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Original poster

GPs over buying and over feeding

27 replies

Toomuchstufffff · 05/12/2024 13:36

Sorry for the upcoming rant!

It’s coming upto Xmas and I am absolutely dreading the onslaught of stuff that’s about to come my DCs (5y & 3y) way.

I know I sound ungrateful and there are bigger problems but I am drowning in stuff! I spend the majority of my time trying to clean, sort (bin or donate) and organise the massive amounts of stuff (clothing, toys, etc.) my children have. Only for it to be replenished within days by their GPs (both sets). It’s exhausting! I can’t open a drawer or cupboard without more stuff falling out. My DC do not value the stuff they receive because they are getting new things all the time. My DD (3y) comes home from GPs with a new toy pretty much every time she visits which is weekly.

on top of that both sets of GPs constantly give the DCs unlimited snacks. One of my DC suffers with constipation and the sugary snacks just make it worse. My PiLs in particular will happily give my DC full size adult snacks like multiple large cupcakes, bags of crisps and massive amounts of sugary juice. Any time my DC request it which is often as they know GPs will not say no.

I have spoken to both GMs about the excessive toys and snacks and they always say the right things (they’ll stop, they didn’t realise etc.) but it continues anyway. I feel like I’m screaming into a void.

Any ideas on how to stop this without causing offence? I love the relationship my DCs have with their GPs and I know they are very lucky to have two sets of GPs who adore them but I’m also concerned about their health and I don’t want them to become spoiled and ungrateful.

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 05/12/2024 13:47

I stated outright to my ILs that I was an uptight parent, but that as far as I am concerned, grandparents are allowed to spoil grandchildren. I didn’t expect them to follow my rules.

if there are physical consequences like constipation, then that needs to be addressed. Make it clear to them what is happening and give them a solution to fix it, like working some fresh fruit and vegetables into the snack rotation. If they want they can use dips or fun shapes to make things fun.

Inmydreams88 · 05/12/2024 13:40

TWO sets of grandparents who love and cherish your children, plus seem to do a reasonable bit of childcare. I'd have died and gone to heaven if this was my situation. What a really nice problem to have.

The snacking/constipation issue needs to be dealt with, maybe get a bit firmer and keep reminding them. The stuff issue, just give what you don't want to charity.