Our grandchild has been born and my daughter wants me to help with childminding, how do I prepare for this, I raised my children a long time ago?

My main piece of advice is to talk! Your daughter will probably want you to care for the baby in as similar way to the way she does as possible. However, she may find it difficult to ‘tell’ you how to look after her child – after all, she knows you have brought up your own children, and she also realises that you are helping her enormously. You may also find that you feel a degree of resentment in being ‘told’ how to look after a child. This is why it is so important that you and your daughter communicate well, and have plenty of opportunity to discuss care of your grandchild both before you start the childminding, and regularly once you have.

So, start by discussing with your daughter her plans for the baby, such as her views on daily routines, feeding, sleeping and discipline etc. Before your daughter returns to work, it would also be a good idea to spend some time with her and the baby to observe their day. This would also be an ideal time to practice things like nappy changing, dressing, and bathing if you haven’t had the opportunity beforehand! Most grandparents find that, after a while, the practical side of caring for a baby ‘comes back’ to them.