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?

My family went out for a walk today. I stayed at home. So did my mother in law.

Both of us would rather stick pins in our eyes than walk round the woods aimlessly on a “Christmas walk.”

We sat on our arses and ploughed though some cheese instead.

Surely he can do as he pleases?

So? I’m super fit and healthy but if we didn’t have a dog I would never go for a walk, I detest it.

York is pretty nice…

Good on him! We walk everywhere (severely travel sick dh and both dcs), but I hate walking for the sake of it! Worst part of xmas growing up was the forced walks with parents. Now im the parent, we do usually go out as a 4, but to exercise new bikes/scooters instead of stupid hours long circle walks - there's new toys at home too, and chocolate! And it's bloody freezing today on the coast!

I hate when people dictate random crap because it's "the done thing." Good for dgp for having his own voice.

A good bracing walk eh? I do hate those.
You probably go around the house opening windows so it doesn't get stuffy.
My natural habitat has been destroyed, I can't enjoy pubs as I used to. They banned smoke filled back rooms.
Best Wishes for 2026.

Family time can be indoors too.

Leave the man alone and explain to your children how people don't always want the same as them. Tell them not everything is about them. Grandad just doesn't like walking. It's not difficult to explain.

Good for him

Poor man can’t even have an hour of rest and peace without someone taking offence. Maybe he wants a break from the kids!

Because not everyone enjoys going for walks.

It doesn't. Total fuss about nothing I expect

I'm outdoorsy and planning a walk on Dartmoor tomorrow. I'm still happily sitting on my arse eating all day today.

Forced fun isn't fun, OP.

South. It's been absolutely STUNNING today. And very cold.

Health issues (needs the loo, gets very cold, gets tired easily, is worried he might fall)
Space issues (needs recovery from the children, quite likes the quiet of his own company, needs to recharge his batteries)
Habits (wants to read the paper, call his sister, catch up on sports results)

Or just doesn’t fancy it

I loath walks due to being dragged on far too many as a child.

Just because you want to go on a walk, doesn't mean everyone else needs to go. I find it surprising that your 7yo doesn't understand that - by that age I'd expect him to realise that adults have their own preference, unless what he's actually saying is "why do I have to go as grandpa isn't?"
To which either your answer is "you can stay with him if he's happy" or "you are coming because I say so".

Leave him in peace and definitely don't get your 7yo to bother him.

Peace and quiet is a lovey thing

He probably enjoy the peace whilst your all out walking

He probably wants a little break from you all!

I am with grandpa! Nothing more annoying than being dictated to. Let him do him and don't pass on judginess to the kids. Just say 'grandpa's a grown up and can decide what he wants to do for himself'

If he’s like me and there’s no pub at the end, I’m not going.

Jeezo leave the poor man alone.

you like walks
he doesn’t

the end

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

I've happily spent the day indoors 🤷‍♀️

He doesn't want to play with them at that time.

Raising your kids to believe the world revolves around them is not a good idea.

Not everyone wants to play with your DC all the time. If your child is 7 and doesn't know that yet, you best start telling them!

They think it's weird because they've asked why and you can't provide an answer. And again if your children think that someone wanting to do something different to them is 'weird' you're failing in raising them to be open minded and understanding individuals.

Unless your children think the world revolves around them why would they think an adult not wanting to go for a walk is weird or means they don't like them?

7 is plenty old enough to understand that people are different

a) maybe he realises that's the one time can get some peace in the day and he relishes it. I am an introvert and need time to read and reflect and so crave an empty house from time to time

b) "no health issues" is better expressed as "no known health issues". I spent 20 years living with a health condition before I was finally diagnosed and I am still recovering from the shame of always feeling lazy when in fact I was coping with a neurological condition that required rest to recover

c) I have young children and love walking with them but I would happily accept it isn't to everyone's taste! It's hardly a peaceful stroll in the countryside