Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

So my MIL has been dying to baby-sit since Maddie was born. Well my b-day is this Saturday, DH's is next Friday and my mom wanted to take us out to dinner for an "adult" night out. So we thought perfect we can ask MIL to baby-sit it will make her day. She loved the idea and said of course! My MIL is coming to our house to baby-sit (her apt is too tiny and she is a hopeless packrat so you can barely walk in there but that's a whole other issue). So yesterday she calls DH and asks him if she can invite a friend over on Sat. and they will order in dinner. (Also I forgot to mention we just moved 2 weeks ago so the house is still upside down with boxes everywhere) So I started to consider it thinking oh she might be nervous watching DD by herself then realized she is not some 12yr. old little girl who needs assistance baby-sitting not to mention our house is not in the condition to cater to company yet. Am I being unreasonable?

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

Sounds like she wants to show off the baby. I would be miffed - the idea is that she spends time alone with her granddaughter, no?

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

Yes i think you are being unreasonable. Sorry-she is a grown woman let her do what she wants

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

Posted by melijane

Yes i think you are being unreasonable. Sorry-she is a grown woman let her do what she wants

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I'd give her the benefit of the doubt. While she raised her own children, I'm sure it's been a LONG time since she's handled a baby (or at least I'm assuming that's the case) - and she may be a little nervous. My mom didn't know what the heck she was doing when Alex was born, and honestly, I seriously considered hiring a babysitter to stay with my mom while she spent time with Alex! If you really feel uncomfortable about it though, you can always use the excuse (1) that you don't want guests in your house considering how it isn't unpacked, or (2) you don't want her exposed to other people/germs at such a young age just yet

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I wouldn't worry maybe her friend coming with her with fall through.

Enjoy your night!

If your MIL needs the help then be happy that she thought that out already and if she's bringing a friend to show off your lovely child then just be proud :)

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I think it would make me a little uncomfortable too, unless I knew the friend.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

Posted by nrthshgrl

Posted by melijane

Yes i think you are being unreasonable. Sorry-she is a grown woman let her do what she wants

Huh? Inviting people over your DIL's house when she just moved in isn't rude?

Message edited 11/15/2006 2:52:05 PM.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I wouldn't want my mil bringing a friend over to watch my son while I'm out.

Just my opinion...

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

i think she may be doing it so that she has company. considering babies don't do much, she may get bored and feels she would get a friend to hang out.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I wouldn't want someone I didn't know to well in my house when I wasn't home, regardless if its your MIL's friend. I feel you MIL should babysit alone, and have her friend over when you are home. I would tell her you would feel more comfortable with her babysitting alone, your baby should have ALL of her attention!

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

My MIL watches DS 1-2 times a week while I'm at work. Every so often, she invites her friends over for lunch. At first it bothered me (because I don't always clean too well during the week), but when I think that she is doing me a favor by watching DS, I can't get too upset about it. And she absolutely loves showing off her first grandson.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

wouldn't bother me at all. In fact, my sister watched Ella last week, and invited her friend over. I was glad she did. She had someone to hang out with once E went to sleep.

My mom once mentioned she was going to invite someone over too - but she was doing it to show off the baby.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I would nto mind if my MIL did this, but then again I don't care about being seeing my hosue messy or with boxes all over. But if that is something that bothers you, your MIL should respect that.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I would mind. you asked her to babysit not to socialize. Babysitting is not a boring task...I would tell you dont fel comfortable with company in your house yet.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I understand you being uncomfortable with a stranger in your home, but, I would like to give a perspective from someone who is, probably, the age of your MIL. My grandson was born in January and the first time I took care of him I was a little apprehensive. It had been a long time since I handled a baby and needed to get my "sea legs" back. After the first time, it all came back to me. I think this is where your MIL is coming from. She may feel unsure of herself and wants the comfort of knowing someone else is there if something should go wrong. Don't worry about the condition of your home. I'm sure her friend isn't going to mind. If you can, let your MIL have her friend over. I'm sure she will appreciate it very much and she will LOVE showing off your beautiful child.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

Sorry, I also think you are being unreasonable.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

I wouldn't mind but that is just me.
You do what you are comfortable with.

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

Re: Is my MIL retarded or am I just too uptight?

It wouldn't bother me at all.