What Do You Do When Grandma Refuses to Follow Parental Wishes?

Last May the Grandparents came for a visit to see our daughter in the church musical. Ever since I can remember, whenever they visit, our daughter becomes abstinent, cranky and just plain hard to manage. I get the whole idea that kids are supposed to have fun with their Grandparents, but at what point does fun turn into unruliness? And at what point do you say enough is enough?

OK, on with the story. So it was the night before the musical and I had a couple of errands to run. I asked my mother in law if she would have my daughter make a thank you card for her music director and then dress for bed before I got home. Seems like a reasonable request, right? When I returned home about an hour later (around 8:30 p.m.), no card had been made and my daughter was playing on the computer. I asked my mother in law what they had been doing and why nothing I had requested was done? She said and I quote: "I am not gonna be the one to tell her she can't do things". What? To that I responded: "Well she wouldn't go to school either if I didn't make her. She's 9, she doesn't get to make decisions. Someone has to be the adult." I'm sure you can imagine how that went over. I know the bible says to honor thy Mother and Father and we are a Christian family, but when is it okay to set that aside and confront them about disobeying your wishes?

Since that time, there have been repeated requests from Grandma to have our daughter come for a one or two week visit without us. My husband takes frequent trips to see them so that they get to spend time with their granddaughter, but we are reluctant to let her go alone. Are we being too controlling? Is it silly for us to be concerned about their disregard for our parenting choices?

Post your comment or stories here. I would love to get another perspective on the issue!

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Thanks for stopping by my blog. I am a Christian Mom who spends her days parenting two beautiful daughters and running my t shirt business. Both with God's guidance and patience!

This blog will be about our experiences and struggles with daily life. Since we are human beings, we will make mistakes, learn some lessons and look to God for wisdom. I hope you will find it a blog about real experiences in a world where being a Christian is not only difficult, but considered uncool by many. My customers are wonderful Christian people who share their faith with others by purchasing and wearing the Christian themed t shirts we provide at onlinechristianshopper.com. These are courageous warriors for Jesus Christ and work to bring his message of hope, love and forgiveness to those who do not know Him. I am so proud of them!

I don't pretend to be a perfect person (there was only One). I do try to be a person of whom Jesus would be proud. I won't lie, sometimes I would like to slap people who are behaving badly. Particularly those who do it in the name of Jesus and the church. I sometimes yell at people while I'm driving (always followed by a prayer of forgiveness). Every morning when I wake up I pray for wisdom, patience and I give thanks for God's grace.

No, I am not perfect but I try to be a good person. And I think that's what Jesus wants from us. To try everyday to be a better person than the day before. I hope I can be worthy of His grace.