I am a regular poster, but have changed my name for this as my mum sometimes looks on mumsnet too.
I have a 7 month old DS. Unfortunately we live about 250 miles away from both our families so apart from relying on generous friends, we really don't get any help with childcare. Because of this we have only been out for about one or two evenings since he was born. At work, all the women who are grandmas talk about how they often go to stay with their grown-up daughters / sons so the couple can go away for a weekend, or how they always offer to babysit so the parents can get a rest.
My parents have never offered to look after our DS, even when we've been to stay (which is usually for a week or a long weekend about every 3-4 months), although they will for about an hour if I really ask / grovel. And even then I am made to feel quite guilty about it.
At the moment DS just isnt sleeping and I feel like I haven't slept for about a month (actually, I haven't slept for about a month) and all my mum says is 'oh, poor you, you must be tired'. I really want her to say 'why don't you come and stay and I will help you out for a few nights'. I am starting to feel resentful that my parents don't seem to want to help out when i really could do with some practical support. However I know that being a grandparent is all about enjoying the grandchildren without having to do any of the hard work. Am I being unreasonable? How do I sort this out without causing bad feeling or making my parents feel put-apon?
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How do I get my parents to help?
11 replies
FeelingAwkward · 16/03/2005 10:37
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