Have You Made an Effort to Include Grandparents in Family Life?

Question

I'm writing a feature about including grandparents/aunts/uncles in family life. I'm interested in hearing from anyone who may not have had the perfect relationship with their parents/siblings but made an effort anyway to include them in family life - with positive results. How did you overcome difficulties? What are the benefits to you/them/the kids?

Answer 1

I have had quite a rough relationship with my ex in laws. The relationship that they have with my son is just that. I Have always encouraged the family to be close and involved with in my sons life, if they so choose. There is limitations and boundaries that do need to be followed (for safety reasons) I realized a few years back by denying them access to my son hurts my son and in the end it would hurt me ( by seeing my son hurt) so I decided that as long as they are a positive influence in my sons life then I have no problem with them being involved. Today they are the best grandparents to my son, and after alot of discussions have come to respect the rules and they have accepted that the rules are not in place to make them made but to protect my son.

Answer 2

Juz remember that's not easy to understand and make everybody happy...There are time that we are not comfortable after doing something right, juz ignore the feelings and the consequences. There are nothing much we can do! Good deeds will always good no matter what people think of it...so continue to give yr best effort..u'll see the results sooner or later..be patience

Answer 3

I have been adopted and found out late 30's here i had family then also mom dad and sisters. yep, and they (adopted mom and dad) really fought telling me antying. well i have 4 sons and i have them knowing the grandparents cause my real parents were realy bad and they are dead. but the thing is they need this experience and they have it not many aunts and uncles caus ethey are all old and gone. but they have my sister and she will be fine with it they do talk to her even though shes 1600 miles away. its good for themt o have family and they (some of them) have wanted to know family tree and stuff its good to find this out before all is gone. i love it.

Answer 4

my parents or mum died recently and both are elderly in relation to my children ie dad is 92 my youngest is only 9 and he has a constant source of history and good old fashioned but very valuable values even though i havent always seen eye to eye with them weve kept close and also have cousins who are again 65+ and 2nd cousins my age 40s around and i feel its agreat way to grow up as my family have no preconcieved ideas of either the youth of today as my children range from 20 - 9 or of how fuddy duddy the old are were just family (and just that we are white english only mentioned as i know this outlook is more previlant in asian and chinese families)

Answer 5

Yes. But with boundaries, rules, and love. Your child/children need to know their extended family. The extended family should know straight way what your rules, beliefs, and boundaries are for your children. If you make them known, then usually the extended family members generally abide by them. Do not leave room for confusion. Typically you will also have the respect of the family as to how you raise your children with love and consistency. If you raise your children right, they will know who to communicate with and who not to. I have some family members who are into drugs and alcohol...and even though we as a family still love and pray for them, my children do not associate with them.

Answer 6

hi iv had a real bad time when i was little i was raped by my mums m8 and she new and never did anything about it i did move out and got older and had kids of my own so i had to make an effort with her which was really hard i hated it but in time it didnt bother me i didnt av a good family up bring but i was goin make sure my kids do

Answer 7

yes