A mum has slammed ‘a**hole’ grandparents who never look after their grandchildren, saying they should earn that relationship by ‘playing a role’ in the kids’ upbringing.
Many parents feel they need to rely on help from their own mums or dads to help them raise a family – something that famously takes a village.
After all, the rising costs of childcare often leaves some people with no option but to turn to relatives.
Advert
But one mum reckons it should be something grandparents have to do if they want to be a part of the child’s life.
Taking to TikTok, parenting vlogger Rachel (@rachelonlife) shared some ‘unsolicited mom advice’, saying in the video’s caption: “Ahhhh let’s see whose feathers are ruffled today.”
In the clip, she began: "I love talking about how boomer grandparents are like just a**holes and say they don’t like to watch their grandchildren because it’s not their job.
"Or you know that they are the best grandma ever when they see them four times a year and demand that their children get in the car and drive to them. That’s who we’re talking about."
Advert
In her mind, that’s not how things work.
"You are not a grand friend or a grand sitter,” Rachel continued.
“You are a grandparent, so you do play a role in your grandchildren's lives, if you want to be a part of them. You have to help raise them.”
Advert
As for her children's own relationship with their grandparents, Rachel said her in-laws were brilliant when it came to helping out.
"My in-laws are so amazing because my husband and I go to therapy every Monday night,” she explained.
“They come to our house every Monday night, put our kids to sleep, and then when we get home, they leave.
"They know that their son, who is a 33-year-old man, needs their help, and it’s their job to help their son out in a way that works for everyone. We are not taking advantage of them. They are not overstepping. Our children have a healthy relationship with their grandparents. It's okay."
Advert
Her comments clearly struck a chord with other parents, with one commenting: “My mom lives down the street and expects me to bring my toddler to her trinket castle.”
Rachel then replied: “SAME. 2.2 miles and we don't go bc it’s not toddler or baby proofed.”
Another person said: “My parents are grand-acquaintances, nothing more. It's so sad.”
Advert
A third added: “My parents live 30 minutes away from me and act as if driving to my house to see their grandchild is a burden.”
Jess Hardiman