Many of the memas and pop-pops (or whatever alternative name for grandparents you prefer) are deeply loved, even with all the things they put us through, thanks to their way of caring for our kids (and how they cared for us when we were little). But sometimes they cross the line, creating a situation no person wants to deal with. And that’s exactly what this list reveals — it’s a collection of some of the worst mistakes grandparents have made. All of these mistakes, revealed to us by parents of kids of all ages, are cringe-worthy. Some are forgivable offenses — often honest mistakes any rookie grandparent would make (and are made because of the love and bond they have with our kids). But others have created major rifts within the family. There is a lot of “How could they?” and “What were they thinking?!” and also back off grandma! when reading some of these confessions. Relationships are hard work — and that absolutely includes the relationship of child and parent — and that whole thing becomes even more complex once that child becomes a parent and the parent is now the grandparent. In fact, it is often precisely that dynamic that causes friction. Prepare yourself when reading these. Some hurt the heart. Some will bring out giggles. And others may also make you look at your own parents and think they’re not that bad. “‘Glad’ to know my parents weren’t the only ones,” Linda D.
