Grandparents surely love their grandchildren as much as they have loved their own offsprings, you and your better half. However, some issues like unwarranted reactions, unsolicited advice, and many others seem to cross your way - causing conflict in the long run. Little do they know, your parents tend to ruin your being good parents to your own kids and yes, they might not be totally aware of such "mess".
1. They're experts and they know best.
According to a parenting article published by WeWomen, grandparents think that they are already good at rearing children for they've raised you or your partner. And since they have years of hindsight about parenting, they are surely more than willing to share them with you (even if you don't actually ask).
2. They buy "no occasion gifts" every now and then to your kids.
This may be thoughtful but can do more harm than good in the long run if done constantly and for no reason at all. Your parents and in-laws may not realize that this can eventually spoil your kids - making them brats of demanding you to buy them everything that they want.
3. They say "yes" to sweets and to other things you as parents say "no".
Yes to candies, ice cream, cakes even before meals. Giving a go signal to play all day long, skipping naptime and even breaking some house rules are just one of the many things they unintentionally mess up.
4. They usually take sides during "discipline dramas".
Whenever you see a need to discipline the kids, at times, they would stop you from doing so, take sides, or worst, correct you even in the presence of the kids. This makes them an instant savior or superhero in the eyes of the kids - making you, however, the antagonist or even a "monster".
5. They seem to question you on almost everything even in front of the kids.
Grandparents actually do have license to spoil their grandchildren a little bit but when it seems to undermine your authority as a mom or a dad, well, things are sure to go a bit sour! And this is where you should politely tell them that you appreciate everything they do for the kids and remind them to have faith in you and your spouse as you likewise know what's best for the kids and the family. But then again, do this very nicely.
The bottomline: Grandparents and parents alike love the kids and only want the best for them. So, having an open communication with one another can help ease tension, resentment, or even hard feelings towards the concerned party. Still, thank your parents too for rearing you and your partner, the reason why you have wonderful kids - making the best parents you are today.
