Subscriber Comments for
Son-in-Law Trouble

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 177615P	2011-05-28 10:12 AM
If you're old enough to be a grandparent, you're too old to be this clueless. Use our decades of experience to make an effort to turn your son-in-law into a friend. It's a good example for the grandkids too.
ROGER DODGER	2011-05-28 10:17 AM
Find out what the Son in Law likes than spoil the HELL OUTTA HIM.
AQUAHOLIC	2011-05-28 10:51 AM
Whatever you do, don't let the "imagined" slights from your hardworking son-in-law affect the relationship with your grandkids. The generational differences aside, let your daughter and her husband live their lives any way they want, and be there for support and help only if they ask for it. Drop the selfish judgements and opinions and just love and enjoy your grandkids while you can.
COMMENT 177639	2011-05-28 10:59 AM
Play with the toys they have, don't worry about their housekeeping style--they like it their way--and enjoy doing things with the grandkids. They likely don't need more toys anyway. When I visit, I take my grandkids to the beach, libraries, read to them, cook with them; swim with them, bird watch, garden, visit pet stores, go to parks, feed ducks, hike, visit train town, etc. etc. Not much costs anything and its the time you spend together that counts. To help your relationship with your son-in-law, ask him questions about his interests, not.....have you found a job yet? Be genuinely interested in him....that can go a long way. Everytime you think of a criticism, set it aside and ask yourself why it really matters to you. Thank him for giving you the opportunity to become grandparents.
COMMENT 177745	2011-05-28 07:41 PM
Doesn't matter what the laws are. Just make sure you gorge yourself on Philly Cheese Steaks and Pizza. Indulge yourself where strangers don't know you - then you can come home and coyly smile at your friends while resuming the local diet of tofu and sprouts. Tell them "important culinary business matters" must take you back to Philly every three months or so. Then repeat the indulgence.
SEEDLADY	2011-05-29 06:34 AM
Maybe treat HH and DD to a weekend away by themselves! At the least, take the kids to the zoo, the beach, wherever. Be useful in that way, or any other way you can. HH may feel harried to have extra responsibilities and may begrudge your offers of help as judgement of his (in)abilities as HH. If the kids are decently fed, relatively clean and well-loved, your HH SIL is doing fine. Be grateful, be gracious, and show your love, even if he can't reciprocate to your comfort level.
COMMENT 177843P	2011-05-29 10:42 AM
As a "parent-in-law" always bear in mind the fact that the son (or daughter) in law has "custody" of your child and your grandchildren and behave accordingly. It's up to you to bridge the gap.
FLICKA	2011-05-29 11:24 AM
I wouldn't be looking forward to the trip! Just be gracious and non-judgmental. Make it fun, if possible.Compliment Dad for being a "housemom", sounds like a cool dude.
COMMENT 177890	2011-05-29 12:37 PM
If going to see your grandchildren really mean that much to you, then, get a Hotel with a pool. You and your husband should save up for that extra cost. Invite your grandchildren to stay with you, giving their parents some much needed alone time. You would make a lot of points with your son in law. Your daughter would be happy that all of you are pleased to be there.

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