Letter to the in laws

Dear In Laws:
Do you have any idea on how much of an amazing little guy Lucas is? Do you even realize how much of his life you are missing out on? And why? I can't for the life of me figure it out. If you weren't interested in Marc's sister's two boys, I would say you just don't like grandchildren. But considering you have been to the zoo, to Grove City with them and you watch then at least two days of the week, why is it that we aren't seeing you? It is frustrating but I can't force it to happen. I know of other grandparents who WILLINGLY take their grandchildren for the night to give their parents a break. Heck, my friends offer to take Lucas more than you do. Oh wait, you have NEVER offered to take him-we have always had to ask, crawling on our knees almost begging for him to spend the night.

I am sorry if you think my ideas for raising Lucas are wrong-they aren't, they are just different. So when I suggest you just ignore Lucas when he is acting up, it is not because I am trying to be neglectful, it is because I know he needs his space to get himself under control-and you looking at him and saying, "Lucas, what is wrong? Why are you acting this way?" is just adding to his frustration. Maybe he was hungry-so give him some animal crackers-you didn't need to wash a dish for him-put some in a cup or napkin. Or maybe he had just woken up from a nap in the car and he needed to become adjusted to being at the store.

Your other grand kids aren't perfect the last time I checked.

It really is too bad that you have to act this way towards us-we want you to be involved in his life. But that choice is solely up to you. You know where we live.