To feel a bit gutted

[nutellaod]

So I bumped into dh dad whilst out with my two toddler dc. DD put her arms round him and he didn't even acknowledge her. We had a pavement chat and he didn't even say hello to either of them. How do I play this - she's such a people pleaser - my heart broke for her. How can I get him to interact?

That's awful, I had a grandfather that didn't care much about me, I could tell that by about age 7 or 8. :/

How can I get him to interact?

You can't

Some people just aren't into kids. My sister never acknowledges or interacts with my baby at all.

Your poor DD, luckily she’s 2 so I know you’re upset about it but rest assured she will forget all about it.

In short, you can’t force your FIL to be interested in your DD or to interact. Maybe he’s not into kids, maybe he feels awkward, who knows but it’s his loss.

FIL is like this. DD is now closer to my parents and loves them more.

I suppose it's her first lesson in giving love to those who love you and not wasting it on people who don't. If you don't force things that is a great life lesson in relationships.

I think (hope?!) he cares but doesn't necessarily know how to deal with children. They're great kids (biased I know). He will sometimes try to talk a little to them but sometimes not even acknowledge them at all (like today). We live a five minute drive away.