Your opinion is requested, please

[JohnTBap]

My in-laws were coming this afternoon to visit with the children. They would pick them up and take them to their home to play in the spa and drop them off this evening. They have been out of town for a month - in the meantime missing DD's birthday - and returned Wednesday. This will be the first time they have seen their grandchildren since mid-July. They live about 10 miles away.

Arrangements were made for them to pick up the kids at 1 PM. The kids are ready and waiting by the door. At 1:30 they call and say that they won't pick them up until 2-2:30.

How would you feel about this behavior?

 

[Pop Daddy]

I just hate when a parent doesnt pick there kid up on time

 

[delswife]

I'd be upset for the kids! Thats really a terrible thing to do to them. I'm not sure how I would handle that, I'd probably keep my mouth shut when they showed up so the kids could have a nice afternoon, but I think after they dropped them off I would have a chat with them about it. Quitely away from the kids. Oh, I am so sorry for them! ((Hugs for them))

 

[browneyes]

I'd be mad too. Want me to give them a little talk, Lea Ann?

I hope your kids aren't doing what my kids do when people that are supposed to pick them up are late. They look out the window expectantly every 5 seconds. It's so heartbreaking to watch them wait and do that. I hope your inlaws come get them soon.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I would be ticked, (normal emotion, btw). I also wouldn't make a big deal of it. The kids will figure out in time that the G&G are different, (that is being nice about it).

 

[JohnTBap]

Thanks y'all.

They just got the kids. DS didn't want to go, he was hiding behind me holding onto my legs.

DD didn't want to go, either. She's wanted to stay home and play with her friends.

ACK.

 

[browneyes]

I'm glad they finally got there. I hope the kids have fun with them. Your inlaws sound a lot like my paternal grandmother was.

 

[janette]

My in-laws live close and when the girls were small my FIL used to say he wanted to spend lots of time with them before they got too big and preferred to play with their friends.

I wouldn't say anything, your in-laws may realize their mistake someday when they wonder why they don't have much of a relationship with their grandkids

My younger sister one time mentioned that she makes an extra effort to make sure her children know their grandparents. Although I remember one of my grandmothers she grew up not really having grandparents. Too bad all grandparents don't see how special that relationship can be.

 

[CEDmom]

How does your wife feel about how her parents are behaving? She really should be the one to speak up and let them know what they're doing is hurting their relationship with their grandchildren.

 

[kazzie]

I was going to say exactly what CEDMom said.If something is to be said to the in-laws it is probably best if it comes from your DW.

I know from the complications of in-laws on both sides for me and DH this can be easier to suggest than to actaully do

 

[4greatboys]

I think its crappy. I cant imagine having grandkids right around the corner and not seeing them very very often.
Did it bother your dh also?? If he is like mine he is very laid back and would never say anything. If them getting there late was a one time deal I would keep quiet but if it was a regular thing then I probably would say something.

 

[JohnTBap]

Sorry for the confusion regarding my gender. I am a woman.

Actually, it's not a one-time thing. Once MIL was supposed to pick up DD from school after practice for a play and was so late the school called us.

DH is pretty hacked. He's about ready to tell them to take a long walk off a short pier, but we WANT them to know their grandparents. We both cherish ours and want our kids to have the same kind of relationship. I guess they can with my parents but not with DH's.

In fact, the trip they just returned from was to visit DH's brother and his family. They see the grandkids that live 3000 miles away more than the ones that live 10 miles away.

I guess DH passed along his black-sheep status!

 

[kazzie]

Sorry I think that was me, it was the John that threw me

You are both wonderful for trying to maintain the Grandparents in your childrens lives for the sake of the children.

I had a similiar situation with my in laws.It doesn't matter now as my three are teens,they sort out who cares for them on their own now,I don't have to protect them from that anymore.My in-laws live about a 10 minue drive away but the most important thing in their lives is it being just the two of them,they are welcome to each other.

 

[doxdogy]

I think you and your DH have every reason to be upset. It is very important for kids to know their grandparents. Some of DD's fondest memories are spending the night with my parents and going with grandpa for breakfast at BK the next morning. If you lived in Florida, I would be happy to adopt them. I have not been blessed with grandchildren and I need some to spoil rotten to the core.