We have a 3 year old and 5 mo. old. When we go to my moms to visit, it seems to upset my step dad alot because the oldest will play with toys and get things out like all other normal kids do. Eveytime we are there my step dad has to say something about the toys being out. Just the other day I heard him tell my mom "she doesn't need to watch cartoons 24-7". It's like he expects her to sit on the couch and not do anything. BTW, we have never once failed to clean up the toys before we have left. I think my step dad is just a grumpy old man.What would you do?
2007-11-26 03:52:25 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Your step-dad sound like what mine was like. A complete miserable odd-ball!
My Dad hated anything being out of place and if it made a noise (even a low noise) then it was banned.
I would confront him and ask him what the problem is?
Sounds like he is one of the "grumpy old men" and set in his ways!
2007-11-26 04:05:50 · answer #1 · answered by laplandfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't hear anything that unreasonable that you say he says. A few toys out are not a big deal but are they making a big mess with the toys? even if you clean it up later the mess might bother him while it's there. And kids need to play outside and stuff, not just watch cartoons 24/7. he is right about that.
I don't know enough about this situation to know if he is just being grumpy because he doesn't want to be hassled by your mom's grandkids or if it's just that he has different ideas about raising.
In any case, I wouldnt stop taking them there when he was there.
2007-11-26 11:58:54 · answer #2 · answered by aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try not to use the TV as a pacifier and bring some dolls for them to play with or make cookies, talk to your kids and get them involved in conversations. Do what you would do if the electric went out.
TV should never even be changed over for the kids. Keep the living area picked up while you're at their home also. Try to keep the visits short while he's at home. Maybe this will help a little
2007-11-26 12:10:53 · answer #3 · answered by Hi its me again 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well your mom should put her foot down and tell him that kids are going to be kids and he will just have to accept the fact that her grandkids will be coming over from time to time and his Grumpy A** just gone have to deal with it! Or just let your kids not go over there although the step-dad is being a Big A**!
2007-11-26 12:24:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd tell my mom that you appreciate her willingness to babysit but that you'd prefer she come to YOUR house from now on to babysit. If she wants to know why, just say "well, the kids are much more comfortable in their own home w/ their things where they can watch their movies and make as big a mess as they want with their toys."
If she keeps pressing you for more information, then say "look, your husband makes it very clear that he doesn't enjoy the kids being at your home so i really don't want them in an environment around someone who obviously doesn't even like them."
2007-11-26 12:15:59 · answer #5 · answered by bestadvicechick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have a 3 year old and a 7 month old. We have almost the same problem from my mother she gripes about everything my children do while they are at her house. I eventually stopped letting them go to her house. This hurt her feelings and she asked me why I didnt let them come over anymore. I explained to her that her attitude towards my children had to go before they could come over again. She changed right away
2007-11-26 12:04:43 · answer #6 · answered by April G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he doesn't want CHILDREN playing with TOYS in his house, don't take them over... and tell them that in order to resolve this situation, they can come over to visit your children but that you're sick of going over there and constantly getting crap just because your children make a temporary mess with toys that you clean up before you leave.
2007-11-26 12:05:54 · answer #7 · answered by ♪Msz. Nena♫ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely you don't bring your children over there, they are most likely feeling unwanted already. I would tell mom that if she wants to see the children she's welcome to come to your house any time she wants, but that you just aren't comfortable bringing them over there. If she asks kindly explain that it appears g-pa is irritated by them and since they are children, they are going to make little messes and be children, but with the way he is treating the situation, it's easier for them to be comfy at home. Good luck!
2007-11-26 12:42:36 · answer #8 · answered by oh_my_its_linda 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, he sounds like a grump. They are not his grandchildren so he finds plenty of fault with them being around. I had an evil step dad. Avoid him is my best advice. Your children don't need to be around him, and he may very well be a threat to them someday.
2007-11-26 11:57:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would ask mom to come to my house to visit the kids. Step Dad will not be happy if he thinks you and your mom are doing things behind his back. Then maybe your mom will tell you why she tolerates such bad behavior from her husband.
2007-11-26 11:57:11 · answer #10 · answered by Pal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