I am starting to sympathize with the Grinch about Christmas, between the sheer volume of new playthings and the noise they make, I begin to understand why he might take it their advent amiss. I even threatened to leave someone behind on our return from visiting family as the car was overcrowded with junk. What happens when we have 2 kids? I'll need to rent a moving van! I know grandparents, aunts, etc. love spoiling their juvenile relations but it must be remembered that a little goes a very long way, especially when visiting both sides of the family. Worse, are the three days of grandma withdrawal that must be endured by both parents and kids alike as the latter learn that this is only a break from reality not the new status quo. The only rule at grandma's house is that there are no rules and it takes some time to readjust to the world of rules, discipline, and schedule that is the norm; some long and painful time for all involved.
This being said, I propose a new business idea: Grandparent Re-education Retreats. Instead of spending huge amounts on unnecessary toys at Christmas, desperate parents will send their own parents (or other relatives) on a weekend retreat to a trendy spa where the topic of choice will be remedial lessons in parenting, discipline, and how not to totally upset your grandkid's sense of normal. Of course this will only work if grandparents are erring out of ignorance, having forgotten how to parent in the long interval between kids and grandkids, but if it is some form of revenge, they'll just have a good time while laughing at out naiveté. I fear it is the latter and there is no hope.
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