Who's at fault?

Question

My elderly grandfather staying as a guest in my house left medication in the bathroom accessible to my two year old. I was not aware it was there. When my son brought me a pill, it was totally shocking, and so were the events that followed. One pill could not be accounted for. (My son is fine, the pill was not eaten) My grandfather informed me I was a horrible mother. I do not feel I am totally at fault, since the bathroom is not typically 'off-limits' to my potty training toddler. Please help alleviate my guilt.

Answer 1

poor you... and no you are not at fault...... really no one is...... that was an accident..... if your grandfather ever comes again leave signs on the mirrors that say, *put meds up* or something to that effect...... kids can not read and everything is new and a challenge to them..... yes, the meds should have been put up, but older ppl, even us not so old, who are NOT around children forget what it is like..... and as for him blaming you, it was prob. just a knee jerk reaction to guilt.... just let him know it is ok and that all is well and forgotten...... God bless

Answer 2

This is a tough one, because more information is needed. If the bathroom was a safe place (no meds or anything else dangerous in the bathroom) before your grandfather came, then I would say it is his fault, since you had no way of knowing that he put the medication there. In this case, also, the grandfather, if he is of sound mind, should have known better than to leave his medication there, knowing there is a toddler in the house.
On the other hand, if the bathroom has dangerous items all the time (meds, razors, small items, etc), then it was your fault for not going into the bathroom with your son and supervising him.
Either way, it's a blessing he didn't get hurt and take it as a lesson.

Answer 3

No your not at fault at all. Your grandfather should have know not to leave his pills laying around when a child is in the house. even in the bathroom. Toddlers are going to explore and well your baby is much too young to know nor can be teached that young to not put things in his mouth or play with anything they can put their little hands on. None of this is your fault (not at all)
The main thing is you reacted and made sure everything was ok and that shows being a good mother. Do not let your grandfather get you down. He should have been man enough to realize he was in the wrong.

Answer 4

It's certainly not your fault, and honestly, I don't think that it's your grandfather's fault either. I'm sure it's been quite a long time, since he's had a toddler in the house, and therefore probably doesn't think about putting away medications or using child safety caps. You're definately not a horrible mother, as it sounds like you've taught your child to not put things into his mouth. Perhaps the answer is to have your grandfather keep his medication in his room where your child can't get at it. Also, make a "sweep" of the bathroom once in a while, to make sure dangerous things are not within your child's reach.

Take care

Answer 5

Fault????? Who cares!
Son is okay and didn't eat the pill. I will tell you this though....you keep yelling at grandpa over the pill and next time son won't bring the pill to you.

You are NOT a horrible mother....and grandpa isn't a horrible grandpa either.....I am sure it's been a lot of years since grandpa lived with a two year old.....and remember back in the day...they didn't "baby proof" anything....those stories about kids laying in the backs of the car windows...those aren't fairy tales. And when Grandpa did live with a two year old......most likely, he didn't have a lot to do with the "work" and "worry" of the kids.....he had to worry about food on the table.

Grandpa messed up by leaving the meds out, you need to check your house a little more carefully when another adult is living with you (any adult...we all forget things out that shouldn't be out for a two year old) and quite honestly....the only one who did EXACTLY what he should have done....was good ole son. He took the meds to you....his loving mommy who he trusts....and clearly isn't horrible.

So....give Gpa a break, give yourself a break and tell your son what a good boy he was!

Answer 6

The same thing happened to me! Luckily my children didn't eat the medication--my four year old just opened the capsule and poured it all over the floor.

I don't think it's your fault at all. Your grandfather is a guest in your house and should be helping to keep your son safe. (Although since it happened once, I would be a lot more cautious when your son is in the bathroom.)

And by the way, why is your grandfather calling you names when you are being gracious enough to let him share space in your house? That's just not right.

Answer 7

It isn't completely your fault - although you might have gone into the bathroom with your child to check, but still it's not your fault. Your grandfather should know not to leave pills out when there is a child in the house - or he should at least make sure that the cap is child resistant.

Answer 8

It might be your house but there are so many things that you can't be responsible for. I think you answered your own question when you stated that YOUR GRANDFATHER left pill in the bathroom. As a caring responsible house guest (let alone family member) you don't leave medicine in the reach of children...EVER.

Answer 9

It is my opinion you did nothing wrong. You need to let your grandfather know you have a small child that will touch just about anything he can reach. It is curosity to a child and it is very important for ur grandfather to keep things picked up. Juts be very glad ur son brought the pill to u so I think u have done a very good job as a Mom to let him know to bring stuff like that to u.

Answer 10

Your grandfather was out of line to call you a horrible mother, and you most certainly are not. As a mother of a two-year-old myself, it is hard to watch his actions ALL of the time, especially when others are in the house that are not normally there, disrupting the normal routine. Lesson learned on both sides, no harm, no foul. Don't beat yourself up over it.