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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

6 year old being extremely hard work at grandparents

8 replies

Wonderinglike · 29/12/2025 12:07

We're currently spending the Christmas holidays with my parents abroad. Due to our son (6) being a bit poorly there wasn't as much outdoors activity as usual and he's been playing with my parents all day, a bit cooped up in the house.
He's always worse behaved when there's an audience and as wonderful as it is to spend time with my parents I'm so looking forward to going back to England! Is this normal?? Why is he so much calmer in his usual environment??

OP posts:
ChrimboLimbo · 29/12/2025 12:09

Why is he cooped up?

If he is well enough to misbehave he is well enough to get outside and burn off some steam.

Original poster
Wonderinglike · 29/12/2025 12:10

ChrimboLimbo · 29/12/2025 12:09

Why is he cooped up?

If he is well enough to misbehave he is well enough to get outside and burn off some steam.

Sorry I didn't explain this very well. He has been cooped up for a few days , he's absolutely out and about again now. But it's like he behaves worse with an audience and when we're home he's fairly calm. I just wondered if this was normal behaviour or not.

OP posts:
user1471538275 · 29/12/2025 12:10

I think you've answered your own question.

He's been unwell.
He's been cooped up indoors instead of outside. Outside play is absolutely necessary for children.
He's in a new environment with new people, likely new expectations and it's all disruptive for him.
It has been Christmas - when children get slowly more and more wound up by the world around them and the time after Christmas is always tricky - out of routine, bit of a letdown.

I think even the most sanguine 6 year old would be struggling - I imagine he will also be happier once he's home.

MummaMummaMumma · 29/12/2025 12:11

Yes, very normal

Original poster
Wonderinglike · 29/12/2025 12:12

user1471538275 · 29/12/2025 12:10

I think you've answered your own question.

He's been unwell.
He's been cooped up indoors instead of outside. Outside play is absolutely necessary for children.
He's in a new environment with new people, likely new expectations and it's all disruptive for him.
It has been Christmas - when children get slowly more and more wound up by the world around them and the time after Christmas is always tricky - out of routine, bit of a letdown.

I think even the most sanguine 6 year old would be struggling - I imagine he will also be happier once he's home.

Thank you so much. As wonderful as it is being here but I think it's getting a bit much for everybody!

OP posts:
YourJoyousDenimExpert · 29/12/2025 12:39

Probably too much that is different - he feels overwhelmed- and all the adult attention is on him. Could his Dad take him for a walk or something on his own for a bit ?

dottiedodah · 29/12/2025 12:49

Very normal I think .Routine is everything for young children .Having Nanny and Grandad around adds extra spice .He is enjoying 2 more adults to show off with! He will calm down at home Im sure

YellowCherry · 29/12/2025 13:02

Yes this is completely normal OP. Many children like routine and find it difficult to transition to an unusual situation.

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