"Too far to drive"

[Anonymous]

My MIL was just chastising my husband for not seeing them more often (usually takes us 8 hours to drive with stops and the kids).

They proposed to come see us after our recent visit to see them and we set a week. They immediately changed their mind the drive is too long. They aren't that old either.

If I can drive up with two screaming kids they could at least reciprocate or understandthe obvious don't expect us to drive if you won't. /rant

[Anonymous]

driving with dimming senses, slower reaction times, and weakening bladder/bowels isn't the same as driving with 2 kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:driving with dimming senses, slower reaction times, and weakening bladder/bowels isn't the same as driving with 2 kids.

Osteoarthritis, pain, trouble concentrating, staying alert...

OP, 8 hours is too long a drive for anyone esp anyone approaching or older than 60.
I wouldn’t do it with 2 kids either. Sounds like they have good intentions - they want to see grandchildren.
Not all grandparents are so engaged, including my parents - just not interested, wouldn’t even drive an hour to see grandkids. But would drive an hour to see their friends.

Be grateful they love their grandkids. I feel you’re lucky.

[Anonymous]

Why are your kids screaming?
I agree with you in principal, but sounds like your drive could be more pleasant.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think 8 hours is too long. We drive to see family in Charleston regularly, and vice versa.

A spacious car is important. When the kids were little, it was a minivan with DVD player. Now they all have their own iPads.

Why are your kids screaming the whole trip?

[Anonymous]

To be clear - its a 5 hour drive that takes us 8 hours because we have to stop frequently with the kids. My medical special needs kids forgot an essential medical device, baby needs to be changed, someone needs to pee.

My toddler doesn't like driving in the car so even with an iPad it's a very long drive.

My in laws don't have arthritis and have no problem driving 8+ hours to their favorite vacation spot.

[Anonymous]

Mine said the same thing. That was one reason among others that we stopped visiting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My MIL was just chastising my husband for not seeing them more often (usually takes us 8 hours to drive with stops and the kids).

They proposed to come see us after our recent visit to see them and we set a week. They immediately changed their mind the drive is too long. They aren't that old either.

If I can drive up with two screaming kids they could at least reciprocate or understandthe obvious don't expect us to drive if you won't. /rant

I can't run like I used to in my 20s, and 30s. Shoot me.

[Anonymous]

Are they scared of traffic in the DC area? DH’s sister will go out of her way to avoid the DC and 95 corridor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To be clear - its a 5 hour drive that takes us 8 hours because we have to stop frequently with the kids. My medical special needs kids forgot an essential medical device, baby needs to be changed, someone needs to pee.

My toddler doesn't like driving in the car so even with an iPad it's a very long drive.

My in laws don't have arthritis and have no problem driving 8+ hours to their favorite vacation spot.

It's this one for me. We have the same issue, not sure what the answer is.

[Anonymous]

Can you meet in the middle for a weekend?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:driving with dimming senses, slower reaction times, and weakening bladder/bowels isn't the same as driving with 2 kids.

Osteoarthritis, pain, trouble concentrating, staying alert...

OP, 8 hours is too long a drive for anyone esp anyone approaching or older than 60.
I wouldn’t do it with 2 kids either. Sounds like they have good intentions - they want to see grandchildren.
Not all grandparents are so engaged, including my parents - just not interested, wouldn’t even drive an hour to see grandkids. But would drive an hour to see their friends.

Be grateful they love their grandkids. I feel you’re lucky.

Approaching or over 60? I think you mean 75 or 80.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To be clear - its a 5 hour drive that takes us 8 hours because we have to stop frequently with the kids. My medical special needs kids forgot an essential medical device, baby needs to be changed, someone needs to pee.

My toddler doesn't like driving in the car so even with an iPad it's a very long drive.

My in laws don't have arthritis and have no problem driving 8+ hours to their favorite vacation spot.

I guess that means you are not their favorite vacation spot.

[Anonymous]

Why can't they fly?

[Anonymous]

Is the train or flying in an option for them?

And I can easily see adding on an hour’s worth of stops to your 5-hour drive, but an extra three hours? That’s insane. Just get there.