I'm certainly not an expert of any kind, but I would have thought that 3 and a 1/2 years old is just fine, especially as you are his grandmother and you look after him two days a week already. Perhaps just broach it really openly - that you'd love to have him for a night here and there to spend a little more time together and also give his parents a night to spend together, but that you understand if she still feels it's too early. Certainly I think I'd be happy for the offer! You never know, she may feel that asking you if you'll have him for a night is an imposition too! I think if you are approach it in an open way, understanding of whatever way she reacts, but just letting her know you'd love to do it and that you are there for her, then it would be hard to offend.

I wish my mum was like you - though I do have 5 boys and I understand the difference between one child and 5. I would have an open chat with your DIL and say any takers on a sleep-over, or do you feel like a night off. Your his Grandmother and a trusted one by the sounds of things. Take the plunge and ask the question..the worst that they can so, is no

He's certainly old enough - my older boys would stay occasionally at their grandy's by the time they were 3. Offer to have him for Valentine's Day to give them a chance to have a special night out together. Just let them know that the offer is open for anytime, that you'd love to have him whenever they feel comfortable with it.

My 2 yo has been sleeping at her nonnas for a while now and loves it. Being a mother-in-law maybe your daughter doesn't want to push the burden onto you, as a mother I feel guilty asking and usually only wait for the offer. Tell them how you feel, I'm sure they'd love a night out!

Sounds like a great idea. If he's already staying with you 2 days a week, then an occasional overnight stay wouldn't be too much ie. if they trust you enough to have him two days a week looking after him on your own, then I'm sure they would trust you enough to look after him overnight. I would suggest at most fortnightly or monthly as I think if I were in the same position (as a daughter in law), a break is nice once in a while but overnight can be a big thing away from your "baby" and like others have said, it's a nice occasional treat to have the kids looked after and have time to yourself.

Wow I wish my mother in law was as considerate as you are! I agree with all the other comments, just openly discuss it with you daughter in law & son. You have said you have a great relationship with her, so im sure she wouldn't feel you were being pushy at all, especially if you say you understand it's too early for her to let him have a sleepover.

My mother in law looks after my three and half year old one day a week. He has been having the occasional sleep over for about a year now. It first came about as we had a wedding to attend over an hour from home so she suggest the sleepover so we could stay somewhere closer to the wedding. Since then he has the occasional sleep over the night before his normal day with her. As the parent of a child the same age; yes it can be hard to let that little bit of control be handed over to someone else but...I am so grateful for those nights alone with hubby (until baby #2 arrived 4 months ago). The best thing you can do is be honest and open with your communication. Even if she says she is not ready she will appreciate the offer & will then be easier to broach next time.

if it is there only child offer to babysit and let them have a night out and then a sleep in, we have done it for the first time last month for my 40th and it was great, my son is only 15 months old. it gives the parents a break and the grandparents a real treat