Should I force my 15 month old to attend a 6 year old's birthday party?

Question

I have already decided not to go but I just wanted to see what others thought about this.

My sister in law is having a party for her son at tumble time. My 3 year old is going with my husband and I opted to stay home with my 15 month old as he is too little to attend (according to rules and regulations at the party site) My mother in law is upset by this. She thinks I should bring my very active 15 month old and stick him in a stroller for the party. We have to drive 3 hours just to get there so he will already be spending 6 hours total in a carseat. He does not like his car seat and screams after 20 minutes. I think it is cruel to force him to go. What do you think.

I need the advise of strangers as my husband can't give me an unbiased opinion.

I just wanted to add that I also don't want my very stubborn 15 month old to ruin my nephews party. He will scream and cry the entire time and I don't think it is fair to my nephew either.

Answer 1

i wouldn't take him either. active babies never want to stay in a stoller, especially after a long car ride. you'll be doing yourself and everyone else a favor by keeping him home.

Answer 2

I have a seven year old autistic child and he has no business sometimes being at other childrens party that take place say like at day care or something, but I would not want him excluded other wise, because he has a right to have social activity. I think that sense there is a rule, you are doing the right thing by following it. If you were just not going to go that would be ok too because you know your child better than anyone. If you think his irritation would ruin the party and you feel it necessary to stay home then that is totally your decission and no one should down you one way or another.

Answer 3

The car ride alone sounds horrendous! Personally, I would ignore the MIL and keep the toddler at home. He won't even realize that he's missing anything and would spared an exhausting day of an extended car ride and having to sit still. I cannot imagine anything more agonizing than a 15 month old having to sit and watch other kids tumble for an hour. It just doesn't seem fair! I'm sure your husband knows how to handle his mother and he and your 3 year old will have a fun day out.

Answer 4

You made the right decision. It is too much for a little one to have to sit in a car seat for 3 hours and then ask him to stay put in a stroller for another 3, while all the other kids get to play, and then sit for another 3 hours still. If she still pushes the issue, direct her here and have her read what every one else thinks.

Answer 5

No you should not put you or your family through what is going to be a miserable trip--How fun would it be for you or your toddler to be in a fun place and not having fun--?? Its not up to your mother-in- law to make the call and she has no right to be angry at you--the fact that your husband is making the trip with your 3 yr old is good enough--and they should be happy with that--stick to your decision--and frankly I think your husband should back this 100% OR let him contend with a cranky baby while you have fun with the older children--better yet let the mother-in-law too--

Answer 6

u know what?..... do what's best for your son. so what if your mother in-law gets upset, shes not the one thats going to deal with your son. tell her to stop being selfish and be resonable. its a birthday for a 6 yr old for crying out loud, not for todlers. whats the point of him going and he gets to sit in the stroller the whole time(not to mention the car seat for 3 hrs) watching the older kids have fun? I bet you hes going to cry the whole time wanting to get out of the strolller. stand up for yourself and put your control-freak mother in-law in her place. okay maybe you're softer person than me. I would probably say unkind things. for you, don't raise your voice or in a confrontationl attitide. call her up and explain to her everything you just told us. if she doesn't understand, thats her damn problem. as for your husband, he can't stand up to his mother. always will be. thats why he doesn't have an opinion. if you do the same, your mother in-law will walk all over you. do the right thing and whats best for your family.

Answer 7

If you dont want him to go dont take him. that is a long ride in a car seat. My mother-in-law is the same way, she always tries to push me into taking my daughter somewhere when I dont think she needs to go. He is your son you make the decision.

Answer 8

Your sister in law will get over it. That would be cruel. Or, you could take the trip and then when you get there you give him to your sister in law and say, "here, you deal with him." and walk away..haha i'm just kidding, don't take him!

Answer 9

Definetly not.He is your child and you must do what you are comfortable with and what is best for him.The long drive to and from would only upset him and make him irritable and you yourself would not enjoy anyway.

Answer 10

I would stay home, it will save your sanity in the end. Your mother in law will get over it!!