She will openly defy my wishes for my 12mo son not to have soft drinks, tea, or junk food. She even tried giving him tea while he was in my lap! I know that he'll get spoiled by his grandparents, and I'm all for that. The food that he gets in his belly is important to me. It's something I feel very strongly about. Obesity runs in both my and my husbands family. She's also fed him buttered and salted baked potatoe in front of me when he loves to eat it plain. If she's feeding him this in front of me, what is she giving him when I'm not around? Confused as to how I can get it through to her that I want to control what he eats and drinks (within reason- like no caffiene drinks, no extra salt or butter, plenty fruits and veggies, no chips, etc) Help me!
2007-02-20 03:33:07 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Simply tell her in a nice way you would prefer for your child to eat healthy. Why, because a baby doesn't know what he's being feed.And he may enjoy some of the junk food, who doesn't but, it shouldn't be on a regular basis. And tell her your son's health is very important to you. With obesity in both families let here know that your concerned about his health now to protect him from any problems in the near future. Try taking the food and snacks you would like for your son to have. Surely being the the Grandma she wouldn't be offended and think about her grandson's health. I myself have inherited some of my parents illnesses and it's not something you can blame your parents for. This why you take care of this issue now and not regret it later in your son's future. I'm sure she will understand. Good Luck
2007-02-20 04:06:11 · answer #1 · answered by redrose11 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the mother in law.
You should try to talk to them, explain that you dont want you child to eat these things, maby find a middle ground like "if you give him chips then no butter or salt on his potato, If you give him more then 2 cookies no soda only water, and juce"
Grandparents will always give out sweets and food thats not the best for kids its something you will get used to.
If it bugs you alot you can always say these are the rules respect it or he will not be spending the night, he will not come over unless I am with him, and you will be watching him.
2007-02-20 03:48:42 · answer #2 · answered by monkeyeatbutt@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You and your husband need to present a united front with your mother-in-law. Hopefully if she sees that both you and your husband (her son) feel strongly about the foods she is giving him, she will stop. The most drastic thing you could do is stop allowing your son to see her, but that's probably way too harsh. Try to let her know your concerns and if she's still unwilling to abide by your wishes - don't let your child eat around her. Choose times to visit when there won't be food around. Good luck to you!
2007-02-20 03:41:33 · answer #3 · answered by socmum16 ♪ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ahhhh...the age old question. I have just about the same problem with my mother in law.......can't get her to listen to me. I've started using the word "no" with my mother in law. It's come to the point where I make sure either my husband or I am sitting with my son when we have meals that involve my MIL.....her big thing is pulling out snacks before dinner or giving him snacks while she makes dinner......I just go in and take my son.....it's not a perfect solution, but it's come to the point where my husband and I have disucssed the need to tell her that she needs to abide by our rules, becuase we are the parents....they've been out of state for a while, so we haven't had to resort to it....but that's our next step.
Unfortunately I think it's something that a lot of grandparents do. They feel the need to do what they want right in front of you, even when you've asked them not to.
2007-02-20 06:03:53 · answer #4 · answered by kittynala 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
She is using your kid to get to you. Tell her that you are going to quit bringing him over until she understands the importance of the things that you do for YOUR kid.
Think if she defies you with food, what happens when your son needs to go somewhere in a vehicle with "mother-in-law" and you tell her "Keep him in the car seat at all times" and she gets a stick in her A** and decides not to put him in the car seat, anything can happen. Food, Safety, and Developmental issues are all things that you get to decide for your child not anyone else. You don't have to accept their ignorance,especially when it comes to your child. Back Bone! It will cause conflict, but think about your kid. Grandma or not!!!!!
Good Luck...........
2007-02-20 03:47:49 · answer #5 · answered by candy192111 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I doubt that the junk food your MIL gives him will make him fat. However she does need to follow your requests just keep emphasizing the need for him to have healthy foods. Your MIL probably looks at what she gives him as healthy enough for her kids and good for yours well-NO you said your husband had a weight problem. BUT-just because you and your husband have a problem does not mean your son will and doesnt mean he shouldnt ever get a little junk food. I agree she shouldnt feed him stuff you dont want him to have but as a grandmother I know I like to treat my grandchildren and I know they eat a very good healthy diet at home and so I spoil them some. My daughter told her kids :"Just because you get it at grandmas doesnt mean you get it at home!!".
One suggestion is to take a food baggy with treats for him in it. Then when she offers chips you can have something healthy insted for him.
2007-02-20 03:46:08 · answer #6 · answered by elaeblue 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is disrespectful that she does not listen to your wishes. You and your husband should sit down and talk to her and reinforce how important it is to you and that you will be seeking another sitter if she does not respect your wishes. Let her know about your health concerns and show her you are serious..you are the parent.
2007-02-20 04:43:07 · answer #7 · answered by Elizabeth C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I'll tell you what I did when my father-in-law wanted to feed my 6 month old chocolate.
"Because he's my son, and I said so, and if you don't want to abide by my rules than my son won't be coming to visit."
End of story. Not only are your parent's setting a bad example with food, they are setting the example that they don't have to respect you. Ask them if that is the lessons they want your son to learn?
2007-02-20 03:39:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
YOU are the mom, not her...if she gives him food in front of you, take it away and protest and don't leave him alone with her...have your hubby talk to her! If she can't abide by your rules, she can't be near your kids, simple as that!!
2007-02-20 03:41:50 · answer #9 · answered by beetlejuice49423 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Umm... tell her no!
If it were a baby sitter who kept giving your child things you didn't like, what would you do?
You wouldn't leave your child in her care anymore.
So why would you leave your child alone with this woman who doesn't follow your wishes for your child?
2007-02-20 04:21:19 · answer #10 · answered by starlight 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