My mother-in-law told me that it's bad to tickle a baby because he/she will stop breathing. She tried to pin it on my dad saying that he's the one who told her this. I know for a fact that my dad would NEVER say such a thing since I have a 3 year old nephew who my parents have been watching since he was 5 months old and we've all tickled him and still do. She's also known to make up ridiculous stories like this.
I wanted to ask my dad if this was true, but my husband told me not to before I even brought it up. He was pretty peeved at his mom too.
I know that if I play with my baby once he's born and tickle him, she's going to say something.
I don't want to start a fight if she tries to tell me how to raise my child. I really don't like to be confrontational especially with family, but I feel that if she says something stupid like that, I'll really say something back.
I'd really love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this. Thanks all! :)
2006-10-02 11:03:15 · 23 answers · asked by JoesWifee 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Oh the rubbish advice we get thrown at us! If only we could have a nickle for all the crap we hear.
My best advice is just to tell her that you asked your doctor and he/she said that it is okay as long as you allow your baby a break between giggles (or something of that nature).
My grandma told me none of her kids had colic because she always put socks on them. Both my kids were terribly colicky and I wanted to tell her "If socks were going to solve my baby's screams wouldn't you think I would have tried that by now??!" Instead I gently told her "Grandma, I think that is an old wive's tale. My doctor said it is a tummy problem and I am doing what she suggested."
Being a mom (especially a new mom) requires a tough skin sometimes. Please don't let her get to you.
2006-10-02 11:10:29 · answer #1 · answered by wendysorangeblossoms 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I am really sorry to say this, but in this particular situation, she is full of crap! a baby can never be injured/die from being tickled. I know that for a fact....becuz my cousin just had a baby and we play and tickle him all the time! He just giggles. If / when you and your husband bring another person to this earth, tell your mother that she is wrong. just calmly tell her that tickling is ok and even good for a baby. if she really loves and cares about you, she will respect your thoughts and opinions.
2006-10-02 11:16:02 · answer #2 · answered by sweetie pie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ask her in front of your dad where did she hear that. I have a 3 year old and 10 month old I tickle them all the time and nothing like that has ever happened. She is full of it and is just trying to tell you how to raise your baby. If she won't let it go let her go to the doctor's office with you after your baby is born and ask him/her right in front of her then she will have to shut her trap.
2006-10-02 11:10:33 · answer #3 · answered by shorty 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mothers-in-law have been interfering in the lives of their children for many years. You can either get yourself anxious about or you can ignore her and do what you want especially in front of her. Be spiteful it will make you feel better and a little naughty. I must say I am a mother-in-law and I may not exactly tell my daughter-in-law that she is doing something wrong but I do tell her how the town we live in is very judgemental so the children should always dress appropriately when going out or to school and have offered to iron their clothes.
2006-10-02 11:17:38 · answer #4 · answered by winter715 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your mother-in-law has no right to tell you what to do or not to do, but you don't have to start a fight to get your thoughts heard. Tell her thanks for the tidbit of info but you'd rather try it your way first. Or you could just thank her and ignore her silly suggetions. Another thought could be talk with your pediatrician and then tell your mother-in-law what he has said. I have to little girls, tickling has never hurt them. If it does anything it stimultes the nerves which helps them recognize different sensations. If it's any consolation my sister-in-law, who is on her 3rd child, told me that tickling a childs foot will make them sttutter, which is completely untrue. Hope this helps
2006-10-02 11:45:41 · answer #5 · answered by bvml 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The thing with mothers (in laws or not) when they become grannies they seem to sometimes take what I call - Granny Pills. They turn into well,...pains in the rear. You do whatever you feel you want to with YOUR baby and if something is said then I am afraid that, for the sake of your baby, your gonna have to put her in her place. It doesn't have to turn into a major arguement but I think if it happens you will have to say your piece and leave it at that.
Good luck with it all, stick up for yourself and YOUR family and enjoy your new baby and Mummyhood - its the best and don't let anybody interfere or ruin that. Good luck again.
2006-10-02 11:13:39 · answer #6 · answered by aza 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No baby has ever been injured from being tickled! Obviously, you're not gonna tickle it to death - you're gonna do it just enough to make it laugh.
You may not like this, but you need to confront your mother in law. She can't tell you how to raise your children, especially things like this. Like you said, this is absolutely ridiculous.
2006-10-02 11:06:11 · answer #7 · answered by nerveserver 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I have the same problem with my in-laws. They are always questioning and correcting everything I do. I think it is up to your husband to correct this behavior. They are his parents and they will listen to him before they will listen to you. Nip this thing in the bud now because it will get a lot worse. Trust me on this one. Good lucks to you and congrats on your new baby.
I just wanted to add, there is nothing like the sound of your own child's laughter. I love tickling my boys.
2006-10-02 12:22:13 · answer #8 · answered by TRUE PATRIOT 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL thats so funny! I've never heard that one, although I have heard if you tickle their feet they'll stutter. I'm sure this is probaly one of many old wives tales. I have 2 kids, 5 nieces, and 2 nephews. I have tickled every last one of them and theyre all fine.
2006-10-02 11:18:14 · answer #9 · answered by Maw730 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have always tickled my kids from the time they were born and my son is now 2 and a half i think its ridiculous too sometimes when they are younger they dont like it at first but they get used to it
2006-10-02 11:07:18 · answer #10 · answered by Nicole 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