Do you think that how your GPs raised your DPs affect how they interact with your DCs

[Daisydurrbridge]

There are lots of threads about the level of connectivity between the generations and I am sure it is based on the family history.

Our parents were born in the 1920s and 30s. DH parents. never played with them throughout their childhood. He really had to be taught how to play with our kids and in their early years it took a while. He was bored by board and card games, found it really difficult to play imaginative games. Listening to him reading to them was torture. When his DPs visited they were very much onlookers.

My mum was the same, but my dad was brilliant. We were part of a huge extended family and every kid adored my dad.

We have 8 GCs and I saw the same in his interaction with them. He is a brilliant Granddad as he was Father. The way he is with the children and grandchildren is polar opposite to mine but they love him. I really believe they benefit from the different approaches.

I wonder if there is too much expectation on grandparents to behave in a particular way, and feel short changed it they do not.

My DP were very hands on. My DM was determined to raise her DC with lots of laughter in the house. We played many games. She ensured my DF joined in on a Sunday when he was off work. We often played French cricket or rounders with my DF. I have very happy memories although my DP never had much money. The park was free!
My DH was raised differently, his DP rarely played with their DC and as a result he had no idea how to interact when they were small. It was easier as they became older. He was happy to play cricket and football with them.
Our DGC adore my DP because he does all the things he saw me do with our DC. He plays make believe, makes Lego and reads to them. The only thing he won't do is play board games!

My parents were hands on ish when my sons were small. Think my mum did one bottle and baby change. But the older they got the more distant they became. Difficult situation

Both my parents born in 30s interacted fine