Is it appropriate to complain about your inlaws to and around your kids?
by 
Meg is feeling Christmasy
ANSWERS: 13
-
Only if they are at an age when they don't know that in-laws means grandparents.
-
NO! Children should never hear a parent downing their grandparents, or any other adult conversation!
-
Just remember no matter what age they are they will repeat what they hear.
-
I don't think so. Even tho you have issues dosen't mean they will not love your kids. The kids deserve to have this chance to love Grandma and Grandpa. You might even find that the kids can be something to help bring you together. On a more practical note, kids repeat everything. If you don't want them to hear it, don't say it in front of the kids. My thoughts
-
I think a parent should keep there opinion of their in-laws away from their children -- whether the children are small, or grown. It's not fair to the child to contantly complain or belittle the other side of the family. It only makes for bad vibes and often strained relationships.
-
I don't believe it's appropriate. Let children be children while they can be and let them be free of adult concerns and issues :)
-
I think that's up to the family and what works for them. My parent's never complained about thier inlaws, though I later learned there were issues, I form my own opinons of my extended family and was supported. My Husband however has a mother who complains very passive-aggresivly about her in-laws and I see her children become resentful and say certain things behind her back I would never want my children to say about me. I can't say I would never do it though. If my in-laws were teaching my children something I did not agree with, I would likely be very open to everybody about the fact that I did not approve and wish they didn't do such thing to/around my kids, but I'm not sure if that's complaining so much as active parenting. Good question!
-
Kids aren't blind or stupid. They can see the same problems adults can. To not talk about it just wouldn't be fair to them. When my son was old enough to understand and be annoyed by certain things, we turned the problem behavior into a family joke. In our house, we are free to say, "Well, you know how grandpa is, hahaha."
-
NO, because no matter what they are their grandparents.
-
Is it right? Well that is upto individual, however I would be careful of what you say, because sometimes kids have a time of regurgitating up whatever you said to that person.
-
This is a fine line. I would say only if it's something that your kids need to know in order to help deal with a particular behavior with the in laws. Such as, my mother in law was a horrible hypocondriac. My kids were constantly worried that she was going to die. To relieve that stress, I suppose I did complain about her being a hypocondriac, but at least my kids take her behavior with a grain of salt now. So, depends on the situation, but if you're just complaining cause you're pissed, probably not. You wouldn't want them badmouthing you in front of your kids, would you? Puts the kids in a really tough spot.
-
I wouldn't advise it -- kids have a bad habit of repaeating what their parents said at the most inopportune moments...
-
Absolutely not
AskingForaFriend RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC