Every year we celebrate Christmas eve with my husband's Dad, Stepmother, his step brother and half sister and their families. My husband did not live with his Dad growing up (nor was his Dad actively involved in his upbringing) but his step brother (his step mom's son) and half sister (Dad and Step Mom's daughter) did. They also live closer to his dad and step mom. Every year they give the other grandchildren a little more than my son and it's obvious. For example, this Christmas they gave the other teenage grandchildren a gift card and an additional gift. They gave my son just a gift card...and it was for a lesser amount than the other grandchildren. Of course, my son was upset. I understand that they are closer to the other children because they see them more often but I can not believe how insensitive they are. This has been going on for several years but because he is getting older it has become more obvious. How can I help my son not to feel slighted?
2006-12-25 06:49:38 · 5 answers · asked by cantstopwontstop 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
It's not good to put a price on a gift. It's hard enough to know what to give people around this time of year but a gift is a gift. Teach your son that there is more happiness in giving then in receiving.
2006-12-25 07:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by papa G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's time to explain to him - that people can give what they want as a gift. he should be happy that he is even getting a gift from them that your daddy wasn't even brought up by this family and they are nice enough to include him in the family gift giving - that they are not insensitive - let him realize that there are varying degrees to being a committed family and daddy didn't even belong to this family growing up - but, yet, they want to include you in the happiness of Christmas. let him realize, from an early age, that it doesn't matter what other people receive or have, he should be happy with what he receives. it is sad what they are doing, but you can't tell them what to give - at least they are giving him something - i hope it comes from their heart. it's hard to close old wounds - and, maybe your son is getting the brunt of it - you have to remember there's been a void between your husband and his dad for years - and his dad just doesn't feel the same way about his son and his family as he does with the family he raised - it's his right to deal with the pain he felt without having his son all those years in his life. i'm sure he doesn't mean to pick it out on your son but it's just the way he feels - at least he is giving your son a gift. be thankful.
2006-12-25 15:19:37 · answer #2 · answered by try 2 help 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just explain to your son that they feel like they need to give more to their biological family and while it is insensitive the best thing you or him can do is be gracious about it. Teenagers should be able to understand.
2006-12-25 15:00:03 · answer #3 · answered by Eric G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sees and you can make up the difference if you wish. But how he feels about the grandparents are what is rally going to hurt. They need to just look forward to it. Hope you have a good family that he likes.
2006-12-25 15:06:30 · answer #4 · answered by ronnny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Next year spend Christmas with your family! Why waste time on a family that may not care! after all its your husbands dads family If thy wont thy can send him something by UPS FEDEX OR DHL
2006-12-25 15:04:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