My husband has three grandchildren, 12 year old twins and a 8 year old. We live quite a distance away so probably only see the 4-5 times a year.
They have never been overly affectionate children but we accepted that. Yesterday (Boxing Day) we drove up to see them. My stepdaughter and her husband were clearly pleased to see us but as far as the children were concerned we may as well not have existed.
His granddaughter who is 12 came and sat at the table and then said to my husband 'sit down, but not next to me. We didn't even get a 'hello or 'happy Christmas from her.
Her two brothers were upstairs in their rooms playing computer games and only came down when they were told that the food was ready. Even then they only managed to mumble 'hello. The presents were given out and we just about got a thank you from them before they disappeared upstairs and that was that! They had to be told to come down to say goodbye when we left and this was done grudgingly.
My husband is understandably very hurt and upset but doesn't want to say anything to his daughter that May make the situation worse.
My stepdaughter and her husband are very good parents but I do feel that on occasions such as this they should ask the children to put aside their games and spend some time with us. I know that when our son was younger this is what we would have done.
I have known my stepdaughter for over 40 years and both my husband,myself and his ex-wife get on very well together but I have never felt that the children look upon me as their nan and I have never pushed this. Interestingly their grandparents on their dad's side no longer go there so I wonder if they feel they are not wanted.
Any advice on how to deal with this would be welcomed
Kate Garroway-Care at home costs
How do you acknowledge Easter.