My dad doesn't play with my daughter. Never has. When she was a toddler, she sat on his lap and fed him his dinner. He is a young able bodied Grandpa so this was hilarious and they both loved it as did the dog who probably ate more than my dad. My dad is an avid gardner so my daughter has spent hours outside with him digging things up, planting things, watering the garden, the dog, and sometimes my dad.

A lot of it is the age when they become grandparents. I know my parents had a ton more energy at 50 than they did at 60. It's something we're losing out on since we couldn't afford kids when we were younger

I used to feel hurt at the lack of interest my FIL showed to my DS, his first-born grandchild. But FIL is of that generation where men just didn't get involved In babies and toddlers the way they do now. I have to say, though, that now that DS is a teen, and sport-mad, he and his grandpa can talk for hours on football and as they don't support the same teams there is a lot of good-natured teasing in their talk. Give it time.

I would talk to grandpa. He might not be aware how much his behavior bothers your child. Reading books or playing boards games are things that are neither stressful nor do they require physical fitness. They could also listen to music together or do puzzles, play building blocks or legos on the dining table - lots of things can be converted from floorplay to tableplay when needed!

DC adore time with my parents, who never play or have toys. My ILs have toys and kid sized furniture at their house but aren't interested in really getting to know DC. Playing with grandparents isn't all there is.