thing.

[DaisyNonna]

If granny can't spoil them who can?

[chrissa1]

My second grandchild is due in 3 weeks time. I'll let you know in a couple of year's time. Lol.

I don't think I would buy a present for the siblngs though.

[silliemillie]

Yes. I am definately going soft. Used to be quite strict with my children (and they all still love me!!) but so soft on the G Kids.

I will do as MM suggests and get the others some books.

[DaisyNonna]

A book is a good idea, you can pretend it is educational. My choice of spoiling.

[woofgang]

My parents did it for us three when we were children. I have no children but do it for my great nieces. It never arose for my niece and nephew as their birthdays are on two concurrent days (do I mean concurrent?) I do the same for my godson and his bro, they are 23 and 21 now but I still do it!

[MadMen]

I can think of worse things to do. As I say, I do tell my Mum not to, but secretly I think it's really nice :)

[sherrardk]

Being a twin I feel that birthdays belong to the person having the birthday (so it's your day, apart for thing 1 & 2 who obviously share their birthday). Saying that, I might change my mind if I have grandchildren.

[silliemillie]

Yeah, thanks guys, I will call it Nannys perogative (sp?) Ha Ha

[ummmm]

I think it's nice as long as the present is only small as to not to take away from the birthday child. Something like felt tips and colouring books.

[boxtops]

Personally, I wouldn't - it's the birthday child's day, not the others - this is about children learning that it's not always their turn, sometimes others are in the limelight.

[woofgang]

Boxy that's why the gift is a small one....

[rosehipseed]

Short answer - don't. Birthday presents are for birthdays. Teaching the children that their turn will come is part of parenting. PS I had 6, and now have 6 grandchildren, which includes two pairs of brothers.

[ummmm]

I always done it. Even if it was just a bag of sweets.

[lilacben]

No I am sorry you really should stop it. I have seven grandchildren and have never done it for any of them or there mothers. They have to realise it is not there birthdays but on there special day they will have a present. Just for them. Otherwise they will always expect it. It just isnt fair on the birthday girl or boy.

[piphas4legs]

Lol Im a nanny too, my little grandson was 4 last week and I got my 2yr old granddaughter a little something and wrapped up, cost me £2!

You're not going soft, that what grandparents are all about!

Go with your heart if you decide to stop, just communicate with Mum/dad with your decision.

Enjoy the little ones!