[hml1976]

I'd be interested to hear what people think of this advice column today. My personal opinion is that this woman be shown the door...I think the columnists were too easy on the MIL. I emailed them because I usually like their advice.

Creators.com - Creators Syndicate

[33458]

Dear Annie: I'm tired of feeling guilty because I don't like my stepchildren or step-grandchildren.

When I remarried, my daughter and I were ecstatic about becoming a blended family, but it soon became apparent I was just Dad's wife and they wanted nothing to do with me or their stepsister. After continually being forgotten at Christmas, birthdays and other special occasions, I gave up.

Until recently, the only time my stepchildren would call or visit was when they needed money. Now, after all these years, they suddenly want a relationship. They want me to be "Grandma" to their children. They still have no interest in their stepsister, however.

My husband is disabled, and I work long hours. I come home after work exhausted and don't have the energy to be "Grandma" and take care of grandchildren. However, my husband wants the family to be closer. I'm standing firm and it's causing a strain on our marriage. What should I do? -- Stressed Out in Oregon

Dear Stressed Out: You don't have to be a baby sitter, but this is your husband's family, and even if you dislike them, try to be flexible. Perhaps the grandchildren could visit on the weekends. Some kids have a hard time accepting the new wife and siblings, but when grandchildren come along, they soften up. Give your stepchildren the opportunity to become closer, and at the very least, you will have made your husband happy and established a relationship with those grandchildren.

You must have read something here that I didn't see...while I think the grandchildren should not suffer for the evils of their parents or the spite of a mother-in-law, we don't know whether or not these little darlings are just that or miniature monsters who have already learned all Mommy and Daddy's bad habits. The letter doesn't get in to why she doesn't like the grandchildren...
I think allowing them time with their grandfather is a good idea, however they can work that out. I do not believe that she has any requirement to babysit.

[hml1976]

Ha! I think the link is gone, it was an adoptive family question where the mom wasn't accepting the newly adopted child. Sorry, I'll delete the link since its expired!