My husband says that I can't put up the Christmas Tree because we have a 13mo old. Should I put it up anyway?

Question

He said that I can't put it up this year because he thinks our son will pull it over. I think that if we pay close enough attention it should be fine. I don't want to fight about it, but I do think that we should have a tree, especially with a little boy..my sister already has hers up and he loves it! I'm just aggravated because when I mention lights or anything about our tree to someone he says, "I already said we're not putting the tree up this year" like I have no say whatsoever. Should I just put it up anyway?

Answer 1

Put it up, despite what the grinch says!

Answer 2

Why does he have the final say?. If he is worried just try and find a way to make it safer, put it up only a week before to minimize the time it is up, or buy a gated play yard and put it around the tree so that you baby can not get close enough to pull it down. Also make sure it is in a sturdy stand, as someone else suggested tie a rope around the tree and fasten to the wall or a unmovable object. Of course nothing beats supervision, at 13months your baby would enjoy a tree. I had one up when my daughter was 11 months and no problems with her even attempting to pull it down. I think your husband is being a little bit paranoid, I think if he just keeps out a closer eye things will be fine. Your little one should not miss out on enjoying the lights of a Christmas tree.

Answer 3

Well, I think it's pretty silly not to have a tree because of a 13 month old might pull it over. My son was 8 1/2 months old his first christmas and he kept the lights pulled off the tree more than on! It was hilarious and I have pics of him, but it was fun and you do have to watch. Maybe you can compromise. Put up a small tree up high on a table he can't reach. Just remember, christmas is about the children and lights and the wonder of the season...most of all love. Tell your hubby to chill and enjoy seeing his son take it all in. Have a merry Christmas!

Answer 4

NO, come to a compromise, how about a small tree hi enough up baby can't reach. If you just put it up you will have WW3 at your house, he has an underlying reason, probably fear based, find out what his REAL problem is and then compromise. He should not be treating you as an underling, you don't work for him you are his partner if you want it to stay that way get together and TALK. There are safe ways to have a child around a tree, present these ways and TALK to him, do not back down unless you want to be his door mat and them maybe punching bag. Marriage is a partnership be partners and solve this together.
If you do it right the tree can be child proof, so what if he wrecks it so long as there is no glass, and no hot lights a tree can be as safe as a walk in the park and safer than aride in the car................TALK first, hopeflly no fight later......
Artificial tree, no fire hazard child proof ornaments, out of direct path or to high to reach...you have a lot of avenues to approach........
It is a little early for a tree but not to early for your talk....Good Luck and Happy Holidays

Answer 5

Oh God, I was laughing my you know off at Sue's answer! she could be me!

OK, OK, seriously, marriage IS about compromise, so why not get a tabletop tree that your son can't reach with plastic ornaments? Like the 3-4 foot kind. I have 2 kids under 5 and I have always had a tree up. Yes, they pull the ornaments off. Yes, my daughter pushed the on/off button for the lights until I was ready to throw the damn tree in the yard. But, that's life with kids, isn't it? Anyway, personally I'd put up a tree with all the trimmings and tell my husband to get happy in the same pants he got p#ssed off in, but that's my Sassy Southern nature. No reason to fight about a dumb tree, but you should have some say in it, too!

Merry christmas!

Answer 6

A Christmas tree is a symbol of something...(love....human values..family bonding..joy..respect for each other..sharing beautiful moments in life together)
You have to decide if you really want to stick to symbol or u can celebrate Christmas with same enthusiasm without just a symbol..
You can have all the joy and fun even without that tree.
I feel if you respect his feelings and celebrate it without a symbol, it will be a very nice Christmas gift to your partner..(it will not be a great loss for a 13 mo old child anyway..he still has a long way to learn to appreciate things..he also has many more years in his life to celebrate..)
At the same time talk to your hubby after Christmas(not before) and tell him that he really need not be panicky like this in coming years..kids cannot be protected too much..(they are more creative and can find more ways to get into difficult situation.) and get a promise from him to put a bigger tree next year.
All the best...........

Answer 7

I never skipped the Christmas tree when my kids were little, but if it's going to cause a fight with your husband, it's not worth it. How about getting a smaller tree this year? You could make sure not to put any breakable ornaments on it until your son gets bigger. Try to compromise with your husband, but don't let it ruin Christmas. There are lots of other ways you can decorate, if he won't budge. By next year, your son won't even remember this Christmas!

Answer 8

Why shouldn't you put up a tree. It's your responsibility as parents to teach your child not to pull on it and to enjoy it. So I guess you should get rid of all the furniture, and live in a white padded room so he doesn't get into anything. Give me a break. Teach him not to touch what he is not supposed to touch and teach him how to enjoy it. Actually having him help put some of the decorations may be a good idea. You would have to have patience of course, but it can be a lot of fun. Don't underestimate the child. You can't protect him from everything, you can only guide him and teach him.

Answer 9

first of all, don't let your son start controlling the house or you'll both be sorry.
i say, you have instinct, as a mom, and some "say" on what is "allowed" in your home.
i have 4 children (grown now) and we always had a tree..and other stuff that kids can get into...you just need to teach them to be careful..what is allowed and what is not. not going near the hot stove, etc.
yes, 13 months is a precarious age..children are curious..yet they need to explore..and also know what to touch and what could hurt them. also what the "house rules" are. simple!
i'm sure your son is not a totally out of control maniac..or you wouldn't be able to take him anywhere on the holidays where people have Christmas decorations.
i say, put your foot down on this one.
sounds like your husband is exercising his ability to be a control freak...
let him know how you feel and that you'll take responsibility for the safety of your child against a Christmas tree.
happy holidays.

Answer 10

Who the hell made him the chief? If he's afraid the baby will pull it over, tie the freaking tree to the wall to make sure it doesn't come crashing down. Remind him of some things he CANNOT do because of what might happen. He's being ridiculous. I'd put one up anyway. What's christmas for a young child without a tree!!!

Answer 11

First of all you have a baby 13 months old right and your husband wants you not to put up Christmas tree because the baby will knock it over. first of all he is going to be around things that he shouldn't be allowed to touch and this is how they learn not to touch i think he is being ridiculous about the whole idea. If you wnt to let your husbnad what you can and can not do in your own home thats your business.

best of luck