Question:
My husband and I are raising our 3 grandchildren after the passing of their father, our son, in 2016. Their mother signed them over to us in 2022, and we’ve had them for 5 years now.
They are amazing kids, excelling despite their history of being shuttled around in their early years. How do I love them without feeling resentment?
Response:
Feeling some resentment is certainly understandable under the circumstances. It would probably be helpful for you to seek counseling to talk about that resentment.
It sounds like it would be important to identify the resentment source which is likely not the grandchildren but rather, their mother. I think that by processing your resentment toward her, you could love your grandchildren well, knowing that they were not the cause of the situation you find yourself in. Consider what you treasure and love about each grandchild and tell each one.
I also hope that you can eventually come to a place of forgiving your daughter-in-law. However, all of this will take time as you are carrying a big burden and there is likely a lot for you to talk about.
God bless you for what you are doing. The fact that your grandchildren are excelling indicates that you and your husband are raising them well.
