My parents don't seem to care that I'm pregnant...

[MiniMummy576]

This is my second baby - their second grandchild - so I'm not expecting fanfares or anything, but I'm finding their complete lack of interest a little... odd.

First time round my Dad would spontaneously burst into a big grin and hug me tight saying "My baby's having a baby!" every time I saw him and my Mum was always asking about how the baby was, how I was etc and was genuinely interested in any baby talk I initiated.
This time round, it started with their response to us telling them we were having another baby. When we told my MIL (her 4th grandchild) she burst into tears (of happiness!). My parents just shrugged and said "well, we're not surprised"
My Mum changes the subject every time we say anything about the new baby and never mentions it herself.

I'm not expecting their behaviour to be the same as it was the first time, but given that they were SO EXCITED last time and now apparently couldn't care less... I'm finding it all a bit weird. I get that they love DS - he's awesome and a pretty darn perfect little boy - but it's almost like they don't realise that this baby will be their grandchild too.... I'm a little worried they're going to play favourites.
My colleagues are more interested in this pregnancy/baby than my parents are....

That's weird, right?

Sounds slightly odd MiniMummy. I would probably be blunt and ask them :) Say how it makes you feel and compare it to the last time and say that you are confused. If they say they are not as excited you will know (I doubt they will though) but what will probably happen they will realise how they were behaving and probably change.

My only other thought would be they may not be excited as they don't approve of your partner maybe?

Do they do any care of your DS for you? Could they be worried they might have to look after 2 if they do?

Ask them. "Why aren't you excited about me having another baby? You seem very disinterested in your new grandchild"

Honestly, most people are far less interested in second and subsequent babies. The big change has already happened and the excitement has largely worn off. If they are otherwise good parents/grandparents, I'm sure they wish you well and will love their grandchild, they've just been through the euphoria already.

I would ask them out right why they dont seem to be interested in this child, be prepared though for an answer you may not like. As a PP poster says, do they do a lot of childcare? Can you afford it? They might be worried about these things.

If not, then its totally not reasonable what's so ever and should be called out on their behaviour.

Im expecting my parents 2nd grandchild (my brother and his ex have their first) and they dont seem that much interested tbh but then they werent when my brothers ex was pregnant.

It could/probably will be totally different when the baby does get here everyone will adore he or she

Are you an only child?

Agree that the novelty value has well and truly worn off. If you say something now, you will wonder if any subsequent interest is put on for your benefit, so it seems a bit of a no-win. I'd keep quiet, enjoy the pregnancy and wait and see how they are with the baby when he/she arrives. Chances are they will drop back into cooing and being excited when there is a baby they can hold.

I've just had my second and no one really cares We couldn't move for cards and gifts the first time but people don't seem to be able to muster any excitement when you've done it all before. DS won't mind and luckily we are just as excited as first time.

I think it's totally weird. And I don't buy the whole 'the novelty has worn off' thing. Not at all.
How are they towards your partner?

Mine were significantly less excited for second baby - my mother actually worried a lot about how DD would react, and how her life would change
When DS was born, all changed - they were as mad about him as DD :D
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Definitely weird... Even without comparing it to their reaction to your first. I agree with others- do they do childcare and are worrying about extra workload?

Mine weren’t that interested either time.

Do you have a sibling that is struggling to conceive perhaps?

I've been with DH for over 10 years and as far as my parents the sun shines out of his bum so I don't think that could be it.

I have an older brother who shows no signs of wanting kids any time soon - his wife is a little anti-pregnancy/baby (can't think of anything worse etc etc). Mum seems to think that this means they deserve medals or some such because they've chosen to focus on their careers, this means they 'work SO much harder' than me.

Dad looks after DS two days a week (at his own request - he missed out when my DB and I were little so he wanted to look after a little one) - so that could explain why he's a bit 'quieter'

I bet that's what it is, they are worrying about looking after 2 of them when you go back to work. Find a good CM or nursery now, allay those fears and they will likely perk up.

DS already is at nursery...

Dad has mentioned that as he retires in April, he'll have more time for the grandchildren, so perhaps I'm just assuming he doesn't have an issue.

Doesn't really explain my Mum's behaviour though as she doesn't do any childcare!