Bipolar grandparent

[Anonymous]

OP, I’m sorry. I can see how these family meals would feel stressful. In my experience (I’m not a mental health professional), people with more severe mental illnesses can have a poor sense of boundaries. So it’ likely that no amount of asking FiL to stop or change behaviors is going to alter the way meals go.

It probably isn’t doing anything detrimental to your child. Her parents, teachers, and peers spend much more time with her each week and exert a lot of influence. Though she might try on the outrageous behaviors she learns from grandpa, it’s unlikely they’ll stick. At her age, she doesn’t know much about self regulation and social norms. Soon she will, and these extremes will be less attractive to her.

I love the previous poster’s suggestion to alter the meal-time routine for the sake of your sanity. Wishing you all the best!