@JoDee Stout  I have just one, my only daughter’s only son. You can see him with me in all my avatars anywhere on the net for last five years yes he is five. 

I have 7 grandchildren, 3 from my eldest son, 1 from my eldest daughter, and 3 from my 3rd daughter. The eldest among them is 23 years old and the youngest is 3 years old. They live near us. When we have a special celebration, they could easily be reached. Four of them are living with us. As grandparents, we do find an extra joy and happiness to…[Read more]

I did not have experiences like that with my grandparents. Both sets were gone by the time I was 6 years old. My children do not have that experience either since my parents are gone as well. I was fortunate enough to find a lady to watch my children while I worked. My children love her as a grandmother and she also feels that way about them. So…[Read more]

We do what we can when we can and our parents do not expect any more of us than that. It is hard to believe that since we know that our parents did a lot for us growing up and we want to repay them for that. I always think that I could have done more or said more to my parents but I think that is just normal guilt because they are no longer here.…[Read more]

I always admire those grandparents, and looking forward to become one. Of course, at the moment, I enjoy being a mother. I just think that it’s really nice to see our children growing up, and having their children. Isn’t it one of the most wonderful things in the world?

Nope, I am not a grandmother yet, I wish I will be a grandmother perhaps…[Read more]

It is not my story.  Was just trying to share a situation.  But I do agree with what you said. Things happen because we allow them to happen.  A weak personality often makes the wrong decisions without realizing the possibler consequences and trying to put reason on what they have done

When I got married, I need a job to support my wife and I was still studying in college at that time. we lived in my own parent’s house. We’d a separate bedroom as a couple. We got our first kid. We’re too excited. I did my father’s role perfectly when I graduated and landed a job in the bank.

Thanks @morgoodie thgat really touched my heart.  I may be expecting too much from myself to offer to my parents.  Am not envious of what my siblings have become because I am happy for their success.  It’s just that I am the eldest and I just wish that I could provide for my parents than the other way around.

Happy 75th birthday to your dad. I do not think that your dad would not be proud of you since you are his daughter. Maybe he just does not express it to you enough to let you know how he feels. I would love to be able to be with my dad. He would be 89 this year. He passed away 19 years ago when I was 24 years old. My dad worked during the day and…[Read more]

I am so sorry for your loss. It is not easy losing someone you love and you are close to. I cannot imagine losing my sister who I am very close to and hope that it does not happen for many years to come. Time will soften the pain but it never takes it completely away.

@peachpurple I am so sorry. That is just a sad situation all around. You and your husband gave it your best by living with her for so many years. I am sure you worry about her now since she is older. I hope things get better.

I have two children that are seven years apart. When my oldest was growing up, I was very strict on him. Maybe even overly strict at times. He did get a few spankings along the way, but never anything severe. However, he was a bit of a handful at the time and I really did not know any other way to be. I was only 21 when he was born, so I was…[Read more]

@jentleheart/

I agree with you, living with the rest of the in law siblings, one is bound to have conflict with one another.

You will see different Groups of family members ganging up to make the life of the other miserable.

Then you can see that these siblings are “currying favor” mom / dad in laws, to gain “power” “money” or backup.

Although…[Read more]

@s-stephens/

yes you were right after all.

It is difficult to live with someone who doesn’t intend to get along with each other.

One would live a miserable life for sure.

Thanks for your kind words. I just wish that she could hear this.

I want to live with her till her last breath, she is 85++ now.

However, if she keeps disagree with…[Read more]

@peachpurple I agree with you. I do not really think parents are bad, no matter what parenting style they are using, it might just be different from us. Moreover, I think we also need to consider each child’s personality or temperament, and we might guide them differently too. I believe most parents love their children and are trying to do the…[Read more]

@peachpurple I forgot to mention, that I am sorry your relationship with your MIL was not better. Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, there is no way to get along with some people. Usually those people are very unhappy within themselves and therefore, they try to make others miserable too. I could not live with someone like that. I am sure your…[Read more]

I think that no matter how good a person is,  the in laws will always be in conflict with us because we grew up differently and have different beliefs.

I also had a more peaceful life when my family was living a bit far from them. Although we still lived in one of their properties,  a few blocks away,  I dont get to have “surprise visits”.  B…[Read more]