A grandmother wrote to us after a painful conflict with her daughter-in-law. She believed her DIL was showing favoritism by taking only the youngest child on a special trip while asking her to babysit the two older grandchildren. When she refused unless all three kids were included, the situation escalated — and she was suddenly cut off from seeing the children.
Only later did she learn the truth: her daughter-in-law was under tremendous stress because her youngest child had health issues and needed extra care. What she mistook for favoritism was actually a mother trying her best under difficult circumstances.
To repair the relationship, we advised her to empathize with her DIL’s situation, open communication, stop assuming the worst, prioritize family unity, and respect her DIL’s parenting choices. With understanding and patience, there is hope for rebuilding trust and reconnecting with her grandchildren.
