inappropriate grandparent behavior
But it can also impact older children who may have strong, independent relationships with your parents or in-laws. For example, it may be as simple as kicking your parents out of the home if they so much as complain about your parenting. the knowledge, attitudes, and values that cause people to attach differential evaluations to products, brands, and retail outlets. 2 Though a young child's interest in their own or another person's genitals is a normal part of sexual development, it might be concerning or feel awkward for some family members or friends. Don't just assume that everything will be fine because you have anecdotal evidence to support your position: If your kids say the baby goes on their back in an empty crib, that's how they need to sleep, even at your house. If the toxic grandparent is your mother- or father-in-law, convincing your spouse of their toxicity is certainly tricky. Is it also more than a bit rude to insist upon the new parents dressing their child in it? And even if you agree that your parents did a great job, that doesnt mean they should rub it in your face! This is very helpful and informative. A toxic grandparent may engage in toxic patterns specifically around their role as a grandparent, or they could generally be a toxic person that happens to be a grandparent, Capano says. So these messages can undoubtedly trigger their fears, confusion, and frustration. But prying little ones for information will rarely end well. Either way, the message is clear. If they come back and find their child weeping as you rub whiskey on their gums, you may not get to babysit again. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae540da74ae164de999d1bfe075f380a" );document.getElementById("i2dc42b6e0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Alexander Burgemeester has a Master in Neuropsychology. } ); But resist this urge. After all, most of us want that idyllic relationship with our kids and their grandparents! Did You Know Anxiety Can Enhance Our Relationships? For example, they might not bat an eye anytime you ask them to watch the kids. The key here is to be firm, define your boundaries, explain your familys values and expectations, and expect your boundaries to be honored. For one thing, your family might be the sole target of the grandparents toxicity. 4-Year-Old Behavior: Is This Normal? - Healthline Among these parents, 6% report major disagreements and 37% minor disagreements with one or more grandparents about their parenting choices. The first few months of a baby's life are a struggle for both the little one and the parents alike, and guilt-tripping the new family about your lack of inclusion is only going to make you persona non grata in their lives. leo gonzales/CC-BY 2.0. Grandparents Who Do Not Follow Parenting Decisions Grandparents who refuse to respect parenting choices may pay a big price: limits on the amount of time they spend with their grandchildren.. But, unfortunately, they teach a habit of receiving external affirmations to get themselves or their work validated later in life., Reading Suggestion: The Toxic Narcissistic Family Dynamics Explained.