AIBU to be a bit jealous and sad?

[GreyHem]

Of my own child when it comes to my parents?

I'm aware I sound a bit like a petulant child but anyway...!

I am 33 and have a toddler. I was always extremely close to my parents growing up as an only child and we have a great bond/relationship.

I've been feeling though since my child was born that my parents just aren't really as bothered about me anymore if that makes sense? I feel like the only reason they come round/invite me over is to bring their grandchild and like they wouldn't really care that much if I were there or not (they'd say differently but it's just an impression or feeling I get).

I absolutely love that my child has wonderful grandparents who dote on them but at the same time feel a sort of sense of loss at my own relationship with my parents.

I don't know if this makes any sense at all but hoping some others may have felt the same / understand? I feel ridiculous and unreasonable for basically being a bit jealous of the closeness between my child and parents.

One of them even "jokingly" said once that the love for grandchildren is more than the love for a child and I just felt hurt in all honesty. Even if it's true, any need to say it?

I think you feel how you feel and that’s perfectly valid. I’m sure your parents absolutely adore you and their feelings haven’t changed, they are just excited to be grandparents. I think that a lot of people experience the fact that kids take centre stage for a bit. Perhaps you could see if someone could babysit and you go out for a nice meal just the three of you. You’ll probably spend all night talking about your child but that’s because you all love them so much :) Go easy on yourself and let this pass through you x

Sending you a hug Greyhem. I’m an only child and this happened to me too. My husband joked “I wasn’t even a close second (favourite)” and while it did peeve me at the time, I did get used to it. Now I’m just grateful for the very close relationship we all have. I suppose it helped me ‘grow’ as a person too and dare I say it, probably a little less self-centred which is easily done when you’ve no siblings and the centre of your parents universe for so long. Take care, it’s ok to feel how you do x

I’m also an only child, but with no kids myself.

I often feel my parents are all I have in life as I have no other close family. So I can imagine how this would be upsetting.