When Grandparents Feel Entitled: Managing Their Expectations in the Newborn Phase

“It’s ok, just leave the baby with us,” they say, and immediately, your hackles go up. Your baby isn’t born yet, and the grandparents are already staking a claim to some alone time with your little one. Welcome to the world of grandparent entitlement.

When you’re expecting a little one or have just welcomed a new baby into your life, it’s a time filled with excitement. Your world is buzzing with anticipation, and everyone around you shares in that excitement, wanting to be a part of your baby’s life. However, amidst all this joy, it’s crucial to remember that, while everyone has their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on your baby, so do you. And sometimes, these well-meaning intentions don’t always align.This is where the concept of grandparent entitlement often comes into play.

Grandparent entitlement is the belief held by some grandparents that they have a strong claim or expectation of a particular role and level of involvement in their grandchild’s life. This can encompass the desire to spend a specific amount of time with the grandchild and actively participate in various aspects of their upbringing.

It can manifest as a desire for more time with the baby, influence on parenting decisions, or a belief that they know best. Understanding why this…