mom who won't stop?

Question

hi there. just had a quick question about getting someone to stop. See, I'm a college student on fin. aid & in home supportive services for my mother, who lives with me because she's disabled. However, she is in good enough shape that she can look after my baby while I'm in classes. The thing is, my baby is just starting solids & there are certain things I want her to try(like fruits & veggies) & others I wouldn't want her having at all(like ice cream & soda). My problem is that while I'm away my mother feeds her whatever she wants to & I find the baby food I've made for the baby untouched or thrown away. I have noone else to watch the baby due to finances, she's too little for school daycare, & I'm certainly not going to kick my mom out over it, but I've tried talking to her numerous times which hasn't worked at all. I know my mother knows the difference between healthy & unhealthy foods, so how do I get her to STOP feeding the baby junk? Appreciate any positive comment.

I don't buy the junk food, she does...I have no right to throw it away if she bought it even if she throws away what I buy.

Answer 1

Is your mother an older woman? I've noticed that older women tend to be more stubborn when it comes to dealing with children (after all, she's had more experience, right?)

Your mother might be worried that your daughter doesn't like these foods and doesn't want her to go hungry. I found that this is a very common line of thinking (I work in a preschool where parents feed their children peanut butter and chocolate sandwiches because they won't eat anything else). If any child is hungry enough, they will eat what is given to them.

I think the way to go about this is to approach her in a non-confrontational manner and explain to her all of the diseases and disorders that are becoming a major problem in the United States because of what we feed our children (i.e. juvenile diabetes, obesity, etc). Tell her you want your child to be as healthy as possible to give her as much of an advantage as you can.

Answer 2

Well you are certainly in a bind. I know what it's like to be stuck with no other options for babysitting. It is your house correct? You can try taking anything out of the house that you don't want your mom to feed your child. Your mother would rather feed her the baby food than let her starve right? Don't talk to her, tell her. I know it's easier said than done. Maybe get some information from a doctor and let her know the reason why healthy food is good for her. Tell her that snacks and stuff like that is ok in moderation. Be firm tell your mom she is your child and she needs to respect your wishes and respect you while she's in your house. Make sure she knows you appreciate her help with your child since you have no other babysitter but that you really need her to go along with your request. Let her know that feeding a child too much sugar can cause them to become hypoclycemic (know I didn't spell that right) and can also affect heart problems in the future. And it can increase the chances of them becoming diabetic. I'm sure your mom doesn't want that to happen to your child if she loves you both. The sad thing is if she won't listen there is nothing you can do except as I said it's a pain in the butt but get rid of anything in the house you do'nt want the baby to eat. Good luck!

Answer 3

I agree with a few of the others.....I would stop buying as much of the junk food as possible so that she isn't tempted to give it to your baby. Talk to her and explain to her that there are alot of reasons that you don't want your baby eating these things and explain why!! Tell her that although she is a great help by watching the baby for you that you are still her mother and don't want her eating certain foods yet!! Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't buy the junk foods and try preparing some good food ahead of time. You can make your own baby food; it doesn't have to come out of a jar. If your mom has a concern about the jar food or is stubborn, then maybe when she sees you make this effort she will take it more seriously as something she ought to respect.

Answer 5

Your mom lives with you, in YOUR home? Do you do the grocery shopping? Does your mom get out during the day? Where is your mom getting the junk food from? If you're buying it, stop. If she's buying it, throw it away as soon as you find it. When she complains, remind her that she's living under your roof, and you would appreciate it if she would respect your wishes when it comes to feeding YOUR (not her) child.

Answer 6

I think you should get rid of all the junk food...if it's not in the house then she can't feed it to the baby. Since you said that you've tried to talk to her and that hasn't work and think this is the only way to handle it. Good luck with everything!

Answer 7

Get rid of the junk. If its not there then she can't feed it to her. Or at least stash it away so she can't find it.

That would be a hard situation to be in. I think i might get into that problem when my son gets older because my sister watchs him. She lets her kids eat anything they want and I hope she respects my wishes and doesn't feed him that junk. I'm like you, finances keep me from getting another babysitter.

Good luck to you!

Answer 8

First of all remind your mother that she is living in your house. Let her know you have talked to her about not feeding your baby junk food and that your no longer going to buy it or allow it in your house.

Answer 9

Grandmas feel it is their right to spoil their grandchildren. You can't stop your mom, and it won't really hurt your baby. You just have to make sure when you are home she gets enough of the good foods you want her to have. And you probably already have plenty of good foods ready for your mom to give her, encourage her to give the baby both kinds so she can try new things, and maybe ask her not to throw away the good food, you can use it later.

Answer 10

Get the unhealthy food out of the house. If she only has heathly choices to pick from, then that is the food she will give. I do not have anything but heathly food in my house and the kids and husband do not miss the crap that they use to eat.