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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Anyone else's parents not put the effort in childcare wise?

448 replies

TulipVictory · 03/02/2022 21:05

We rarely ever leave the children anywhere mostly because we just enjoy our time together as a family.

The one time we asked my Mum about a sleepover it seemed like a big inconvenience. We wanted it at our house because there wasn't room in theirs for the children and the little one who needs her travel cot. But they didn't want to sleep at ours where all the children's stuff is so it didn't happen.

I have an appointment tomorrow so asked if my mum can meet me there just to watch the two little ones while I go in but I have to go hers first and pick her up so she can sit in my car so that she doesn't lose her parking space.

They always make out like they don't see the children enough but everything is always on their terms. I pop over every week, sit in their lounge so that they can see them but if I wanted to go out, meet them somewhere etc to the park we never go! it's always like it's a big inconvenience! Please tell me if I'm
Being unreasonable but this is the way it's always been and I'm feeling a bit frustrated

OP posts:
Hootmon · 04/02/2022 10:18

YANBU - the rare few times we have been out (can count in a finger) the past decade we pay a bomb for sitter. I don't mind that, but its also the utter lack of understanding, including the time I went into labour with my second child or we had to bring one child to hospital.

Most people who have normal grandparents to their children simply won't understand. I've had advice from well meaning people saying things like oh they're too old (not too old to be out every weekend and travel) they had enough of caring for their own parent or children etc.

JassyRadlett · 04/02/2022 10:19

The underlying issue here is that healthy adult relationships are reciprocal and should usually involve reciprocation of effort, thoughtfulness, helping and putting oneself out for the other.

There seems to be a subset of parents who really struggle with the transition to a healthy adult relationship with their children when their children become adults, and expect the relationship to be entirely on their terms, but also entirely to their expectations. So they won’t put themselves out for for their kids (or grandkids) but will then complain if the kids/grandkids don’t put themselves out enough.

I have one of both - PIL (who live in the same country as we do) have been to our home twice in fifteen years. We are expected to come to them, to make all the phone calls, to do all the keeping in touch. (There seems to be an extra helping of this because my husband committed the cardinal sin of Moving Away To London.) They are delightful grandparents to our kids when they see them, but I sometimes wonder how long it would be before they noticed if we all died in a freak yachting accident or similar.

My parents (who live abroad) put so much effort into the relationship with me, my husband and our kids. Thoughtful emails and messages, visit when they’re able (bloody Covid), go out of their way to make our visits lovely.

Covid times, when we have been equally ‘distanced’ from both families, has made it really stark how each set of parents view us.

The difference really is how much effort they are willing to put in - which seems to me a proxy for how much they respect us as individuals and as equal adults, and how much they are actually prepared to invest in the relationship.

starfishmummy · 04/02/2022 10:20

Never ever have we ever been on a day out with them, it is always with the expectation that we come to them, on their terms

have you ever organised a day out and asked them along? Or are you waiting for them to organise it?

cloudyrain · 04/02/2022 10:21

I've not read every post. However, OP I think you have a are NBU to expect your DM would like to have a little bit of interaction with her DGC.

Not being able to go out in your car in case you lose your parking space = why bother having a car?
I do understand not wanting to sleep over at your house and it is not something I have ever asked my DP or DPIL to do, BUT they both were happy to either come over whilst we went out and then go home when we got back OR have them sleepover at their houses. In both cases they had space, spare beds and even bought a cot.

If your mum is young and fit & healthy without needing to care for your DGM I do find it strange that they don't want to ever do anything except have you bring the DGC to them once a week. My experience is much different and I went on day trips with my grand parents and my DC went with theirs, in all instances this happened from an early age and whilst the GP were still working (they were grandparents in their 50s). Even now when DP are retired and nearing 80 they still go with my much younger nephews and nieces for the day (and on holiday).

I am sure when my DC have their own I will be on hand when needed whether I am still working or not.

Lampzade · 04/02/2022 10:23

@JassyRadlett

The underlying issue here is that healthy adult relationships are reciprocal and should usually involve reciprocation of effort, thoughtfulness, helping and putting oneself out for the other.

