My husband's mother has Schizophrenia. She lives near by with her husband and youngest son and she stays at home all day. She has been watching my husband's niece for as long as I can remember. I do not know if she did while she was an infant though. She loves baby and kids and she used to be a nurses aid so she know basic medical knowledge. I am not pregnant but I want to start a family soon and I want to make sure I cover everything. And when it comes to childcare we could save a lot of money if we allowed our kids to stay with her. And I know she would enjoy it. However, she does have Schizophrenia and I don't know much about it. She is on medication and I have never observed any behavior that would make me think she'd endanger a child. And her husband makes sure she takes her meds. My husband or his brother's don't like to talk about her illness so I can't ask them questions. Please tell me what you think!!!
2007-09-17 05:49:55 · 12 answers · asked by Corbin's Mommy 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
If they won't talk about it, I'd consider getting other care.
There are different levels of this mental illness. Some folks never did more than hear voices, while others are violent. Ask your SIL about her experiences. Sit down with your MIL and talk to her about her illness. What does she feel her limitations are, for instance?
Keep in mind that this illness is often hereditary although it can happen out of the blue or due to an injury. Get lots of info.
My sister is severely bipolar and clearly would have difficulty with young children, or long periods of time babysitting. She's otherwise great with kids and I would never hesitate to ask her to do so, but not for day care.
2007-09-17 06:47:51 · answer #1 · answered by CarbonDated 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not let my MIL watch my kids, at least not until they're 10 or 12 years old - and by then she will be in her mid 80s and not physically able to do it. She just is not capable of being direct, she says things like "That's a no." WTF? Are you joking? And she and my FIL both believe in corporal punishment, which I am opposed to. I figure my kids will be able to follow their rules and be able to not get spanked by then. I also feel that it's the mother's culture that is passed on, not the dads - so the paternal grandparents are somewhat irrelevant while the maternal grandparents have a great deal at stake. Of course, that's my huge bias too. I mean really, the maternal grandmother's active presence in a child's life greatly increases a successful outcome for that child while the other grandparents have little input on success.
2016-05-17 05:26:50 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is probably not what you want to hear but, for the best interest of your future children, you need to approach you're husband about this and get his whole story and feelings about it. From there you and he are able to make intelligent decisions that are right for you're family. At the same time, gather as much info as you can from family, internet, doctors, ect. That way you can make a fully informed decision about what you really want to do. It's all in the best interest of your kids.
2007-09-17 06:03:28 · answer #3 · answered by bumber 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you really believe that a women with a serious mental illness is best for your child? Better than having mom or dad raise them all day? Doesn't say much for you does it?
Save your money before baby comes so you (or your husband) can stay home and raise your own child.
2007-09-17 05:57:38 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know anything about her condition but this is your baby's life/health you're talking about. You husband HAS to talk about it in relation to this subject. If he won't then he's a poor father. It's an important subject, especially if you're even the slightest bit worried about your child. It's not like you're just asking for no reason other than wanting to hear about it.
2007-09-17 05:57:49 · answer #5 · answered by Mike 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she has continually been on medication without any problems I might give it a try. If she sometimes forgets them and has episodes then no. Read up on her condition. Webmd is a great place on the web to get info on anything medical. You can get a lot of info there.
2007-09-17 20:51:20 · answer #6 · answered by kim h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are being a bit shallow. People who have mental illness are not always the threat you seem to think they are. While it is true that some people with schizophrenia are a danger to themselves and society, the facts are that not everyone who has a mental illness is crazy, violent or the usual stigmas attached to mental illness.
Since you seem like a relatively open-minded person, I would encourage you to ask your mother-in-law about her illness and how it affects her. I encourage you to listen clearly to what she has to say. You may also want to do some research from such organizations as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill or from books that are readily available from your local library or bookstore.
2007-09-17 06:02:29 · answer #7 · answered by Blue Falcon 5 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Well, they need to be able to talk about it. Skiz. is a very serious disease, depending on how severe it is for her. If she happened to get off her meds, it could be ... well, tragic.
But we dont' know the situation - you do. You need to be able to talk about this w/ your husband, b/c this needs serious consideration.
Also, do some research on the disease.
I would ask her Dr what he thinks....b/c he prolly knows her personal situation better than anyone else. He could tell you the risks/rewards.
2007-09-17 05:57:28 · answer #8 · answered by Dj 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No i wouldn't. You have to do what's best for your child and this might be a bad idea. You should be soooooo protective of your child. What if she goes off of her meds one day and you don't know it?
2007-09-18 07:02:23 · answer #9 · answered by Carrie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i suppose she bought her own children! even so i dont think i could leave my son with someone who is mentally unstable i know that sounds awfull but you would never forgive yourself if anything bad ever happend
2007-09-17 05:59:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