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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Grandparents not visiting but besotted with grandchild

54 replies

Tooearlyformincepies · 02/09/2025 19:50

I moved to the UK about 14 years ago with the plan to move back home eventually (a country in central Europe)
Despite lots of effort from our side, this hasn't happened (my husband almost lost his job in the UK when a job over there fell through at the last minute)
I feel very guilty for living far away and consequently visit my mum and dad over there regularly - about every 3 months at the least , it's a 2 hour flight. My husband has always been very understanding and supportive and our son (5) loves to go.
The problem is that my parents, (77 and 70- but thankfully absolutely fighting fit!) are very reluctant to visit. They visit once a year at the very most. My mum does get slightly nervous about the travelling but at the same time they go to Italy, Croatia etc on big bus/ car journeys every year and to be honest I'm starting to get irritated about this - they constantly say how much they miss the grandchild but are so hesitant to visit?
AIBU to think they really could visit more?

OP posts:
Snorlaxo · 02/09/2025 20:01

Is it in their culture to say something positive because it’s expected that grandparents want to visit grandchildren even if they don’t really mean it?

Does their country broadcast news stories about the UK in a negative light?

BreadInCaptivity · 02/09/2025 19:57

Tbh even if they are fighting fit, as you put it I think you may be underestimating the stress/toll of travel at that age.

The reason why bus holidays are often so popular with people your parents age is because you get to sit back, relax and get taken to the places on the tour with minimal effort.

No lugging suitcases through airports or arranging transfers etc etc.

I think with the elder parent at 77 an annual visit is pretty respectable if I’m honest.

Tooearlyformincepies · 02/09/2025 19:56

SpiltLatte · 02/09/2025 19:54

Maybe they just don’t like the UK?

The always say they really like it🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
SpiltLatte · 02/09/2025 19:54

Maybe they just don’t like the UK?