Suffering grandparent

I am having a hard time getting to see my children and grandchildren. I constantly hear how busy they are. When we are together things seem to go very well. We try to plan pleasant things and serve good food but when we try to make even small plans to see them a little more frequently they can't seem to find the time. I am afraid I am really letting this get to me. We love them so much and do well to see them for dinner like five or six times a year and even less for my daughter's family. It hurts because not only do we miss them but they are sometimes quite rude about it too. I really feel hurt right now but when I very gently tried to express my feelings I was I think rather harshly dealt with. I don't think hurting me is even a concern. They are busy but I think it is wrong to be so busy you have little time for your parents. The grandchildren seem to really enjoy their visits. I am an artist and art teacher and always have terrific projects for them. Things are even worse on the other side. Seems like we were pretty close when my kids were young. They don't seem to understand or get it at all.

I'm sorry you are having this problem. It seems that younger people just don't make the time for family like they used to. I don't have any grandchildren but have friends that do and they are very close to them. I think it is very important that kids have a close relationship with their grandparents. I hope you can work something out.

Exactly. In the 1970's we were promised, PROMISED, an age of leisure and short hours as automation removed the toil from our lives. But in fact everyone works harder for longer and less so they cannot find time in their hectic lives for social niceties like seeing their old mum.

maybe you could share your grandchildren's electronic life ? i bet that's how they keep in touch with friends. and it's better than nothing~
something to consider.....

I am trying to keep in touch electronically but they rarely answer. I only send cute things but even though I have written to them and said I appreciate even a very brief aknowlegement I still don't hear. They don't really understand and I am sure they are probably pretty casual with their friends about such things. I am trying though to stay in communication through email with my son and daughter though so that the lines stay open. I do at least have contact with them and some people don't.

I don't think any child ever truly understands the "empty nest" until it becomes their nest that is empty. Big hug for you.

I agree. I have cried over this and so has my friend in a similar situation . No, they don't know. I am sure I didn't either. You don't know what it feels like to get old. They don't know what it feels like to miss the people you love.