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Original poster

Irritated by grandparent videos for toddler

163 replies

Movingstressangst · 11/01/2026 14:25

My parents keep sending videos for us to show our toddler. Usually of themselves/an animal they've seen. Generally around 1-2 mins long. If I don't respond (working full time/busy active lives) then they chase a few hours later to ask what he thought of the video.

My son likes them. Obviously because he's 2 he wants to watch them over and over and then often gets upset when I take the phone away.

Aibu to find this whole rigmarole really bloody irritating 😂? It's just a faff. More controversially wibu to just pretend I have shown them to him... I've been scrupulously honest so far and have genuinely shown them to him.

OP posts:
InterestedDad37 · 11/01/2026 14:45

Tell them you're adamant about not normalising screentime as passive entertainment.

movinghomeadvice · 11/01/2026 14:45

My parents always do this, but we live abroad, and it’s their way of showing the DC their lives and where they live.

I do find it annoying, but I make an effort before bedtime each evening to say ‘let’s see what grandma and grandpa have sent us today’ and watch it.

It also makes the weekend video call easier because they have something to talk about.

To be honest OP, my in-laws care so little about my DC, I’m just glad that someone shows an interest in them.

saraclara · 11/01/2026 14:43

Movingstressangst · 11/01/2026 14:36

This is what we've been doing (which is usually genuinely true)! But guaranteed there will be a second follow up chase the next day 🫠

Show quote history

It takes less than 30 seconds to type "thanks, he loved it, as usual!"

saraclara · 11/01/2026 14:41

RobertaFirmino · 11/01/2026 14:40

'Hi Mum, he wasn't that interested tbh, more interested in his dinosaurs/MLP/whatever he likes. Kids eh?.'

Repeat ad nauseum.

Since he loves the videos, why should OP lie in such a hurtful way?

supercalifra · 11/01/2026 14:40

One day your parents won’t be around and your son might treasure this little silly ritual as a precious memory. Just take it lightly and tell them that you won’t be always respond immediately as you might be busy doing something else. But to be irritated for this, it seems a tad too much.

saraclara · 11/01/2026 14:40

Who'd be a grandparent. They love your son, they want to be part of his life. There are so many threads on this site where people are upset that their children's grandparents show no interest.

This is about the least intrusive thing they can do. It's not like they're pushing for video calls. You've said yourself that your son loves the videos. So why would you withhold them?

If they nudge you, just say that you're waiting for a nice calm time before bed so that he can focus on the video.

My DD and my little grandchildren send me videos of what they're doing, and I send videos to them when I'm on holiday etc.

I have no idea why this is winding you up so much, when your son loves the videos.

RobertaFirmino · 11/01/2026 14:40

'Hi Mum, he wasn't that interested tbh, more interested in his dinosaurs/MLP/whatever he likes. Kids eh?.'

Repeat ad nauseum.

Original poster
Movingstressangst · 11/01/2026 14:39

shouldofgotamortage · 11/01/2026 14:31

My parents used to do this, drove me bloody insane half the time they weren’t even interested in watching it. Luckily both dc have their own whatsapps now. Grin

I'm relieved it annoyed someone else too 😂. I feel like my irritation is disproportionate - I'm so lucky that my parents give a crap about my kid and are actively involved in his life I know. But the constant chasing and the fact it gives me another job on the list just makes my heart sink every time I see another one come through!

OP posts:
OMGitsnotgood · 11/01/2026 14:37

Yet another thing I’ve added to my list of things MN tells me I mustn’t do as a Grandparent!

Original poster
Movingstressangst · 11/01/2026 14:36

Meadowfinch · 11/01/2026 14:30

I'd say, "He hasn't seen them yet. We're doing swimming, supper, tidyup, bath, story and bed. I'm sure we'll get to them tomorrow...or maybe Saturday morning....."

This is what we've been doing (which is usually genuinely true)! But guaranteed there will be a second follow up chase the next day 🫠

OP posts:
PunnyUmberViewer · 11/01/2026 14:35

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

shouldofgotamortage · 11/01/2026 14:31

My parents used to do this, drove me bloody insane half the time they weren’t even interested in watching it. Luckily both dc have their own whatsapps now. Grin

Meadowfinch · 11/01/2026 14:30

I'd say, "He hasn't seen them yet. We're doing swimming, supper, tidyup, bath, story and bed. I'm sure we'll get to them tomorrow...or maybe Saturday morning....."

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