What to do when your child doesn't like one side of the family?

[nightcrawler]

Originally Posted by rizzo0904

Don't force a relationship. I tell my boys, you don't have to like everyone, but you need to treat them with respect. Same with family, you don't have to like them. I certainly don't like everyone in my family. Other than the holiday gatherings, I have no need/want to see some of them.

oh Lord, ain't that the truth!! and even that's pushing it sometimes. LOL

[convextech]

Kids aren't stupid; they know when something is off. I'd tell your husband the truth, that his newly-mended relationship with his "parents" is going to have to take a back seat to the needs of his son.

[lotusblossom77]

Originally Posted by allnaturalkiki

My son(4 years old) is always playful and talkative when he is with my family (extended and all) but when he is with his fathers family he is quiet and hides under us. I have never been the biggest fans of them because they can be somewhat ill-mannered; however his father wants him to be close to them. He has even told us he doesn't want to go to his grandparents house or stay with them. He has never spent the night even though his grandparents always ask. Out of all seven of my husbands siblings he only speaks to one aunt and one uncle. I also spoke to my brother in-laws wife and their sone refuses to go see the grandparents as well. What should I do? I do not want to hurt my husbands feelings.

Be honest with your husband about how your child feels my Father felt that we shouldn't be forced to spend time with relatives if we weren't comfortable. Because the relationship with them is relatively new it will take time. Try inviting them over more frequently if possible if not how about a family gathering once a month that would allow the grandparents, aunts, uncles cousins to attend this would allow for your son to view them in a different light and will make the bonding a little easier.