Why do my grandparents feel like they need my kids to stay the night?

Why do grandparents feel like they can’t be grandparents if the kids don’t spend the night ?? My MIL always wants my kids to sleep over night & I don’t care if they do. My 3year old isn’t ready yet. & i won’t force her. & she only calls for my 5 year old to spend the night every few months. She barely reaches out or anything cause my kids don’t spend tonight. It’s real weird to me. You can still bring them places or hang out during the day. But she does so much with the other grandkids. & yes they spend the night lol. What’s ya opinions ?

24 Likes

My mom loves it too , it’s a calm way to spend time with them

I used to stay with my grandparents . I had a wonderful time with them when I was growing. Plus I got to know them.

It’s a grandma thing. I’m a granny and I love having mine overnight. It makes me feel good and useful doing for them. Don’t feel bad about it let them stay you’re get a few hours rest. God bless.

I love when I get to keep my grandbaby overnight. He’s only 18 months and I keep him every time they let me. I love rocking him to sleep and seeing him first thing in the morning. Best baby ever.

38 Likes

I have my grandson once a week to sleep every week

My grandson is almost 2 and I love for him to spend the night but it’s not mandatory lol. I’ll take any chance to see my sweet boy.

I enjoy whatever time I spend with my granddaughter that works for her parents, myself and her other grandparents, I actually prefer through the day so we can do activities and have meals with her awake ! I think quality time is important whenever it is.

1 Like

I always loved staying at my nan and grandads and would ask to go more as I got older. My son is two and has had two sleepovers so far with his grandad, I was great full of the break. Maybe she’s just trying to help xx

4 Likes

I love my granddaughter staying overnight. U get to spend quality time with them n tuck them in for bed. Those little things mean so much. I didn’t have grandparents growing up so I love every moment with them

I live in a different country to my grandbabies. So I take whatever I can get :grin:

I love that my parents take my daughter for the night. She loves it!

1 Like

My grandkids loved spending the night with my husband and I, but they loved spending the night with my parents (their great grandparents) more, there was nothing they liked more then spending the night with their Nani and Poppy! I say let them go!!

I loved spending the night with my grandparents. We got to bond and hear stories of other relatives that had long since passed. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

4 Likes

I spent the night with my grandparents constantly growing up and my kids spend the night with their grandparents as often as possible. Now that my dad is gone I’m grateful my kids have those memories of him.

11 Likes

My parents and my kids parents keep my kids over night every once in awhile. I absolutely love it. My grandparents use to keep me and my sisters almost every weekend and for weeks in the summer time and I want my kids to feel that type of love that I felt. My babies don’t get to stay unless they are almost 2ish tho because I’m just that type of mom lol.

I loved spending the weekend at my Nana and grandad’s I wish they were still here. I have my grandsons stay every weekend and school holidays I wouldn’t have it any other way. My children stayed at my mam’s overnight as well.

7 Likes

As a mom, I loved having that alone time when my mom took the kids and the kids absolutely loved it.
As a grandma, I can’t wait until they’re old enough that they may want to. It’s a special bonding time. True, you can do fun things outside of sleepovers, but it’s just fun.

10 Likes

I wish my mom took mine and wanted to spend more time with them, I think that’s great they want them overnight, more quality time.

3 Likes

Your parents raised you so you know what they are capable of and you should not have to worry about them. I loved having my grandkids over for the night. What does it hurt to have them overnight?

I think you should be grateful that your kids have grandparents that want to be active. Don’t force but definitely get them comfortable. They do more with the other grandkids because their parents are more flexible, no one wants to be greeted with a hard time when they’re only trying to help out.

25 Likes

I say let them spend the night. They need that grandparent time and the grandparents need it too. It’s very important and one day they won’t have it anymore.

11 Likes

What I say. Us grandparents aren’t going to be around forever, let us enjoy them while we can, make those memories. Mom and Dad enjoy your alone time

Some grandparents didn’t get to raise their children at their fullest so I think they try to make up for lost time as well as their grandchildren are the reason they still breath :blush:
I loved spending time with my grandparents. However if children are not comfortable they shouldn’t be forced. Try to compromise somehow. Have a chat to your mil and explain exactly how you did here. She might appreciate it. Good luck :heart::pray:t2:

My little kids didn’t spend the night off until I was ready and until they were ready. No discussion or compromise. They are your kids. :slightly_smiling_face:

4 Likes

I am very protective with my kids so if they choose to spend the night at grandparents house it wasn’t allowed until they can speak and only if they are comfortable.

2 Likes

I have two grandsons and I absolutely , love to have sleep overs with Grammies , I have had sleep overs with them since they were babies , we have a very strong bond. In the summer when in m not working they will stay a week at a time. We build so many memories , remember grand parents may no be here 4 ever.

