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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be annoyed my parents bought my daughter a bouncy castle?

65 replies

InVinoVeritas110 · 01/07/2023 21:04

My parents do a lot of childcare for us, which we're extremely grateful for, and my DD (3) goes to their house 3 afternoons a week.

They definitely spoil her, which I usually don't mind as it's very kind of them and they're financially in a position to do so. It makes her happy, it makes them happy.

But today I walked into their house and they had set up a whole bouncy castle in their kitchen/diner (they had an extension so it's a big space). It's not even that small a bouncy castle - you could probably have 3-4 kids on it. I asked if they'd hired one but they said no, they'd bought it for her.

It just seems a bit much tbh. And now I worry that the fun novelty factor of a bouncy castle is gone. I was going to hire a church hall with a bouncy castle for her next birthday, but I guess there's no point now. I remember as a kid that getting to go on a bouncy castle was a super fun treat but it won't feel that way for her.

I'm not going to make a big deal of it because what's done is done but AIBU for being a bit annoyed, and for asking them to check with me for big purchases like this in the future? Or should I lighten up 😂

OP posts:
userofsorts · 01/07/2023 21:09

It's very kind of them OP and they're having fun. I think yes, "lighten up."

qwedtask · 01/07/2023 21:13

Wow yes. My kids have had a bouncy castle at home for years, they still love to go on one when we are out. What a strange thing to be bothered about.

PaigeMatthews · 01/07/2023 21:13

Yes lighten up. My parents did the same. All the grandkids have loved the bouncy castle. Their garden in summer is so full of fun, water spraying dragon, pool, slip and slide, football nets… they could probably charge entry and top up their pension.

NeverThatSerious · 01/07/2023 21:14

Yea, lighten up. Lucky girl to have such doting grandparents. There’s not an upper limit on fun!

Temporaryname158 · 01/07/2023 21:15

Yeah, don’t sweat this. She’ll love it, they can host said birthday party now surely?

MyEyesHurt · 01/07/2023 21:15

Yep lighten up x

Can we come over for a playdate?

CastleTurrets · 01/07/2023 21:18

How would that conversation go?

You: I'd like you to restrict purchasing anything for my daughter above fun level 6

Parents: Oh? So what level is a bouncy castle?

You: An 8 - now she won't appreciate it when we go to events with bouncy castles.

Parents: ehm....

pinguins · 01/07/2023 21:18

It's unusual but I wouldn't worry about it. Just hire one with a bouncy slide for her birthday, that'll be new and exciting (along with the fact her friends will be there).

WonderfulUsername · 01/07/2023 21:19

Oh do lighten up OP.

This sounds fabulous and it's at their house, so it's not really like your child is being spoilt.

The chances are your child will want to choose what you do for her birthday anyway.

PaigeMatthews · 01/07/2023 21:19

CastleTurrets · 01/07/2023 21:18

How would that conversation go?

You: I'd like you to restrict purchasing anything for my daughter above fun level 6

Parents: Oh? So what level is a bouncy castle?

You: An 8 - now she won't appreciate it when we go to events with bouncy castles.

Parents: ehm....

Loving this answer with your username 😂

drpet49 · 01/07/2023 21:21

NeverThatSerious · 01/07/2023 21:14

Yea, lighten up. Lucky girl to have such doting grandparents. There’s not an upper limit on fun!

This!

Gowlett · 01/07/2023 21:34

My parents (who look after DS) are the opposite. They’re wealthy but wouldn’t even spend a couple of quid in the pound shop. All of the toddler toys are still in their house… And DS is three. But I’m kinda glad in a way. I do wish they’d take him fur a day out though.

Feelinadequate23 · 01/07/2023 21:36

YABU! Grandparents are meant to spoil dgc!

Fandabedodgy · 01/07/2023 21:37

I'm with the lighten up brigade.

They've done a lovely thing.

pinksheetss · 01/07/2023 21:40

Lighten up

Does it really impact you that much? It's at their house, they bought it and it's something your children will love - core memory being created

I find zero reason for it to cause you any annoyance other than trying to control things

RotundRuby · 01/07/2023 21:44

Lighten up! Also, not sure how old or active your parents are but I think something like this is helpful for grandparents as child can burn lots of energy without it being demanding on the caregiver.

My son ran my parents absolutely ragged even though they're both very fit for their age. They bought a trampoline for all the grandkids and it gave them a well deserved break!

BeeandG · 01/07/2023 21:46

Let your dd enjoy it. My mum spoils my 2 dd & it is a bit much sometimes but their other grandparents are very hands off and it's such a shame. Doting grandparents are to be cherished. Imagine their relationship with your dd as she grows up, it could be truely lovely.

canonlyhopexo · 01/07/2023 21:47

I get both sides of the coin on this one tbf but I think you'd be seen as the fun sponge for saying anything so it's one of those things you'll just have to suck up I think. She'll still enjoy a bouncy castle at fairs and what not x

swirly3468 · 01/07/2023 21:49

Bloody hell. Lighten up. I'm sorry but you are getting annoyed because your parents want to spoil their grandkid ?
My dad came with a bouncy castle for my 18 month old and he's not in that kind of financial position (like your parents sound). It's brilliant and we have it up in the garden and my son loves it. Sorry but you sound really ungrateful. There is nothing at all to be annoyed about.

Katjolo · 01/07/2023 21:50

Very kind of them. They sound like fun.

Katey1010 · 01/07/2023 21:51

GPs are supposed to do this. My grandfather built me a trapeze in my bedroom. Seriously. It was bloody brilliant.

saraclara · 01/07/2023 21:51

They need to entertain her three afternoons a week. It's weird to expect them to check all their toy purchases with you.

I have a three year old DGD. I don't have bouncy castle money, but I do buy indoor and garden toys from FB for her to play with here. It's never occurred to me to check with her parents beyond a 'do you think she'd like this?' casual text sometimes. I certainly don't ask permission.

fireflyloo · 01/07/2023 21:51

Yes lighten up! My parents bought a 12ft trampoline for the grandkids and they love it! Saves them being bored when we go to their house.

Overthehill123 · 01/07/2023 21:53

Imagine how much fun they have watching her happy, my parents do so many fun things with my daughter that they never got the time to do when we were kids are they were both so busy. Don’t be the fun police, just create more fun!

wildfirewonder · 01/07/2023 21:54

I feel quite grinchy having read the other responses but that does seem a bit much to me. It is nice, but suggests they are going to be the type of GPs to maybe wind your kids up rather than just have a nice calm time with them.

Probably not a lot you can do about it though.

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