Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I'm curious what others think my level of obligation to my ILs is in this situation:
My husband often travels (both internationally and domestically) for work. Some months he isn't gone much, but other months, he can be gone for two weeks at a time, and even occasionally, he will be gone for a month if he is working overseas.
What would you expect my obligation is to my ILs regarding our children in my husband's absence? Am I required to maintain this relationship? I should add, they are about 1.25 hours away, and we are civil but not friendly. Oddly, my ILs will go through my husband if they want to see the kids, completely bypassing me, knowing he is out of town.
I think it is really odd that you think of it as an obligation to maintain a relationship between your child and your child's grandparents.
Maybe my perspective is different. My father just passed away and I am finding all the wasted time believing that I had more time to cultivate a relationship with him is weighing on me.
But - they are family. They may not be your parents, but they are your child's grandparents. And they will not be around forever. I understand you are tired, but the fact that you wouldn't take the time to let your child's grandparents visit - use it as a moment for yourself to rest and relax - there seems to be more to the story.
Personally speaking, I would be pissed that my DW thought so little of my parents that she would act the way you are acting.
Like another PP said - it's not about you - it's what is best for the kids.
And as long as there isn't something you aren't saying and the grandparents are good to your child, then you need to think about what is more important - you being tired - or you child having a good relationship with their family.
Yes
So strange.