There seems to be a subset of parents who really struggle with the transition to a healthy adult relationship with their children when their children become adults, and expect the relationship to be entirely on their terms, but also entirely to their expectations. So they won’t put themselves out for for their kids (or grandkids) but will then complain if the kids/grandkids don’t put themselves out enough.

I have one of both - PIL (who live in the same country as we do) have been to our home twice in fifteen years. We are expected to come to them, to make all the phone calls, to do all the keeping in touch. (There seems to be an extra helping of this because my husband committed the cardinal sin of Moving Away To London.) They are delightful grandparents to our kids when they see them, but I sometimes wonder how long it would be before they noticed if we all died in a freak yachting accident or similar.

My parents (who live abroad) put so much effort into the relationship with me, my husband and our kids. Thoughtful emails and messages, visit when they’re able (bloody Covid), go out of their way to make our visits lovely.

Covid times, when we have been equally ‘distanced’ from both families, has made it really stark how each set of parents view us.

The difference really is how much effort they are willing to put in - which seems to me a proxy for how much they respect us as individuals and as equal adults, and how much they are actually prepared to invest in the relationship.

This
DarleneSnell · 04/02/2022 10:23

I'm actually a bit jealous of those of you who have to go to the GPs! At least you can sort of dictate the time and length of visit. It's a change of scenery for the kids, even if not particularly exciting!

My PILs are always bored (!) and looking to go out, so they NEVER let us go there, and insist on coming to us, which means we have to host. They also stay hours and hours. Kids get bored and so do we.

This thread has really struck a chord with me (can you tell?? Grin)

JeremyWadesBigRod · 04/02/2022 10:24

I would also hate to spend my saturday (when i'd worked all week) sat in a car with 2 little ones. Have you ever spent (im guessing) 90mins or so just sat in a stationary vehicle, with little kids? It wont be fun for any of them! There has to be an alternative to this? Mobile hairdresser? Ask her directly if she would like to take them to the park or play with them at yours?

Porcupineintherough · 04/02/2022 10:24

They dont have to do childcare but it's a fairly shitty grandparent that won't, ever. Beyond that, which is what it is, the relationship doesn't have to be just on their terms. Just go round less often. Invite them to yours sometimes, invite them on outings sometimes- if they dont go then that's their choice. And you can point that out to them if they moan.

Iamkmackered1979 · 04/02/2022 10:26

I think if you want to be part of grandchildren lives that’s great but it shouldn’t be expected that you’ll provide childcare or any regular babysitting unless you offer to do so.

My mum left the country when my son was born and I have 4 now she’s never babysat really as now lives 350 miles away but plans to move soon. My mum still has a relationship with my kids the eldest two more than younger 2 I don’t expect anything from her so I’m not disappointed it’s just how life is. You can’t force them to be something they don’t want to be. I wouldn’t chase it either

Snuggleworm · 04/02/2022 10:27

My mam always minded my daughter because she loved spending time with her but not because it was ever ever expected of her. You don't just assume that your parents want to mind your children. They have reared their family and might want some time out from kids.

I know now at 50 years of age that I don't really want to be minding other peoples small kids. I don't have the energy for them and they kinda bore me if I am honest. I expect it will be different if and when I have my own grandchildren.

Hootmon · 04/02/2022 10:30

Ha both my in laws and own parents wouldn't know for months if we all died in a freak accident or emigrated tomorrow.

In fact, they'd be angry for us not reaching out yet would never think to reach out themselves. And livid they weren't consulted and believe we are selfish for leaving them.

victoriaaurora · 04/02/2022 10:32

I think this depends on how you are brought up. I am pretty astounded by the lack of empathy - "I brought up my kids on my own and I expect you to do the same". You would think that their own experience of difficulty might engender at least a bit of empathy, especially towards someone on in their family that they love.

This is pretty much my experience of PILs and I had to adjust my expectations accordingly. No help at all with kids and it was bloody hard work. Had some help from own parents but they live far away so it was intermittent. Was v grateful for it though when I had it.

