Why do Grandparents Spoil Children?
As parents, we work tirelessly to try and discipline our toddlers and teach them what is right from wrong. For example, say you’ve spent your entire morning trying to get little Jimmy to stop throwing his toys at your television. You’re getting hoarse from all the talking and your arms hurt from picking him up and putting him in time out. What’s next? A visit to Grandma and Grandpa’s house that will erase all of your efforts. Because as Jimmy picks up his little truck and chucks it at their TV, the only thing muttered by his Grandparents are “Wow, what an arm!” and “Look at that Grandma, our little boy is going to be one heck of a baseball player!”. Witnessing this, all you can do is sit there… feeling officially defeated. So why is it that Grandparents mercilessly spoil their grandchildren? I consulted the Grandparents of all Grandparents, my parents, for the answers.
Old and Tired
The number one answer is that they are just too old and too tired to do any more disciplining. After all, they spent the better part of their life disciplining you and now it’s your turn to be the bad guy.
They’re Too Cute
Apparently, absolutely everything your child can do is just the ‘cutest thing’ in your parent’s eyes. Whether they’re wiping their ketchup-filled hands all over your new white shirt or they’re flushing your watch down the toilet just to say “bye”, Grandparents just can’t get enough!
Wipe Those Tears Away
Nothing, and I mean nothing tears at a Grandparent’s heartstrings like big droplets of real tears coming from your child. Once those kids turn on the water works they’ve got Grandma and Grandpa hook, line, and sinker. Whatever they want, they’ll get.
See You Soon, My Angel
Last but not least, Grandparents tend to spoil their grandchildren because their time with them is limited. Visiting Grandparents for only an hour or two means that the time they spend together becomes quality time. Quality time meaning only smiles allowed from the little loves of their life.
