To think maybe grandparents are closer to their daughter's children?

[CedricSydneySneer]

I probably am.

I feel as though my parents are closer to my dc than my brothers dc. They don't treat them differently or anything so it's hard to explain.

I like my in laws but I don't feel close to them, when my own parents are with my dc it just seems more natural, hard to explain. I try not to let this get in the way. It might be because with my own family we can say what we think but it's all faux politeness with in laws.

I've noticed this with a few people, the daughters are the main carers and seem to go to their own mum for advice or for babysitting. I've even seen situations where the dads parents have been banned from seeing grandchildren when relationships break down.

Is this just me? I've got boys and although it's a long way off I wonder if my future dil will feel the way I do.

[FreshHorizons]

I think it all boils down to family dynamics and personalities - therefore you can forget the rest. (Except geography plays a part)

[SideOrderofChip]

my mil isn't interested in my kids. Yet DH eldest sister she is always around at theirs and doing stuff with her kids.

Its not through lack of try but i just gave up

[seaviewer]

Just nasty people, the couple who allowed his mother to be alone on Christmas Day...words fail me.

[RunningLulu]

In India, actually, women (who aren't being abused) may live with in laws but they will often slag them off in favour of their parents. It's so ingrained in the culture that nobody even bats an eyelid, but it does cause a rift between mil and dil that can't be repaired.

I don't do that as I'm African Indian and was taught not to disrespect anyone older than me, with harsh punishments if I did (Indian style of parenting is a bit more indulgent). So I'm much closer to mil than her other dil, but not as close as her daugher obviously.

[RunningLulu]

I also talk to her as I talk to my mum. Total open communication often with few boundaries & when she came to stay with us, she's the same. If we're bothered about something we'll talk about it and get it fixed not stew over it.