‘Turning into monsters’: Gran criticises behaviour of grandchildren

Anyone who has ever raised children will know how difficult it can be, but one grandmother is upset at how her daughter and son-in-law are raising her grandchildren.

Taking to grandparenting forum Gransnet, a frustrated gran explained that although close to her family, she’s upset by the lack of rules her daughter and her husband have set up for her grandchildren. Admitting that she herself was criticised in the ‘80s and ‘90s by her own mother for how she brought up her children, she said the lack of discipline has left her “really upset”.

The gran explained that she has three grandchildren aged between four and nine and that she herself looks after them a lot. Still, she’s shocked by the lack of respect they show and what they’re allowed to get away with.

“The kids are all allowed to spend almost unlimited time on cell phones playing games, on the Xbox, and also eating junk all day long,” she vented.

Read more: Grandmother seeks advice for out-of-control grandchildren

It’s something she’s brought up with her daughter and son-in-law and even said it’s something they agree with. Still, she explained they seem unwilling or unable to do anything to get their kids’ behaviour in check.

“It kills me to see the grandkids turning into little monsters from the ‘no limits’ policy,” she continued. “Any suggestions from any of you?”

Other grandparents were quick to offer their advice and suggestions for the gran.

One didn’t see anything wrong with the grandchildren playing video games.

“Would you object if they were reading books or playing snakes and ladders?” they asked. “Probably not, time has move on and so must you. That’s different to discipline, politeness and consideration, as Granny I pull any of my GCs [grandchild] up for bad manners or indiscipline, in front of their parents if needed.”

Another comment read: “If the grandchildren are generally loved and well cared for, I’d leave well alone. If you have a row, you might end up not seeing so much of the grandchildren.”

Read more: Loving gran or monster-in-law? New mum’s anger over fawning grandmother

A third person added: “Their children, their choice. It is not your place to comment – I am surprised that your DD [dear daughter] tolerates you putting your oar in. You need to back off.”

Others simply said that today’s generation had changed and that video games and technology had become a regular part of parenting.

Have you found yourself in a similar situation? Do you support the way your son or daughter raises their children? Have kids today become too obsessed with video games and technology?