Culture Shock

My mom and I have a very strange relationship - we do not hug or show any affection to each other, the first time I recall my mom every saying "I love you" to me was when I was 29.

My family is beyond dysfunctional, but ... here's the but ...

When my kids came along, I know I suddenly realised what physical affection was - I hug, cuddle, kiss, and am always touching my kids.

My mom is also very affectionate to my kids - she often says she loves them, hugs them,kisses them and gives them the affection I think - for what ever reason - she could not show her own kids.

Kids do change the dynamics, and your DH's family may surprise you, and shift if a grandchild is introduced.

My partner's family is more affectionate then mine, but we have both realised that we are by far more affectionate and more verbally affectionate with our kids, than we were shown when we were growing up.

Hi Mommies and Mommies to be!

I wanted to ask if any of you have experienced any form of culture shock when it comes to pregnancy, bringing up kids and expectations.

I will give an example:

In my DH's family, they are not very emotional.
They do not hug, the kids do not cuddle ANYONE (not even mom or dad). Everyone seems quite independent and doesn't show feelings for each other.

When his sister was pregnant, it drove her INSANE when pregnant moms would rub their tummies and talk to their pregnant belly.

They see nothing wrong with leaving their baby in the care of a nanny while they have a holiday overseas.

When DH was little, his mom would slap them in the face instead of smack their bum!!! (This I find bizarre...)

What experiences do you have or have heard of that you find different?