Your lucky to have a grandparwnt that wants thier granbabies overnight. Alot of people would love that she wants this time with them. Let them enjoy being with her. And you get some adult time it’s a win win in my book. And your children will love it.

1 Like

I didn’t get overnight breaks with my oldest often but my youngest goes to his grandparents every Sunday night so we get a chance to start the work week with a good night sleep. He’s 11 months and this started when he was about 4 months.

1 Like

Id give anything to have my mother here.
I’d personally be grateful for her even if she is your mother in law.

I used to stay the night at my grandparents all the time. I absolutely loved it and have some of the best memories from it. My grandparents would take me to the store to pick out snacks and drinks and usually a toy clothes ect. They would take me out to eat and we would watch movies and veg out. I wish my kids grandma was like that I would give anything to be able to have that for my kids. There were times that we would just meet up to eat somewhere together and then go out separate ways. If my mom was here she would be the same way

I get mine every friday till sat late and sometime till sun. I love having them we bake and play and go places,the joy of my life♡

2 Likes

I’m a grand parent and I’m obsessed with my twin grands they are 3 and I talk to them at the least 4x a day and they are always welcome to stay the night whenever they want I would go insane if I didn’t talk to them and see them every day

3 Likes

My grandkids spend the night sometimes a few nights if the parents sneak away for a lil bit. I totally enjoy every second. Wouldn’t change a thing. And I have 3 they all stay at the same time!! I love their sleepovers!

3 Likes

My grands are all grown but never spent the night until they were potty trained at 2. I babysit but no overnights.

I like to have breakfast with my grandbabies.

My granddaughter is 3 and she spends every weekend with me :two_hearts:

6 Likes

I don’t understand this at all. we love our grandchildren! I adore my grandson and love having our special time together :heart: you not understanding that is weird in my opinion

2 Likes

Overnights get more time with the other grandkids leading to a better bond.

25 Likes

Grandparents want one on one with their grandkids spending the night is very much fun for them

I spent every weekend and most summers with my grandpa from 5 on. My best memories are with him.

My 13 year old daughter has sleepovers at my mom’s house all the time. She loves it and so does my mom. She’s been having sleepovers over there since she was a toddler.

12 Likes

I wish my son had grandparents that could take him overnight… I will settle though for the next best thing and that’s wonderful neighbours that became family and treat my son like a grand child

Eh depending on the relationship you have with your mil also plays a roll in what you’re comfortable with. Is she elder? Is she capable of driving them safely somewhere if an emergency happened? Are your kids ready, are YOU ready?
I personally am not ready to let my 14 month old spend the night anywhere without me, though I know he’s safe and loved, I’m not into it.

2 Likes

The “sleep over” at grandparents is just a special bond and time for both the grandparent and child. While I agree it’s a little strange that she only wants over nights but on the other hand maybe she doesn’t feel she can handle mid day with all the energy and thinks evening/night will be easier/more laid back and manageable.

6 Likes

As a Grandparent it is sometimes easier to stay home with your littles because of health issues, low energy, back pain etc. you know you can keep them safe in confines of your own home. I love cooking for them, playing games and watching movies while in the comfort of my own home. Give them A break, you will be old and understand this one day. Their love is probably endless but their energy isn’t!

1 Like

Enjoy the night off … stop whining … I wish my mumma could have my kids again… they bond and share memories :star_struck:

You don’t appreciate and/or know what “grandparents“ represent much less understand - first they won’t be around long(sad to say but true) these few years will be all that they (your kids) will have - childhood memories. Let them go - I agree don’t force them. “Grandparents“ are our “Elders” in the way of our people. Elders teach old ways and take the children so that their parents can have “ their” time . You are blessed - this circle is slowly disappearing in modern society.:v:t4::feather:

1 Like

Well I’m the gramma and I prefer they don’t spend the night.I love seeing my grandkids but don’t like doing the over night thing .Especially when they are small ,I think kids belong at home in their own bed .

23 Likes

I think there has to be a reason you feel this way, something buried down maybe

I’m a Grandma and I would never treat any of them differently .It truly is her loss, I take whatever precious time I can get with them.

3 Likes

I wish my kids had that. They don’t even get an afternoon. Lol. If the grandparents want your kids overnight be thankful. That’s a thing to grateful for not complaining about it to a generation where the grandparents don’t even want to be grandparents these days. To be honest I spent almost my entire childhood spending the night/weekends with my grandparents and now that they are gone I’m glad I got to. :tipping_hand_woman:

1 Like

I think she needs to be more consistent with contact and seeing them normally before bedtime. They may be her grandchildren but they don’t sound like they’ve been around her much

1 Like

It gives us the time to snuggle and wake up to them ….it’s how we remember when you all were lil,
I’m fortunate to get watch my grandkids until they go to school
Best job ever !!!
But no … we shouldn’t want them to spend night if they aren’t ready .

