To not want to still be told off at 38

[notso]

Lighthearted although it is a little wearing.

Not a week seems to go by without me getting told off by my parents or PIL for some minor thing they feel I should or shouldn't be doing.
To name a few,
Bin still out,
plant needs watering,
Kids eating dinner at 8:30
Grass possibly killed by plant pot

All clearly horrific crimes!

I'm 38 and have four children, two of them are teenagers. Surely I'm too old for a telling off.
I usually just smile and nod but it does bring out the rebellious teen in me and make me want to do the opposite.
Is it just a thing that I'll end up doing or have I just got two sets of parents who can't stop parenting?

I feel for you, OP. My Dad does this. I'm 53 and I left home at 18. I have grown children and a professional career - AND - I'm far more bloody practical than he is. He could not put a fuse in a plug or do any kind of DIY. He's a retired academic in his 80s and yet feels he needs to roll his eyes and make negative comments to me if I mention I'm going to do something he disapproves of. (Often to do with jobs around the house).

MIL also makes comments about 'Oh! When did you last wash your windows?' in a disapproving voice. I have taken to looking over my glasses at her in Judge Judy fashion and pointing out that her son is retired and at home whilst I am the sole breadwinner.

I'm 40 with 2 small kids and just about to finish mat leave to go back to a professional job. My mum constantly reminds me when it's a family members birthday, "Oh remember it's gran's birthday next tuesday" or to send thank you cards after kids birthdays etc. I have NEVER missed an event or a thank you card and don't need reminding!!! My dsis hasn't sent a thank you card to anyone for 10 years (more power to her) mum doesn't say a word

Ugh my mum does this. She comes up amevery 2-3 months for around 3 days and takes over. I'm a single parent of 3 andxhave vern raising my kids on my own since my youngest was about 18 months. She's nearly 11 now! When my mum goes home I'll getvendkess texts reminding to do x y and z and it drives me nuts.

I usually reply with 'omg how do I ever manage on my own mother?' Which tends to shut her up. Failing that I totally call her out on her need to micromanage.

I also had the 'don't be ridiculous, you can't possibly get a dog' when I was 42!!! Needless to say I gave that very short shrift. Had the same when I got a camper van. Apparently I'm incapable of making my own decisions!

My DM is the same. For the most part, I bite my tongue and roll my eyes but occasionally, have an outburst which never goes down well. I never stay longer than 3 days at my parents. We had a row recently because I bought new, thick towels for the guest room in advance of their visit. My DM said that the towels were too thick and would be more difficult to launder/dry - why would I make life more difficult for myself? I pointed out that she had somehow managed to turn my nice gesture into a critical complaint - wtf was wrong with her!