My son, dil and 2 children left yesterday after 2 weeks holiday with us in our home in France and I am utterly exhausted. I love all of them dearly and they helped in lots of ways with cooking and clearing up and my dil even said they didn't expect me to feed and entertain them. So that should have been a relaxing holiday for all of us.
However, the children aged 6 and 8, who are bright and happy and lovely individually were very disobedient, constantly demanding and disruptive. The parents veered between total indulgence and angry outbursts some of which the children ignored and at other times got very upset. Meal times were ridiculous with children up and down from the table and running round eating. Taking them out to eat was a nightmare ( french children are very well behaved!)
I am usually very tolerant and probably bought my own children up in a relaxed way but I found this really very tiring and quite upsetting.
I only see them twice a year and this is their annual holiday with granny, guaranteed sunshine and swimming pool, so lots of fun. I don't feel I should correct them unless they are doing something dangerous or very naughty and I know my son who adores them boundlessly just wants me to feel the same way.
My son and his wife also have a loving but fractious relationship so often flare up with each other in front of the children which worries me.
Altogether it is exhausting. Surely this can't be right?
Bought the wrong Hot Cross Buns 😩