4 Likes

I have a hard time understanding this because my grandparents are a part of every good childhood memory I have. My 2 olsest kids don’t have very active grandparents on either side, but I’m grateful for my daughter’s grandmother embracing them all equally. Sleepovers started at just a few months old.

I’m grandma and I freaking love overnights. That’s the best thing ever.
It’s like a sleepover!
I get to spoil my grandkids

My kids don’t have grand parents at all.
The one they did have was the best one ever he was my everything their best friend and we lost him a year ago. Be grateful your kids have one

1 Like

Well as a grandparent for 25 years with 2 from my daughter and 3 from my son the 2 from my daughters slept over as much as they wanted sometimes 2 or 3 nites in a row absolutely anytime they or I wanted. The other 3 hardly ever their mother didn’t want them gone. So fast fwd 20+ yrs and who comes to see me all the time invited me up to stay over in college apt and guess which ones I haven’t seen or heard from in a couple years. The bond that formed after watching “scary” movies like Ghost with Patrick Swazy (lol) well that bond will never be broken.

3 Likes

It’s all about the bond. I wish my parents didn’t live on the other side of the country so my kids would have this

2 Likes

There is nothing I like any better than having my great grand children here if it’s to spend the night or just to play together for an afternoon. Two of them live with me and I love it! I have 14 great grands and all but two of them live close by.

:heart: these answers gives me hope

My kids love my mom. But never have I ever forced them to stay the night with her unless it was absolutely necessary. I.e I had to go have their younger siblings. Lol my youngest is 2 and decided he wanted to spend the night with her for the first time a couple weeks ago he is 2. Hes only slept over there without me on one other occasion and someone was literally on their deathbed in another state. My oldest was about the same age before he wanted to go for the night. My middle son was 4 before he wanted to spend the night away from me. I don’t force my kids to sleep over somewhere they don’t want to unless it’s extreme circumstances. They all adore my mom and want to spend time with her. However, they wanna come home too. :rofl:never has she ever gotten mad cause they don’t wanna spend the night. That’s weird as hell. My kids aren’t allowed to stay with anyone over night that isn’t trusted family members, and it’s only ever if they want to. My older two boys like to spend the night with my aunt and uncle, my brother’s, and my mom. But those are the only places I would allow them to stay over night. And it’s never for more than a night at a time.

I wish I had that problem.

1 Like

Good God woman, let them stay overnight!

Grandparents wanting that extra time with the grandkids is not odd at all, at least not in my part of the US. I’m more curious why the OP is so opposed to it or finds it strange. Childhood trauma? Cultural differences?

I love the fact that my kids grandparents love spending time and bonding and having sleepovers x

What is the question again???

2 Likes

Nobody loves your children as much as you except the Grandparents :heart::heart: my grandchildren have their own room at my house and are welcome anytime :heart::heart::heart:

I keep my grand baby over night any time I’m asked and at least once a month. I LOVE it!!

It might not emotionally effect you but as a grandparent it’s memories,it’s having the babies there to snuggle. It means the world to us grandparents.
For the children it makes memories that hopefully they will always remember.

As a child sleep overs at my grandparents were the best way to hang out with my other cousins. Now I’m a grandma and I love having my grandkids sleep over. We look forward to it. I have 13 grandchildren so there’s always someone wanting to stay :heart:

I’d love for any of my family to watch any of my children over night, I’d just be grateful she’s playing an active role in your child’s life. Some of us have got the struggle of trying to explain to our children why their extended family aren’t around more

I am integrated my kid spending the night at grandmas very early. My mom used to take them when they were newborn. My daughter now is eight years old and probably spend about three days a week sleeping at grandmas place.
 My parents are a big part of my life. My mom generally picks my kids up at school half of the time. My dad will pick my daughter up all winter from school.
 They’re both a big help and different ways
 We all need a break to relax

1 Like

im grandma and i would kill for overnights… i can only do days at 5 yrs and yes that bond is not tight i only have one but spoil him but its just different second time around

2 Likes

Do best for your child . I never stayed with moms parents at all and most times patents were wuth me.at Dads parents

Look, I wish I had literally any family that would want to take my kids especially overnight but if the you and especially the kids don’t feel comfortable with it then definitely don’t. It’s a little odd that she won’t have a bond with them if they don’t spend overnight…my kids usually go to bed early so nighttime is sleeping so I don’t get the big deal…unless she wants to keep them up which would throw them off schedule and I wouldn’t allow either …it’s touchy but trust your gut. Your kids, your rules.

Some of my best memories with my Grandparents were spending the night, even at 3 yrs old. But I also spent a lot of days going places with them also. I know so much about my family history because of those times together. The kids are probably ready but you as their parent also have to be ready. I have always let my kids stay when their Grandparents ask. I think I shed more tears than they did but what Wonder memories they have.

