What happens when grandma has different rules around the house than you do? Clearly kids tend to get away with a whole lot more with their grandparents then they do with mom. I realize it’s sort of what this generation is around for — to spoil the kids a little bit, indulge them, buy them things and then ship them home. And, I’m happy for my kids to have special times away from me, but sometimes there is major fallout when we all regroup again.
My 4-year old spent a week with her grandparents and aunt a few months ago in Miami. My husband had a conference there so he flew her back and forth and had her stay with his parents while he worked. It was supposed to be a little vacation for everyone. I got to spend uninterrupted time with my older daughter, my husband got to sunbathe and my little one was waited on hand and foot. We all had a great week but then had to come back to reality.
My 4-year old arrived home with a new wardrobe, loads of pictures and a brand new attitude. I can’t tell you how many times she would say that Aunt Aileen let her do such and such or Abuela (grandma in Spanish) did x,y, and z with her. I had to repeatedly remind her that I was not Aunt Aileen or Abuela and that we had different rules in this house. There were some tears and resistance. It took about 10 days for real life to sink in. Yes, she lives here. Yes, I am her mom.
Any thoughts on how to deal with indulgent grandparents and a completely different set of rules?
