Father in law never joins Christmas walks

[comoatoupeira]

Just that really. He never goes outside even with the stunning weather we’ve been having. I can see it annoys my MIL but she doesn’t say anything directly. The kids are confused, ‘why doesn’t grandpa come too?’ And I don’t know what to say. MIL just says he’s staying to do the potatoes or something, but he’s not.
He’s fit and no health issues.
Thinking I should get my 7 year old to be direct with him about it?

You're the problem, not him. The only walk I'd want is to the pub.

1. because he doesn’t want to
2. because he’s not a dog (or toddler) to be taken out for a walk
3. because he wants some alone time

Have you tried guilt tripping him by saying the kids are upset?

Course she has 😂

@comoatoupeira

yes, what about this, OP? Could work?

Jumping over logs !

1. because he wants to stuff half a box of Quality Street down his face without someone keeping count and making snide comments about 'a life time on the hips'.🥱

You sound extremely hard work. And I say that as someone who used to force my groaning kids to go out for a walk. I hike up mountains and play board games with the best of them but if some sanctimonious in-law started tutting about everyone joining in at Christmas because of their idea of what should be happening, I’d want to retire to bed. Don’t be that person that everyone dreads. Children ‘confused’-FFS.

Ha ha just found this thread.

He's an adult, he can choose whether to go out for a walk or not. I used to hate being dragged out for a walk - now I like to get my steps in.

And why is it family time? Isn't opening presents and having Christmas dinner enough family time?