I'm 34, been childfree my whole adult life, my parents have known this for years. My mom in particular cycles through every possible entry point to get to the same destination. One month its "your cousin just had her second, so sweet." Next visit its a news article about declining birth rates she wants to discuss. Last time it was a casual mention that their neighbor's daughter "really found herself" after having kids.
None of these are direct. She never just says "I want grandchildren." Its always this sideways approach where she just places something in the room and waits to see if I'll pick it up. I dont pick it up. We sit in the silence of it for a second and then move on.
The part that gets exhausting isnt even the subject itself, its the consistency of effort. She has maintained this gentle sustained campaign for about eight years. I almost respect the commitment almost.
Last visit I just said "mom I know what you're doing and it's not going to work, and I'd rather just talk about something else." She looked genuinely surprised, which surprised me, because I assumed she knew I knew. Apparently she thought she was being subtle. She was not being subtle.