So, you know my daughter got married, right? Honestly, we havent had the best luck with our son-in-law or his parents. Weve always done everything we can for our children, but, as for them, theres nothing. Its been eight years since the wedding, and were still dealing with this family dynamic.
When it came time to figure out the housing sitch, his parents pretty much just washed their hands of it made it very clear from the get-go: Dont look at us.
In the end, we had to move out and buy a flat for the kids. I didnt want to leave our old place it was lovely, nice and warm, proper brickwork. But what can you do? The main thing was giving the kids their own home. We fixed it up, got all new furniture for them, all on our own, not a penny from his family.
I even help look after the grandkids. My daughters on maternity leave with the little one now, and the eldest is in year two, so I do the school run. Theres just no way she could manage all that herself getting the big one ready, sorted for school, looking after the baby, all in under an hour! So me and Granddad take turns, both of us mucking in raising our grandkids.
Honestly, his parents just act like none of its their business. I sit there and think, how can grandparents be so hands-off?
Its always been like that. Can you imagine not giving your son a single penny for his wedding? Before the do, I rang them, said, Listen, the kids are getting married, shall we at least meet, have a chat? And they came back with, Well, what if they split up after a month? Apparently, 70% of marriages end in divorce in the first six months! As if!
So, it was just me and my husband who sorted out the wedding we even gave the kids a flat as a wedding present and his lot turned up at the reception like complete strangers and stuck a measly £80 in a card. To add insult to injury, my son-in-law kept asking for things.
We bought their flat eight years ago just a studio, but it was more than enough for a young couple. Now theyve got two kids and, obviously, its a squeeze.
Personally, I think my son-in-law should be doing a bit more for himself. I said to him, Look, if you cant earn more, couldnt your own parents help out a bit?
But he flat out said no. He told me, I cant ask them for that. Wouldnt hear of it.
I offered to raise it myself, if hed prefer, but he wouldnt even let me mention it. Honestly, I was shocked. Isnt it a bit rich to never ask your own parents, but quite happy taking from us the in-laws for eight years? Why cant he provide for his own family? I see other people somehow manage to buy homes for themselves. I keep telling him, Youre still young, youll find opportunities. Try a second job, or even think about working abroad for a bit.
He does the same thing with my daughter. Now shes ringing me up, upset because I keep getting involved. He says, You cant change in-laws, thats just the way they are they wont help.
Honestly, it gets to me. His parents are living the high life, theyre off to spa hotels, but you cant say a word to them. Apparently, he wont allow us to ask. God forbid his own parents should be bothered, but it doesnt seem to bother him for his wifes mum and dad to carry the whole load.
What a loving son, hey? But not a thought spared for us.
