Reply to Minor rant: in Europe with completely useless in laws and a toddler

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP: my teen aged DDs were seasoned travelers but on an extended trip at about the week point like your ILs they just wanted familiarity. They found a place called Johnny Rockets (it truly wasn’t THE chain. I stomped off angry that they weren’t taking in all the culture etc etc. That recharged them and changed mood for all. Why not make tomorrow a super simple ‘familiar’ day for them. Your vision of breezing through all the sights and sounds obviously is not theirs. They are thrilled to be included so embrace that and see the trip from their eyes as much as you can. [/quote]

I will try to do that for them. It’s a good idea.

This trip really was meant to be for them. They kept talking about wanting to go to London and Rome and were telling all their friends how amazing it is that we organized this trip. I never got the impression they thought being with our toddler was a hindrance; if anything they keep wanting more time with her. I think they just underestimated how unfamiliar everything would be (even in London!) and are overwhelmed. My MIL is significantly overweight and said her feet were swollen after 2 days. We’ve been really trying to keep things slow for them, especially after hearing that. [/quote]

I think you do need to change your mindset, and it sounds like you're starting to do that.  This isn't a vacation for you, it's a treat for your inlaws.  I think if you look at it like that, it will improve your mood.  You and your husband are doing a wonderful thing for them.  I do think the complaining is just their insecurity showing.

I'm the MIL of an extended, blended family, and I have planned many "vacations" that were not exactly what I would have preferred, had it been just me and DH.  However, when I get annoyed, I think about how this trip was really a time to make family memories, and I felt better about it.

As the trip planner, I do get the frustration with everyone looking to you to figure things out. Sometimes it would be nice to sit back and let someone else take care of things. It is most frustrating when something goes wrong, and everyone looks at you like it's your fault.  Just accept this as a compliment -- they trust you to take care of them in this very strange place.  [/quote]

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