Result is that my DCs have spent so much time with just us that my youngest really struggles to be away from us. I've always felt very envious of loving grandparents who can't wait to have their grandkids overnight. My kids are just not bothered about seeing PILs and generally find spending time with them an inconvenience. You have to nurture that bond early in my opinion. I know they love my two but it's too late now for any meaningful relationship.

If my DCs have kids, I will absolutely be offering to help them out and will do it lovingly & willingly.

neverbeenskiing · 04/02/2022 10:36

Grandparents don’t exist to be your on demand childcare peons. They exist to have a bond and relationship with your children, their grandchildren.

The difficulty is that some GP's expect that bond and relationship to happen automatically with no effort whatsoever on their part, which is not how relationships work.

PIL are extremely envious of my Parents relationship with our DC and can be quite nasty about it. But the reason the kid's adore my parents is that they've been very involved with them and 'hands on' their whole lives. Whereas PIL have never once offered to babysit or to take the DC out anywhere, I don't think we've ever even been invited round to their house for a meal in the 8 years since we've had them. If we invite them round, or suggest meeting up somewhere, then 9 times out of 10 they make excuses. If we didn't take the kids to their house every few weeks PIL would never see them at all. Even then, they don't really make an effort to play with them, they just sit and watch them. That's fine, we know we're not entitled to expect anything from them. But they feel entitled to demand we spend Christmas at their house, to get annoyed when the kids mention my parents in front of them and to make comments like " it's been so long, we thought you must have forgotten where we live" when we go round.

You can't have it both ways.

Wiseupkid · 04/02/2022 10:36

Op you can address this disappointment by doing the bare minimum in terms of visiting. Invite them along to your days out, parties and things at home and if they choose not to come, they miss out. I would not be stuck in their lounge every weekend serving their needs for entertainment with zero effort coming back.

It is an old fashioned by still very prevalent expectation that as their child you are there to do their bidding on their terms, that they have somehow earnt the right to sit back and let you do it all, on their terms.

That is what needs to change, you need to reset your relationship to one that is one more of an equal footing. They are no fussed to help, visit, get involved then fine they see much less of you all, and can forget about close bonds with dgc.

I have some advice as someone with late teenage children. Don't bother trying to explain this to anyone else, they simply won't understand unless they too have experienced checked out parents/grandparents.
Invest and take time getting the most wonderful and reliable babysitter so you can have fun, nights out and even nights away without worrying.

Gather a brilliant friendship support network that you can rely on and trust, so you can back each other up in emergencies. Stop asking your parents to do anything, they are using it as bartering tool. Ask anyone BUT them and then insist on a healthy adult relationships that is reciprocal. Take back your adult power. You can manage without them. I did for seventeen years.

My parents could not even be bothered to help in a blue light breathing medical emergency when my baby was four months old, at that moment I knew they would never be there for any of us - they are token grandparents, not real grandparents. Just fig leaves.

If you have a token gp cut them lose, don't ask for help, get the relationship on an equal footing, stop giving them your time and energy and focus on your young family instead Flowers You learn to accept it in time.

Hootmon · 04/02/2022 10:43

@neverbeenskiing

Grandparents don’t exist to be your on demand childcare peons. They exist to have a bond and relationship with your children, their grandchildren.

The difficulty is that some GP's expect that bond and relationship to happen automatically with no effort whatsoever on their part, which is not how relationships work.

PIL are extremely envious of my Parents relationship with our DC and can be quite nasty about it. But the reason the kid's adore my parents is that they've been very involved with them and 'hands on' their whole lives. Whereas PIL have never once offered to babysit or to take the DC out anywhere, I don't think we've ever even been invited round to their house for a meal in the 8 years since we've had them. If we invite them round, or suggest meeting up somewhere, then 9 times out of 10 they make excuses. If we didn't take the kids to their house every few weeks PIL would never see them at all. Even then, they don't really make an effort to play with them, they just sit and watch them. That's fine, we know we're not entitled to expect anything from them. But they feel entitled to demand we spend Christmas at their house, to get annoyed when the kids mention my parents in front of them and to make comments like " it's been so long, we thought you must have forgotten where we live" when we go round.

