“We Built a Summer Cottage for Our Grandkids”: Now My Daughter Won’t Bring Them Over

Last year, my wife Emma and I decided to build a small summer cottage on our property in rural Vermont. Our aim was simple: to create a magical summer retreat for our grandchildren, Aria and Brian. We envisioned sunny days filled with laughter and nights spent under the stars. We hoped that our daughter Alexa and her family would spend their summers with us, making lasting memories.

The construction of the cottage was a labor of love. Emma and I poured our hearts into every detail, from the sunny yellow paint on the exterior to the cozy loft inside, perfect for bedtime stories. We added a small kitchenette where we could prepare lemonade and sandwiches, and the porch got a sturdy swing that could host countless tales of adventure.

When we finally unveiled the cottage to Alexa and the kids, the joy on their faces was palpable. Aria, ever the explorer, ran around claiming every nook as her own, while Brian, slightly more reserved, found solace in the comfort of the plush cushions and picture books that filled the shelves. That week was blissful. We had barbecues, went on hikes, and watched as the children played on the swings and slides we had installed. It seemed like the perfect start to a new family tradition.

However, as the next summer approached, I noticed Alexa seemed hesitant about planning another visit. Concerned, I finally asked her what was on her mind. She confessed that while the kids had loved the cottage, she worried that we had taken on too much responsibility. “Mom, Dad, it’s a lot for you to maintain,” she said one evening over a video call. “I don’t want the kids to be a burden.”

Emma and I were taken aback. Our intention had never been to create stress or worry. We reassured her that the cottage was not a burden but a joy for us. Still, Alexa seemed unconvinced. It was clear we needed to address her concerns more creatively.

Determined to show Alexa that the summer cottage was a blessing, not a burden, we decided to make some adjustments. We hired a local teenager, Vincent, to help with the upkeep of the cottage and the yard during the summer months. Vincent was a responsible young man who was saving up for college, and his help meant that the property remained in perfect condition without straining us.

We also organized a small family reunion at the cottage, inviting Alexa’s cousins and their children. The event was a hit, and the cottage buzzed with energy and laughter, reminding Alexa of the joys of family gatherings.

Seeing the cottage alive with family and understanding the support we had in maintaining it helped change Alexa’s perspective. She realized that the cottage was not just a retreat but a family hub that brought everyone closer in a relaxed and beautiful setting.

By the end of the summer, Alexa had booked several weekends at the cottage for the next year. The children, once again, could not wait to spend their days running through the fields and playing on the swings.

Emma and I watched from the porch swing, our hearts full, as our family continued to grow closer around the little summer cottage we built with love. It wasn’t just a structure of wood and paint; it was a home filled with laughter, love, and the promise of many summers to come.