One set of grandparents live overseas
The story
Hubby and I are from different countries/cultures.
We ended up moving to Australia before Covid struck 😒 we eventually settled in and life moved on around the world. My in-laws all live in one area. Hubby and I settled nearby and everything was fine. The kids love their grandparents and they are good to me.
However…
I miss my parents so much. I am an only child and my babies are their only grandbabies. It breaks my heart. But hubby is good to me and supports us well. In-laws are good to me too. Just the culture differences get to me sometimes. In-laws have other grandchildren nearby. They are “well off” so they tend to live their lives separate from their children. That’s fine. I’m used to family in your face everyday lol.
The thing that bothers me is they will pass on spending time with their grandkids just because. They want to shop or go out for dinner on their own. We have invited them over and they will refuse without a reason. I’m aghast because I know my parents would kill to spend everyday with their grandbabies!!
I know I can’t change anything. I hate it’s so expensive to fly to Australia! I hate my parents are not well off and can’t afford to visit! They’ve come once and are saving up to come again. Hubby and I have even told them we can help a bit. My dad has offered to send my mom on her own just to save money. I hate that for them! I want them to be next door and my babies see them everyday and be loved so much by two more people! My parents are one of the best in the world! They are so wonderful and sacrificial! They deserve the world and especially their only grandbabies to be nearby to hug and kiss and love on them all day everyday!!!!
Two years ago, we moved about 300 miles away. It sucked for me because now we are not near family. In-laws have come to visit once. Once! In two years. Again, I can’t believe it. They can afford to travel but choose not to. My parents would give anything to see us once every two years! I’m trying to respect their decisions but can’t help think of my parents. I get so upset with my in-laws in my mind. I guess that’s how they stay “well off”, don’t spend too much money. It just annoys me for the kids. They deserve loving grandparents nearby 💔
Stories in the same category
Points of view
ok listen, i get where you're coming from but expecting in-laws to drop everything just ain't realistic, ya know??? just cuz your parents are eager doesn't mean his have to be there 24/7, people are different 🤷♂️ my old man rarely saw us cuz he was busy doing his own thing and honestly, i figured that was normal; you gotta chill and let them live their lives, they don't have to justify every move they make!!!! maybe your expectations are a bit high??? i know the struggle of wanting family close, but pushing it might not be the best idea, maybe find a middle ground where everyone feels comfortable
Totally get why you're feeling bummed out. It’s tough when in-laws don’t wanna spend more time with the kiddos. 😕
Your reference to how your folks would 'kill to spend every day' is super relatable, but maybe they’re just more chill with doing their own thing. 🤷♀️ Sometimes that’s hard to wrap your head around. Like you said, it seems like they 'live their lives separate,' so maybe they just have a different vibe.
Gotta admit, though, it’s frustrating when it feels like they’re missing out on creating memories with the grandkids. Hope things balance out for ya—it sounds like a tricky spot to be in.
I feel ya on this one, totally!!!! It's super hard when in-laws don't wanna hang out more with the kiddos; your parents sound like gems who'd "kill to spend everyday" with them!!!! It's nuts how some people don't get how important family time is. My own grandparents were always in the background, and I would've given anything for them to be more involved. I hope your in-laws realize what they're missing out on and make a change. Sending positive vibes your way for more family love!!!!!