Feeling dismissed.

I suppose you could ask for a bit of a hand with certain things while still being chatty and smiling. It might make them feel even more at home, not less so, if they mucked in a bit more?

Esther, just come on here and let off steam as often as you wish, but when with your family just keep behaving as you are.

It will only be a few more months before they move out and it would be so sad if your happy relationship for the rest of your grandchildren's childhood was blown out of the water because of the stresses and strains of having them live with you for a few months.

The situation you are in - having AC and family livng with you, is well recognised as a source of many family rows. Could you have a weekend away without the family. leave them to manage while you have 2 or 3 days of blessed relief.

But grit your teeth, hang-on in and scream at us at regular intervals, if it helps.

Firstly I'd suggest thinking of the time when you feel dismissed as being "off duty" and taking the opportunity to do something around the house that you want to do, whether it's retiring to the bottom of the garden to catch up on your reading or clearing out the wardrobes in your bedroom.

In addition, why not make plans a few times a week to be out and about without your DIL and the little ones? I'm sure inviting yourself to friends' for coffee, etc won't be regarded as cheeky.

You're doing a good job of keeping the irritations to yourself , by the sound of it, so keep up the good work!

Esther you might want to repost this in the chat thread, to get better response.

Hang in there, especially as they will be moving out in a couple of months time. I know it can be difficult but as you may have seen on this site there are many grandparents who are estranged from their children and grandchildren.

Many a time, over the years I’ve kept my mouth firmly shut when I’ve been itching to say what I think and it has really helped to maintain relationships. Your DIL will appreciate you far more after they have moved.

I’d take it as a compliment that she feels relaxed enough at your home to treat it as her own. Just look forward to your visits to their house, where you will be able to leave and return to the sanctuary of your home.

I’ve been doing the girl Friday game for quite a while now and it’s not easy but .the relationship I have with my children and grandchildren has been well worth the occasional stresses and strains.

Well done you. It’s good to have a grumble to others when family are rather thoughtless. Hope you feel more cheerful tomorrow.

All the best ??