Do your parents/IL's really know your kids?

[Cindy's Mom]

My parents know my kids extremely well. We only live 4 blocks from each other and I consider (as does my DH) them our kids second set of parents.

My parents pick the kids up from school 3 days a week - help with their homework, my kids have a bedroom there and are completely at home over there.

Unfortunately, both my in-laws are deceased - my parents do not let my kids forget about their grandma and grandpa in heaven.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My mother's lived with us since before my kids were born, so she knows them very well. She's always spent a lot of time with them and they have a special relationship with her. My father died before they were born, but I try to keep his memory alive for them so they at least know something about him and have a feel for who he was.

My inlaws live a few towns over and DH and the kids spend at least one afternoon a week there hanging out, going for walks, playing guitar and having dinner with them. They see them lots besides that, too, but the once a week is a definite. They have 9 grandchildren and know them all well. They try to come to games and special events for all of them, also, and are very good at appreciating each child for who they are.

I grew up with just one living grandparent who I wasn't particularly close with so I'm glad my kids are close to three of theirs.

 

[matthew&haleysmom]

My mom lives right down the street. She is very involved with both of my kids. They love my mom and see her almost daily. She even vacations with us.

My In-laws know my kids as well as they can. Unfortunately, they are much older and live 10 hours away. I know they love my kids and try to make sure they really get to know my kids when they are around.

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I read through this thread because I was interested in the parents' views, since I am a grandmother.

We know our grandkids really well because we spend a lot of time with them. It's as much fun as everyone say it is to be a grandparent. I'm also struck by how much less energy I have now to chase after them than I did when my kids were little, and how glad I am that at my age I'm a grandmom and not a mom.

It makes me feel really good to hear that moms and kids mostly feel really grateful to have had involved grandparents. I'd like to think that I will be remembered as someone who was really important in my grandkids' lives.