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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Grandparents don't seem to like my DC

114 replies

BackForABit · 25/08/2024 15:35

I know everyone thinks their children are centre of universe and grandparents shouldn't necessarily have to match that level of enthusiasm but I'm feeling a bit sore that both sets of grandparents are just so uninterested in my children.

I have two DC, mid primary age and both are severely disabled (autism, learning disabilities, ADHD etc). I really understand that they can be difficult to connect with in a typical way and they are physically very difficult to look after (no understanding of certain things so they throw stuff everywhere and make lots of noise). However, I try to mitigate this by never EVER asking family to watch them by themselves, inviting over to our (adapted) house, paying for their hotels sometimes, etc.

I asked inlaws what dates they wanted to come see us in summer (at their convenience) and they kept saying "oh we'll sort something out" then didn't. Now I've asked about next half term and they have just ignored my message. It's been over a year (it might actually be 2 years) since they saw one of my DC and they saw the other one briefly for a couple of hours when I drove 5 hours to a hotel near them (to be fair this was for selfish reasons because the DC were driving each other crazy and I had to separate them). My own parents are a bit better but it usually takes a bit of pressure.

In laws don't ask for photos (quite the opposite), updates, nothing really. Just feel a bit sad about it.

AIBU just to stop trying with inlaws? AIBU with the whole thing about this?

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 25/08/2024 15:58

Absolutely stop bothering , if the in-laws want an update they can ask their son .

BackForABit · 25/08/2024 15:58

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 25/08/2024 15:50

I think, sorry to be blunt, that they've made it clear they aren't interested in fostering a relationship. But I do wonder why you phrase it as "what dates they want to come and see us in summer" - had they given any indication they wanted to visit?

No they hadn't, this was me being a bit forceful. They would (very literally) never see us if it wasn't for me forcing them, arranging it etc.

OP posts:
Comedycook · 25/08/2024 15:57

It's very sad and unfortunately I don't think there's anything you can do. Keep your expectations low and do remember this when they start needing help as they become more elderly.

NuffSaidSam · 25/08/2024 15:56

YANBU to stop trying, they're not interested and that's sad and hurtful for you, but that's their choice.

Accept and move on.

BackForABit · 25/08/2024 15:56

Before DC were born inlaws were also fairly uninterested, rarely visited us - one or two houses we lived in they never even saw. I asked DH once if it upset him and it was clearly a sore subject. Despite this they'd say they are close, send soppy cards etc. I'll never forget one house we lived in, DC were toddlers and they hadn't seen us for a year or two and I found out inlaws were visiting extended family for a week about a mile down the road and they didn't visit us. We never spoke about it.

My parents were complicated when I was a child but involved and showed us love. They visited DH and me a lot when we were a young couple and the kids were little. I think with my parents they struggle with the disability aspect. My mum has helped me this summer but I have had to beg a bit.

OP posts:
Alalalalalongalalalalalonglonglilong · 25/08/2024 15:56

That's sad OP, I can totally understand why you are upset. It's two fold, a double insult. Your DC are missing out on a relationship with GPs and vice versa, but also your parents and in-laws know you are trying to raise DC with additional needs and are not trying to make your lives any easier. Even if they hated being around your kids you'd expect they would want to support you and suck it up a little.

UsefulZombie · 25/08/2024 15:54

We have very similar experiences with most of our wider family and our two disabled children. The exception to that is my dad who is tremendously interested and supportive to my children/our family unit. I find it painfully heart-wrenching so I try not to think about it too much.

WaveChaser · 25/08/2024 15:54

Sorry to read this, it is very hard and hurtful. Grandparents here are only interested in my neurotypical children and not my child with autism. We've stepped back now as it's not really fair they ignore her.

FriendlyNeighbourhoodAccountant · 25/08/2024 15:50

I think, sorry to be blunt, that they've made it clear they aren't interested in fostering a relationship. But I do wonder why you phrase it as "what dates they want to come and see us in summer" - had they given any indication they wanted to visit?

WickerwomanIamnot · 25/08/2024 15:48

I think it's not uncommon. Mine both have complex care needs too (learning difficulties, ASD etc) and the DH's family has zero interest. Only interested in the neurotypical and academically other grandchildren. I think it's common to just pretend DC like ours don't exist of there are a few more 'perfect' grandchild are around. My DC are fab. You cannot force people to have a relationship with them who do not want it. Took me a long time to understand but it's ultimately DH's families loss and not ours.

VickyEadieofThigh · 25/08/2024 15:46

OP, what were they like before each DC was born? Were they excited, interested, etc then, or were they just as they are now?

Your own parents - what were they like as parents to you?

Augustisnearlydonesogoodbyesun · 25/08/2024 15:46

Step away. Sadly they aren't interested.. Their loss op. My dc have no dgps at all. You can't force a relationship.. But imo no need to share your dc means more time for you with them.

FreshFelt · 25/08/2024 15:44

That's dreadful of them. Im so sorry.

5128gap · 25/08/2024 15:41

I'm sorry, but yes I do think you need to stop trying. You need to stop trying while your DC are unaware of their attitude to protect them from experiencing the rejection first hand. Because no matter how busy they are or what's going on in their lives you couldn't make it easier for them to connect with DC, and even if they didn't want to in person, there's ways to show interest, messages asking about them and so on. They don't want to know OP. I'm sorry.