Vent

[meltoine]

OMG MIL. Stop talking.

N and I are visiting MIL this week. She will not listen to anything. This morning we went to Central Park. I was getting ready to wrap DS to wear him on my back. MIL was all "Let's take the stroller, it's sooooooo much easier!"

We have this conversation every time we visit. It is not easier. Taking the subway with a stroller sucks. You have to wait for the elevator, which takes ten years, is always crowded, and smells like ass. You have to get the attendant to open the handicap door for you, which they hate doing so they pretend to not hear you the first six times you ask and then they make snide comments. Plus, N is rarely happy in the stroller for a reasonable period of time. He wants to be up higher and I can't say I blame him. I would not want to be on a subway car at butt-level to everyone else. Ew.

But by the time I got myself together she already had him in the stroller. Whatever. Getting out of the subway we waited, I kid you not, 20 minutes for the elevator. It reeked of urine. Gross. I said, "this is why I prefer to wrap him. The elevator is taking forever." MIL says, "You have to get used to the city!"

Um, I know all about the city. I grew up here, remember? This has nothing to do with getting used to the city. It has to do with the way I prefer to deal with my kid.

Later when I said it was time to go because it was almost nap time, she's all "Wait! Let's go see the penguins! And the polar bear!" so N went down for a nap an hour late and only slept for 45 minutes. Because that's what happens every time he goes down for a nap late. So now he will be cranky all afternoon. And every time this happens she acts all surprised.

GAH I want to punch her.

[verycontrary247]

Stop letting her push you around.

[meltoine]

I know. But easier said than done, KWIM?

[kcd0531]

What she said. I know, easier said than done. But if you have to be a "bitch", that's what you have to be. And remember, you are not really being a bitch, you are being a mom. YOUR child's mom.

I'm still learning this lesson the hard way with my own mother. So, believe me, I get it. It's incredibly difficult when the (grand)kid is almost 9; please don't be me. Assert now.

[flycatcher]

Ugh, I would be so mad.

I agree with everyone else, your kid, you get to choose to carry or use a stroller.

[blueshirt2003]

Ugh, I'd be super pissed too!

[Deleted]

FOrget your stroller next time!!!!

[meltoine]

Lemon - she has her own! LOL

I never travel with a stroller because I rarely use mine. Like once every 2-3 months.

[bigmamma]

I'm sure this is very frustrating for you. I dealt with the same thing with MIL. It isn't likes it ethical/moral - so you question the value of the "fight". Routine is HUGE to a kid especially on a vacation. Deal with the attitude and say NO.

If she did all of this while babysitting and you were out - fine. Be pissed, but you allowed her to do what she wanted. its time to stand your ground MOM and say NO, that is not how WE do it. This is OUR routine, let me know if you don't understand something, I'll explain it, but we are NOT changing his routine.

If you reward her bad behavior by giving her her way, its just going to get worse - kind of like a toddler, only this time in much bigger diapers.

[crimewatcher]

I can accidentally hip check her into the subway rail if you like. lol. We don't have kids but I am already anticipating something similar happening with my mom. I see it with my Nephew.. she is all My House My Rules-- okay then guess who is never coming over to 'your house.'

I'm sure it's a slippery slope since she is your MIL but perhaps you can get your H on your side (if it isn't already) and have him bring it up to her. She sounds like she may throw a fit but perhaps if she hears it from her son it will hit home.