Re: Trouble with Grandma?

toypup wrote:
<cailleach@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:1157014177.910859.110470@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Instead be positive, "we would love to have the children stay at your
house, we just need to sort out these safety issues first" and then
focus on what to do about the *really* important ones. Maybe offer to
lend/buy baby gates and cupboard latches, or whatever. Actually I
wouldn't worry too much about the ornaments - it's probably only going
to take *one* broken doodad and she'll start babyproofing :-)

I'm no OP, but I'd feel like I have to pay for the broken ornaments. If they are expensive, I'd not be happy she left them out.

Eh, I think if you've made it clear that *you*
don't believe your children are to be trusted around
such things, and she chooses to watch your children
while leaving them out, it's her problem. I'd be very
clear up front. I'd say, "Mom, if it were me, I would
not leave anything delicate that I valued out while the
kids were out. They are not used to being around delicate
things, and it would require constant attention and quick
reflexes to make sure nothing got broken. It's up to you
how you want to do things in your house, but I can't
guarantee the kids won't damage anything. If you'd like
my help putting things up, I'd be happy to help."
After that, I don't see how she could blame anyone but
herself. It would be one thing if you were asking *her*
to watch your kids, but if *she's* the one who's asking
to watch them at her house, and you've given fair warning,
then she's on her own.

Best wishes,
Ericka
.

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