Jen and her husband, both in their 70s, enjoyed the company of their five grandchildren, three granddaughters and two grandsons. They always made sure to be there when their grandchildren needed them.
Eloise, the youngest, had just tied the knot. Following family tradition, Jen and her husband planned to purchase the least expensive item on the wedding registry and accompany it with a check for $40,000. This was a tradition known only to their grandchildren.
However, this tradition faced a hurdle when Eloise accused her grandparents of being stingy. “Grandma, is this your gift? An air fryer? Couldn’t you find something cheaper on my registry?” Eloise exclaimed when talking to Jen.
Jen tried to explain, “I thought it was useful.” But Eloise wasn’t having any of it. “Useful? Please, everyone knows you’re well-off. I never imagined you’d be so cheap with me. It’s downright embarrassing,” Eloise retorted.
Feeling hurt, Jen responded, “Well, you’re right. We are indeed cheap and old. What you didn’t know was that the day after the wedding, we planned to give you a $40,000 check.”
But Eloise was too upset to listen. “Clearly, you just don’t love me enough to show it. Do you even care?” Eloise said before hanging up.
After this exchange, Jen and her husband decided against giving Eloise the money. A week later, Eloise came back and said, “I just found out you gifted every other grandchild $40,000. Why was I left out?”
Jen replied, “We felt that after your reaction to the wedding gift, it wasn’t right.”
Eloise protested, “So, I’m being punished for getting upset over an air fryer?”
Jen explained, “It wasn’t the air fryer, Eloise. It was how you spoke to us, the lack of respect. That’s not something we expected from you.”
Tearfully, Eloise admitted, “I was stressed, Grandma. Weddings are hard work, and I just blew up. I didn’t mean it.”
Jen replied, “We understand the stress, but actions have consequences. We hoped you would value family over things.” Eloise pleaded, “But can’t we just move on? I need that money, Grandma.”
Eloise even threatened not to attend family gatherings, insisting they were leaving her out. Jen clarified, “We love you very much. This isn’t about excluding you; it’s a matter of understanding and respect. Reflect on this, Eloise, and understand why we made our choice.”
Shifting gears, we look at another intriguing story from TikTok, where a grandmother known as DeeDee shares her unique approach to grandparenting. On her account, MoreThanGrand, she shares tips and stirs discussions among her followers.
Living miles away, DeeDee made the decision not to shower her grandchildren with gifts during her limited visits. “I’m cheap, and I see no need to squander money on things that will be forgotten,” she stated.
Her real motive, however, is not to be pegged as a gift-giver but as a supportive grandma. She believes in building excitement around her visits without the economic focus.
Instead of gifts, she engages her grandkids in reading sessions or board games. She doesn’t leave the games behind, ensuring her return is eagerly anticipated for more fun.
This approach garnered mixed reactions — some criticized her, while others applauded her. One commented, “I had a grandma like you and always thought she was stingy.”
What are your thoughts? We’d love to hear.
