My mother in law will start watching my 2 youngest kids while I'm at work during the day. I'm not comfortable with her "ways". Joshua is 7 weeks old now and honestly is a cranky baby. He is getting better, but he still does'nt like to just be put in his swing for long periods, or to be layed down for very long. The other day my MIL told me to let him just cry that it won't hurt him. I have a different opinion. I think any little baby, expecially 3-4 months and younger needs to be picked up and soothed when it cries. I don't want him left to cry for who knows how long while she is babysitting. I told her that I don't like letting them cry it out, and she just says oh it won't hurt him! She has told me that he is "high maintenance" and that she refuses to watch him more than 1-2 days a week! My mom used to babysit during the day while I worked, and I trusted her 100% with my kids. I'm afraid my MIL won't tend to them how I would like. She said something the other day about how I should be putting cereal in Joshua's bottle so he will sleep longer. I've NEVER put cereal in ANY of my kids bottle, I've always spoon fed it, when they could sit up in a highchair. He is only 7 weeks for God's sake! I just don't care for her child tending ways. Several years ago when Cassidy was about 3 my MIL was teaching her to say the sh-t word! She would give her a bite of something and tell her to say "That's good sh-t"! My MIL thought it was the funniest thing!! I'm not very happy with my new work arrangements! GRRR

Mara

By Feona on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 10:37 am:

I am sure he will be okay. Who is better qualified than her to look after her grandson?

Hugs though. Why is it always the mother in law that does this stuff to annoy us?

By Reeciecup on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 11:26 am:

Sorry, I disagree. Your mommy instincts are sounding bells. I would not leave my child with her, I don't care that she is the grandmother. If you don't have a good feeling about the care he will get, that should be a red flag. Can your dh talk to her? Call your dept. of human services, they may be able to refer you to local, screened care providers that you may qualify for assistance for. I would search anywhere to find a better arrangement. His trust in the world is being established right now and at this age you CAN NOT spoil a baby by holding them too much. I hope you can find another solution.
Prayers and Hugs!!!!!

By Dandjmom on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 11:29 am:

I do agree with you on teachign Cassidy to say the Sh-t word. But If he is 7 weeks and not sleeping throught the night. The food int he bottle can help. I'll put it to you this way, have you ever waked up hungry? When we eat, we eat food, I mean we actually eat something that llays in the stomach long enough to get us throught hte night. What dies Joshua eat? He drinks milk. What is in milk? ( oj protiens maybe iron) but protiens and iron isn't somethign that ( as my grandmother would say) to stick to his stomach.

The cereal in the bottle will not hurt him .

I started givign my son cereal in hsi bottle at 2 1/2 weeks ( he weighed 9 pounds at birth) and had the appetiate to match. he started eatign table food with us ( still getting his formula) at 2 months old.

My daughter had GERD as a baby when seh was 1 1/2 months old she was put on cereal by her doctors to help keep her formula down. I was todl to give her 1 table (yes tablespoon)per 2 ounces of milk.

By Northcountrymom on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 12:47 pm:

Ditto Reeciecup!

Linda

By Kidcrazie on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 02:08 pm:

I wouldn't leave my child with anyone that cared for children the way that your mother-in-law does. I don't care who they are. Your child is your most prized "possession" and you should be able to leave them with someone and not worry all day while you are away if they are being cared for the way that you would if you were home. I can understand prioritizing and letting a baby cry a little if you are busy with the other child but not to just let them cry because "it won't hurt him".
I would also not be putting cereal in his bottle at 7 weeks. If you rush the cereal or food it can lead to allergy problems later on. Babies that are 7 weeks old are supposed to eat every 2-3 hours. That's how their body works. If the baby were 6 months old, then it would be a whole different story. And talk to your pediatrician before you do anything.
I say go with your gut and do what YOU feel is right.

By Vicki on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 03:20 pm:

I don't know how to say this that it doesn't sound wrong, so I will just say it. There is no way that I would be leaving my children with anyone I wasn't comfortable with. I don't care if it were the Pope! If you are not comfortable with it, don't do it. If you know what she is like and know what she will do and you leave your kids anyway, you are allowing the behavior. Plain an simple.

By Marcia on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 - 03:29 pm:

I agree with Vicki. Whether or not any of us agrees with the things your MIL is doing, the point is, you don't. I'm sure she's doing it for little or no money, but the saving is not worth your peace of mind.