Anyone trust your parents to take care of your kids?

Michelle - posted on 04/17/2011

My mom I fully trust, my MIL not so much. But I have let my MIL take care of my kids when I had my third. Of course she came to stay with us and I was at least in the house if need be. It actually went better then I thought. I had a VBAC with my second and third and was grateful for the help. I wish I had help when I had my c section with my son. But if you really don't want the help just tell her thanks but you already have someone that will help.

Stifler's - posted on 04/17/2011

Just tell her you have someone else lined up...

Kim - posted on 04/16/2011

I absolutely trust my Mother to watch my kids and my then 80's Grandmother too! I do not trust my Dad and his wife, well maybe now with the older 2 being 11 and 8 but not when they were younger! and I do NOT trust my MIL. I used to but when she forgets to feed my kids ALL day, and says she doesn't need to know how to open the gate to the kitchen it sent up red flags and she is now only allowed to watch them for a few hrs, again now that they are older.
Maybe you can just tell her you are all set and make sure you are. Maybe once you are home she can come over and occupy your DS while you tend to the baby and help out that way.

Phuong - posted on 04/16/2011

I don't trust my parents to watch my daughter alone. They are simply not trustworthy. We have very strict boundaries in place re their visiting and interaction with bub. I have explained my reasons, as truth is the best answer to their questions, and they have to respect our choices, as bub is our child, not theirs. However the in-laws are great with bub and there are no probs. Actually they are outstanding with bub,and she loves them!! As long as bub grows up knowing that she is loved and safe, then anyone else's feelings come second to that. Our priority as mums, is our own family's happiness, not our parents'.

April - posted on 04/15/2011

I trust my mum, i know she will take care of my kids the way i want them to be taken care of. She's great. She raised me well so i know i can trust her. The person i don't entirely trust is my MIL only because i know she will just do what she wants with my kids and not bother asking me. Which i hate, other then that my MIL is great.

Jennifer - posted on 04/15/2011

I 100% agree with the idea of your mom coming to you. Truthfully that will be SOOO much easier anyway. Otherwise you have to pack up a days worth of food, clothes, toys, etc everyday and then somehow get him over to your mom's? Sounds like more work and inconvenience than keeping him home to me

Donna - posted on 04/15/2011

I would with my Mum, but not my MIL. This is mainly an age and confidence thing. My Mum looks after ny 7 year old nephew 2 nights a week, and has done since birth, however my MIL is nearly 20 years older at 82, and although she is fighting fit, she is not confident in looking after them for more than 30 mins unless they are in bed.
This is all fair enough and we work round it, and I just don't ask the mil so neither of us gets embarrassed.
I am sure your mum would cope, and as pp's have said kids are really resilient. She will probably not do things your way, but she will muddle through, and I am sure your lo will love the change of scene.

Jennifer - posted on 04/14/2011

I trust both my mom and my MIL to take care of my kids. Neither one has the greatest health. My MIL has arthritis in her ankle and her knees and it's hard for her to walk around too much. It's kind of nice, because even though she does and excellent job of making sure where the kids are at all times and knows what they are doing (even more than I do), they help her out a little, by bringing her a drink of water or her phone, so she doesn't have to get up. My mom has type 1 diabetes and has had it since she was 18. Though she has always tried to manage her blood surgars well, the multiple low blood sugars she has had almost daily for the past 5-10 years is really starting to effect her. She only has the three oldest all at the same time if she has any, and my oldest knows how to dial 911 and he knows the neighbors really well, if he needs help. Both grandma's spoil the crap out of the kids, so usually I deal with the "grandma syndrome" as it's called in my house for a day or two after a sleep over, but that's ok. I know they are well loved. My father on the other hand, I would never trust him to watch them. He gets to wrapped up in tv, and most times has to be screamed at 4-5 times just to get his attention.

√v^√v^√♥ - posted on 04/14/2011

Well.... she raised you just fine right? Kids are pretty resilliant, maybe you are being too hard on her. Have you at least tried to let her watch him, all on her own, before saying no?

The alternative is to ask her to come over and help you more at your house. Make it sound like you need her to help with chores, or cooking. That way you wouldn't have to worry about it? I'm sure you can think of some way she can help out that makes you more comfortable and gives her the opportunity to help

Darlene - posted on 04/14/2011

I do trust my parents, but won't leave my kids with my MIL. Even my husband agrees.
I would agree with the suggestion to have her come to you and help. It's actually a better idea to keep your son nearby so he doesn't feel 'shipped off' just because of the new baby.
Good luck!! When are you due?

Bonnie - posted on 04/14/2011

My mom is the same way. She doesn't always pay attention to what my kids are doing. Plus she is too easy going with them and gives into everything. My mom hasn't watched my kids in a long time although her health is not the greatest. I think your mom coming over while you recover would be a big difference because you are there.

If you really don't want her there period than perhaps find someone else and maybe tell her you forgot you already said okay to so and so.

Elfrieda - posted on 04/14/2011

Since you ask, yes I trust my parents and my husband's parents to take care of my son. Sometimes they do things that I wouldn't do, but I feel confident that he's safe and loved.

What if you asked your mom to come over instead and help you that way? She could watch your son and help you with the cooking and baby, and it could be a good experience for everyone, while still being comfortable for you because you're all in the same house.

Medic - posted on 04/14/2011

I do let my parents take care of my kids, granted I am way more comfy with my dad and step mom because their world revolves around my kids. I do let my mom and step dad take care of the kids even though I do not let them drive with the kids. I think it all has to do with your level of comfort with the situation. My dad and step mom have taken my kids to dr appts, taken them on long vacations and everything has been fine. If you do not want her to watch him just tell her that you feel the first few days are a great opportunity for your son, new baby and you to bond.