OT Meddling In-Laws, objective opinions?

I don't think you're wrong for not sending your son to camp, even if it's on their dime.  I never went to camp in my life and I think I turned out relatively well.  My mother worked full time, so in the summers, my sisters and I were on our own...no family around, and we weren't allowed to go out and play w/the neighbor kids until my mom got home from work.  Instead, I became an avid reader, I love to do puzzles ('logic' type...not necessarily jigsaw), cross stitching, etc...things that actually work my brain.  Could I have used the exercise?  Yeah...but you make sure your kids get exercise by your walks and bike rides w/them.

Re the in-laws just walking in...then commenting about you being in a blanket on the couch...I suppose you could have burned the image of you in your undies into their retinas...maybe that'd teach them to knock next time?  I know if it was me and I did that...they'd never forget the sight!  Either way...I'd definitely call them on the floor for that.

I also agree w/Angie...tell them if they really want to do something for your son...put that money in a college fund for him...it'll do him more good in the long run.

My kids don't get "regular" play dates. They play with each other, or me, or whatever. These people who think you have to have a million things for thier kids, constant playdates and endless activities are just nuts.....in my eyes.

My gosh, let kids be kids. Play with what you have, be creative, make things, play in dirt....whatever. That's how me, my sister and everyone I know my age grew up and I have great memories. I didn't get summer camps, and daily play dates with other kids............

And I am just fine, so were all my neighbors, friends and cousins my age.

Are you denying your kids????? HELL NO!

They need to stay out of your business. There's nothing wrong with them offering, but criticizing you, walking right into your home, and making you feel that way is rude.

Sorry you have IL's like that. I am blessed with a mother, and IL's that NEVER butt in, and I am so thankful for that.

Oh the favorite thing...unsolsited advise.  I just love that...apparently, my adopted daughters therapist implied to my husband that she really needs to be in a structured environment (i.e. summer camp).  I said I hope you explained that we have 5 people to support on an income of 1 and it's not the end of the world she won't be in camp.  She'll still have structure to her day.  I am still ticked about it..because last summer I put her in camp- she hated it.  She didn't like being with all of the other young kids, how bossy and immature the other kids and staff were, they picked at everything..the insisted that I buy her a new swim suit with 2 weeks of camp left because the shoulder strap fell down (it wasn't revealing)...well- again I'm only 1 income household (and I was getting 50% of my income because I just had baby), and there are 2 weeks left.  But because they told her she wouldnt be able to swim I had to buy a new suit...it feel down because they swam 4 of the 5 days and she had lost 15-20 pounds being active and sweating at camp.  Ugh.  She's 13 she should be able to sleep in, due chores, watcha little tv, and read / color / listen to music / take a bike ride, etc.  Good luck-  I probably would have flashed the side of my undies and explained the baby puked on me, just make it clear..and that I had the blanket for just the reason they saw- to be modest infront of ur older child and incase they decided to pop over. 
I think you are making great choices for YOUR children.  Isn't being an adult fun?!

Ya know, I will be in a similar situation. The hubby and I live with his parents. I just can't wait to get parenting advice from them. (Notice the sarcasm dripping by the buckets?) My plan is to tell them they had their chance to raise their kids, now it's ours. I will have no problem telling them what's what. (I have gotten a tad ballsey since I became the smallest in the house). They even tried to get me to promise the day before my wedding all kids would be Catholic. I'm not Catholic and their son never goes to chuch. I swear I will go off on them if they try to enforce that. Never promised them and I already told hubby he would be the one taking Munchkin to church if he wanted it. I wasn't doing it and there was no way I was letting his parents do it.

For the record. I went to camp maybe two years. No lasting friendships at all from it. Also, it's the summer, school has gotten so hard that kids need a break and have fun time. Tell the inlaw's to get over themselves.

Ugh, I don't think there are enough words that would express how much I do not like my in-laws.  I thought they were wonderful people until some things happened when I was 9 months pregnant!!
I do not think you are depriving him what-so-ever.  Sometimes It is nice to relax since he is kept busy with school and sports during the school year.  Let him have some free time, color, read, play at his leisure.  It is good for him!