My father died a year ago and was sick for most of my kids’ life. My mother is now in a facility because she has Alzheimers. And though my wife’s parents are in better shape, they are old and it’s hard for them to relate to anything my three kids (11, 14 and 17) are doing. I just want to spare them because our visits are generally unpleasant, filled with awkward silence. I feel guilty that we don’t visit enough but then I feel guilty that my kids don’t have grandparents who can really be there for them.
Talley S. 08/17/07
My parents take care of my teens a lot, because I travel for work. So I kind of have the opposite situation – they are really close, and I come home from a trip and get treated like I don’t belong. I guess the same rules apply, but it’s harder for a parent to feel they’re not accepted by their kids.
Bron P. 08/19/07
Talley S. 08/17/07