Can't decide if I should be pissed or not.

[The Kizzy]

My parents won't be making it to my son's 7th birthday celebration at the house because "gas prices are way to high" ($3.00 a gallon) yet tehy made sure to make the same trip for my niece's 11th in October. (Gas prices were roughly $2.80 a gal)

She can do no wrong and is clearly the favorite grandchild.

Thoughts?

[Durothil Skyreaver]

I guess it would all depend on what kind of distance we are talking about.

[Hylissa]

Personally I would be super-pissed ... the price of gas, if you are within reasonable driving distance, is no reason not to see your family.

[araby]

get over it. honestly-it's family and those kinds of arguments won't benefit anyone, even if you're right. and you are.

My parents have gotten my son every Tuesday since he was born for "mimi and papa day" but if my dad is out of town, my mom doesn't get him because she "can't wake up to take him to school" yet...she does it for my niece now. so fucked. I've dropped hints...came straight out once and told her it hurt his feelings. caused nothing but a problem.

just say "okay" and do it without them.

[Kramer]

family stuff sucks.

unless you are willing to face that with lots of conversations with them, i would figure out a way to handle it that doesn't stress you out. and try to see that they are the ones losing out.

[Harrison]

It's just another day, and barring any unforeseen deaths, there will be more of them.

[Jay]

It's just another day, and barring any unforeseen deaths, there will be more of them.

Harrison's life motto =P

How far off do they live? If its close enough you think you could meet halfway on the gas?

[Martrae]

There could be other factors you just don't know about, Janet. A lot could have changed for them since Nov to make paying the gas out of the question.

If it means that much to you, offer to pay half and see where it gets you.

[araby]

Now I'm pissed at your mom.

[Jay]

There could be other factors you just don't know about, Janet. A lot could have changed for them since Nov to make paying the gas out of the question.

If it means that much to you, offer to pay half and see where it gets you.

Yeah I agree. Could possibly be something expected on their part that they haven't told you about. Yeah gas is part of it but they could have some kind of expense that's forcing them to conserve in other facets of their life. I would offer to pay gas or meet them halfway at least and stress the fact that you and your son would enjoy their company as opposed to just saying they should be there cuz of family.

[The Kizzy]

Austin to DFW area, roughly 150 miles, its about a three hour trip, and I should add that whenever my neice is in town, they will make the trip up to see her. If she isn't here, they don't feel it is worth it. My oldest only comes here once a year and they couldn't get there schedules together long enough last year to stay for more than one night.

I just feel so bad for my son, he has a Dad that "never wanted him" (his words not mine) and deals with him now for one week out of the year. He lives with his sociopathic uncle who is a fucking asshole and makes fun of him all the time and is downright mean. He ADORES my mother even though I swear to God she is a fucking bi polar bitch. Its fine with me that they aren't coming, but he wants to see them. It hurts him, but just pisses me off. My parents are well off. The only reason they ever "hurt" for money is when my mother over spends shopping because she can't keep clothes for more than a few months because she gets tired of them.

I hope to God he has several more birthdays ahead of him, Harrison.

[Lyion]

If your ex doesn't have your son, why don't you take him, Kizzy?

[Harrison]

I hope to God he has several more birthdays ahead of him, Harrison.

Well, I do too, but I think you got my point.

It just sounds like a lot more stress than it's really worth in the end.

[Gypsiyee]

well, it's only going to actually hurt him if he's told they can't make it due to the price of gas, because I'm assuming he knows better

To me, there are some white lies that kids need to be told - this situation is one of those instances, I'd say. I don't believe in lying to your kids if it's something that will scar them if they found out, but the important fact is they're not coming. The why isn't as relevant, I don't think.

Basically I think you're just getting wound up about it because you're worried for him, but you really have to remember that kids aren't going to view the situation with the same rage their adult counterparts do. Don't let your own feelings of taking personal offense intrude on what should be a fun day for the kiddo. If you do something fun together, chances are he's not even going to notice they're not there.

Tell him they have the flu. It's winter after all. Don't say it's their choice not to make it. It's completely harmless, isn't something that's relevant enough to hurt him 10 years from now, and won't hurt his feelings at the present time. I use this logic trying to remember back to my childhood, and WISH my dad would've had the common courtesy to leave me out of the loop in a lot of things.

You have every right to be pissed at your parents if you feel they're being rude, just don't let him know you are.

[Minrott]

This is the perfect opportunity to begin molding your child into a weapon of hate. A few more incidents like this and he will be eager to make his grandparents lives hell.

[Tikker]

If your ex doesn't have your son, why don't you take him, Kizzy?

[Gaazy]

when I was 7 i dont think i could have cared less if my grandparents came or not, I just wanted to go to chucky cheese's and play games and then have a night time BB gun war without flashlights. Now THOSE fuckers were fun

[araby]

I cared. My Granny was the be-all, end-all.

[Gaazy]

Well yeah they were the same for me, but at that age im sayin most kids are startin to want a birthday bash to be the coolest kid in school. The bowling alley, moviesand a sleepver, or whatever. Now that theyre gone, id do anything to go back and have my 7th birthday with them again though, thats the kicker

[araby]

We didn't invite the kids at school for birthday celebrations and I don't with my son's parties. We just have a family holiday.

[Jennay]

If my mom and dad did to my kid I'd be mad too. 3 hours IS a long drive but your son's birthday party should be worth it...and they can't be hurting for money that bad if she can splurge on a new wardrobe every 3 months. Or maybe its 6 hrs in a car that day that has them bothered...maybe try offering to pay for their hotel if they come?

[Evermore]

why dont they come and stay the weekend or some shit?

[The Kizzy]

If your ex doesn't have your son, why don't you take him, Kizzy?

My ex has our oldest, who is 12, who lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

I have our youngest, who is 7, and I live in Texas.....I guess I am not understanding the question.

I have to work that weekend, so we were making plans for after I got out of work on Saturday. My parents are always welcome at this house and my brother will give up his bedroom to them, I give up my bedroom to my brother, and I sleep in my sons room. They always drive down first thing Saturday morning, and leave late Sunday night.

[Gaazy]

No of his friends to the little guys own birthday? Sorry, little guy >< Why not have 2 little get togethers or somethin? Birthday parties were just so damn fun as a kid. Like I said, goin tot he bowlin alley or video arcade or somethin like that. He doesnt want to sit around with his family all night! Ha, im just pickin with you~ Kinda

[Gypsiyee]

good gravy Janet, when did your kids get separated?

I mean separated within 20 minutes of each other is one thing, but separated across states? what judge said that'd be a-ok? >< I'm sure it was something agreed upon by you guys for different reasons, don't take it the wrong way as I'm not trying to be insulting here - I just can't imagine what it's like for you (and your sons) having your two boys that far from each other