I used to stay with my grandmother all the time and would spend a couple weeks in the summer. On the 20th itll be 9 years that shes been gone and I still wish I could go back to that place.

19 Likes

I have always taken my grandsons since birth! They are an extension of our children and there is no way to describe the happiness they provide. That being said if your children are not ready for sleepovers that should be respected and they should be included in daytime activities. My one grandson is 2 and he does not prefer to sleep over. I pick them all up and bring him home after dinner and keep his brothers.

That’s weird. I’d never force my kid to stay the night. If they don’t want to stay, I wouldn’t make them. My son is 4.5 and sometimes he wants to stay the night with his grandparents and sometimes he doesn’t. But he’s never forced too.

2 Likes

My daughter spends 4 nights a week at her grandma’s since being an infant, of course it’s so I can go to work(overnights). I hope it makes them have a great bond when she’s older. If you feel any sort of red flags or if you’re not comfortable with it then don’t. You’re the mom.

1 Like

:heart: some people have all the luck! I wish this was my problem lol. I loved sleeping over at my grandma’s house. Families aren’t what they use to be. I think this is a part of the reason. You definitely shouldn’t make your kids if they don’t want to though. You’re the parent, you make the rules. It just sucks someone out there living my dream life lol :laughing: :upside_down_face: :sweat_smile:

My grandma (dad’s mom) lived across the street and I practically lived over there up until she got cancer and had to move in to my dad’s house. I was 8 years old I’m 35 now with a 4 year old granddaughter and we have yet to have her spend the night even though she has expressed she wants to and my SS and daughter in law have said yes they can bring her or we can go get her. Stepsons mom and daughter in laws mom get her more for anything including overnights I guess because they live closer.

I’m an aunty not a grandparent, but I’m gunna go out on a limb and just assume it’s because it’s nice to spend a whole day with the little ones and have a meal together at the end of the day, pop a movie on and have a nice night too. It’s just a bonding thing. Though I totally understand not wanting to send very very young ones over to anyones house over night. And def not forcing a child that’s not ready or doesn’t want to.
I think if it makes you nervous, wait a little longer until the youngest is able to communicate if they had a good time or if something was wrong but otherwise, if you don’t mind and grandparents are good loving and respectful people, try to facilitate that relationship.

As a kid who HATED sleep overs and still I don’t like spending the night away from home, thank you for not making your kid who doesn’t want to spend the night go to sleep overs.

5 Likes

Grandparents usually luv spending time with their grandchildren or mind did, although my mum was the best & my children loved her very much.

Sounds like your jealous. Let her have the kids overnight. My parents had my children one weekend every month and also took them camping. These are memories they have & now the some is done with their children. Its the norm in our family. The grandkids ask to stay with the great grandparents.

I wish my kids grandma would take them overnight or any time at that.

My grandson is 18 now but he packed his little bag came to mimis every Friday I wish he still did all of them .

When you get grandkids you’ll understand

My own parents are like this with my son. They just love having him. Take advantage and be grateful that you have that luxury because not everyone does. Obviously do whatever you feel comfortable with. But this isn’t an in law thing, my parents are the same. My kid is their kid lol. They love my son more than me and my brother haha

4 Likes

Its to be in some sort of control. My MIL hates that she can’t tell me what to do with my kids. She will say that she says it okay so it should be. I have to kindly remind her that she is not the boss of my children and that I am.

I wish my children had grandparents who would even want to spend that time with them. I was always with my Gma growing up especially during the summers. Everyone is different though. If you’re not comfortable with it that’s fine too. They are your children. Just tell Gma you don’t mind day trips for now, but you’d rather they stay home.

It’s not about you. It’s about the kids

1 Like

I’m not sure I see the problem. :woman_shrugging:t3:

Most grandparents know they have fewer days ahead of them than behind so they want every minute they can get with grandkids. They want to build memories with the grandkids and give you a break, they know how hard being a parent is and realize a kid free evening is needed. I wish I had memories of my grandparents, one died before I was born one died before I was 2, the other two were 2,000 plus miles away and had nearly nothing to do with us.

My son is 4 and has only stayed over once. My mil loves if he stays over but hes spoilt n prefers to sleep with hubby and I. I often wish he wud stay over more so we cn get a break. I think its also nice to have the option incase of an emergency.id leave hm to slp over but My son spends alot of time with grandma cz she stays on the property and helps out alot when im wrkn on weekends n stuff so i try not to take advantage of her.

My mom kept all of mine oversince birth. They loved it and it was 1 or 2 times a week. They did fun stuff and ate crap food sat up late watching movies. As teens They still do and love it

2 Likes

I would let them because if you don’t you will regret it later on

Word it that way and the world will accuse her of being a pedo! Good job :clap:

Shit, I wish my mom would take my kids for the weekend! Girl you’re lucky. This ain’t nothing to complain about