Whose x2 question

[Bonsaibaby]

So if you want to say something belongs to two people- for example you’re talking to Andy and his wife is called Mel and you’re talking about their children, but Andy has more children from a previous marriage, would you say about their shared children
“yours and Mel’s children,” or “your and Mel’s children” or something else?? I think it’s the first one but nothing ever sounds quite right!

I’d say Mel’s and your children, or you and Mel’s children. No idea why, mind.

I thought you were going to ask about whose and who’s as I never know with those two

Emma and Sally?! (Or whatever their names are)

Oh no! It’s whose for like whose is this? Whereas who’s is always a contraction for e.g who is or who has

Avoidance!

Mel’s and your could work

“yours and Mel’s children,” or “your and Mel’s children”

Take the words "and Mel's" out of your sentence.
You wouldn't say "yours children" so the latter is correct.

I think this in theory but it doesn't sound right. Have my ears just become accustomed to something that isn't right?

Oh ok thank you, so it’s all to do with the apostrophe

Yes! That’s what I mean! Also isn’t that like saying “Me and Andy” as opposed to “Andy and me?”

@Snowie99 , I try not to use contractions when writing because it's easy to use the wrong one, and the spellchecker does not spot them.

Your and Mel's children because they're both your children and Mel's children.

'Andy's and Mel's children', the children of Andy and those of Mel.
'Yours and Mel's children', ditto, spoken to Andy.
'Andy and Mel's children', the children of Andy and Mel.
'Your and Mel's children', ditto, spoken to Andy.
(Not sure about that second line).

Brill thank you!

Yes! I agree with pp. If you’re tying yourself in knots it’s often better to recast the sentence.

Just interested in the grammar!

Yes, agreed. It may be safer to reword, but that doesn't answer the question. I think my earlier stab at 'Yours and Mel's children' - addressing Andy about his children and Mel's children - is wrong. I would like to know if it can be done correctly and without ambiguity.