"Let me preface this by saying that my parents have had an incredibly trying year. My eldest brother passed away last year after having many health issues. They are (of their own accord) downsizing their house to retire to a town they love nearby. We live about an hour's drive from them-an easy drive, yes, but not easy in terms of, say, popping over in the evening on a whim."
"My mom wants to spend more time with my two kids; she expresses that wish often. We would love that too. They are wonderful grandparents, although we sometimes butt heads in a minor way over parenting. The real problem is that my mom will mention wanting and planning to do something in front of the kids, and then won't follow through."
The parents experienced a difficult year, including the death of the eldest brother, and are downsizing to retire in a nearby town. The parents are in their late 60s and in good health. The mother frequently expresses a desire to spend more time with the two children but often mentions plans in front of the kids without following through. Excuses include selling the house and volunteer commitments, and she hesitates when asked to set a date. The eldest child became upset by unmet promises such as a sleepover and an ice-skating outing. The writer wonders how to address the pattern and notes resentment about the grandparents seeing closer relatives more often.
Read at Slate Magazine
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