You can't have it both ways.

Absolutely true. This is spot on.

So many people think it's about free childcare that I don't bother explaining my situation any more. I paid for every minute of childcare, and it's not about that.

Butteryflakycrust83 · 04/02/2022 10:49

Absolutely fine for her to have boundaries - but this also applies to you too.

If she wants to see DGD then she can come to you!

Waddlegoose · 04/02/2022 10:52

@Moonface123 this is my biggest pet peeve ever when it comes to this subject.

I coped fine without any help or I have done my time. Annoys the hell out of me. So just because they suffered it’s ok for someone else too?. Or the I’ve done my time insinuates that raising you was so awful they wouldn’t want to help with their grandkids?

No OP I am right with you with and have a similar situation. It’s hard not be annoyed when other grandparents really want to be involved. I completely admit it’s jealousy from my side and tiredness, I would like a break even for a few hours. Kids are so young / covid / finances we can’t do a babysitter. But maybe 5-10 years we can maybe have a date night.

Wiseupkid · 04/02/2022 10:55

Remember you reap what you sow, if you invest in time, love and energy with your children and grandchildren the bond will grow and become a foundation for all family happiness. You don't bother, then your teen and adult grandchildren are likely to do the same. You can't expect a wonderful and loving relationship to grow out of thin air - it takes time, love and commitment.

Waddlegoose · 04/02/2022 10:55

@victoriaaurora I said exactly the same thing. A new grandma in my office drop her hours so she could spend more time with her grandkids and be around for them.

I’m working my butt off now so hopefully I can do the same for my grandkids. I can’t bloody wait to be an involved grandparent.

BitcherOfBlakiven · 04/02/2022 10:55

I’m NC with my Mum so can’t comment on that.

I’m LC with my Dad - he moved to the other end of England when I was pregnant.

When DDs were younger, he would have them once a year for a week, they were 5 and 3 when they first went and 9 and 7 when they last went. They’re now 13 and 11.

I would visit once a year with DCs too.

However, he’s NEVER come to my home, or back to his parents - he expects them to drive the 3 hours to him, which they have done every month for 13 years. However they’re now almost 80 and don’t feel comfortable driving that far, so guess what? They now don’t see him at all.

He’s relied heavily on them his whole life - they’ve bought home a house outright TWICE because he makes terrible financial decisions, me and my siblings were regularly dumped on them as children, etc etc.

He’s had enormous amounts of help from his parents, and offers his own children fuck all. Not even emotional support.

I adore my Grandparents but I despair of all they do for him, a grown ass 60 year old man.

rhowton · 04/02/2022 10:56

My parents had no support or help with us, because of that, they do all that they can to support us. My DDs absolutely adore their GPs.

Blossomtoes · 04/02/2022 10:57

I have an appointment tomorrow so asked if my mum can meet me there just to watch the two little ones while I go in but I have to go hers first and pick her up so she can sit in my car so that she doesn't lose her parking space.

Why don’t you just leave them at her house?

BitcherOfBlakiven · 04/02/2022 10:57

I’m indifferent to having grandchildren - I have 3 DDs and I want them to know there’s more to life than having children and that not having children is a valid life choice that I fully support.

If I did have them, I sure as shit wouldn’t allow my adult child to struggle through severe PND alone the way I was, if I have the money I’d help pay childcare, if I have the job I hope to have when I’ve graduated I’d look after my grandchildren.

Willyoujustbequiet · 04/02/2022 10:57

I'm a lone parent of dc with additional needs. I have never had any help/contact at all from ex in laws and my parents have sadly passed away.

It makes me very sad when grandparents clearly dont give a shit. Age is no guarantee of morals unfortunately.

Hrpuffnstuff1 · 04/02/2022 11:01

When I and Mrs Hr have a baby her mum is coming to live with us.
Which is the opposite end of the spectrum.
I'm not sure how that is going to work out.