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While you are chasing the little one remind your self frequently that this is Grandma and Grandpa were talking about. I was and still am the same way--driving myself crazy with the no no's. Mom had to finally break it down that shes's not new to kids and expects a few 'accidents' (meh my kids are hurricanes)
I think the inlaws know a bit of what to expect so don't spoil your holiday and if push comes to shove gift whatever gets broken for X-Mas next year...
Hi!! I need a little help here... Christmas is fast approaching, and we will be flying in to be with the in-laws. They have a large home (so staying at a motel isn't an option), however, it is a VERY cluttered home. Not so much to the point where it's a collapsing fire hazard, but you cannot see counterspace OR tabletop space in the kitchen...
My problem is my 17 month old, who will, no doubt, want to pull everything down and apart. I have discussed with my husband that I am not going to be the one constantly chasing him with a "no-no", but I have a feeling that this is what this holiday is going to be.
Do you all have any suggestions on what to do??
You're flying with a 17-month-old? Why can't they come to see you? It would make a lot more sense, as your home is no doubt toddler-proof, I presume.
Frankly, I wouldn't even consider taking a toddler into a home that was so cluttered you can't even see the counters! That sounds bizarre, are they hoarders? Sounds like a health hazard for your child.
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It's rather insulting for you to be so negative about it to your husband. They are his parents!
I don't think there's anything wrong with a mother wanting the father of her child to assist her. Sounds like she's going to need it, to say the least!
My momma is a stacker. Nothing unhealthy, but her counters are always cluttered. My son's gramma and great aunt have nick nacks - doo dads - whatnots all over the home. I simply taught my son that he couldn't pick up everything he wanted to. When he was small, we had a wood stove. I had to teach him that no meant no and that he couldn't grab anything he wanted.
In your case, I would take a portable gate/play yard. But why not leave your son alone with the g'parents for a couple of hours. Not only would this be great one on one for them, but it would also remind then that little ones see doo dads as playthings and they may get the idea to put a few away for safe keeping if they are the ones doing the chasing.
My momma is a stacker. Nothing unhealthy, but her counters are always cluttered. My son's gramma and great aunt have nick nacks - doo dads - whatnots all over the home. I simply taught my son that he couldn't pick up everything he wanted to. When he was small, we had a wood stove. I had to teach him that no meant no and that he couldn't grab anything he wanted.
In your case, I would take a portable gate/play yard. But why not leave your son alone with the g'parents for a couple of hours. Not only would this be great one on one for them, but it would also remind then that little ones see doo dads as playthings and they may get the idea to put a few away for safe keeping if they are the ones doing the chasing.
That takes a while and many, many times telling them "no"
You're flying with a 17-month-old? Why can't they come to see you? It would make a lot more sense, as your home is no doubt toddler-proof, I presume.
Frankly, I wouldn't even consider taking a toddler into a home that was so cluttered you can't even see the counters! That sounds bizarre, are they hoarders? Sounds like a health hazard for your child.
I don't think there's anything wrong with a mother wanting the father of her child to assist her. Sounds like she's going to need it, to say the least!
We're flying because they're the most "central" location... they are in Tennessee, we are in South Carolina, his sister is in California. It's our first time flying with the little one, so I'm kind of nervous!! He's a calm, good natured kid, but I always fear the worst (THE screaming child on the plane scenario)... I really don't know if they are hoarders or not, but we definitely have different standards of clean. I'm not afraid of anything of caving in on us, but there's just so much... stuff... I'm sure that the little one will see it as one big playground. While I'll be doing my share of running around and putting up, I don't want the in-laws to be put off by my actions.
And thank you all so MUCH for the advice... I think some alone time with Grandma and Grandpa would be JUST the thing!! Sometimes, it takes actually experiencing something to open one's eyes.
Instead of sending baby gates by FedEx, you might see if there is a local place by them where you can rent them. Might even be cheaper than shipping. Or maybe they know someone who has dogs and uses gates and is going out of town and you can borrow their gates, or something like that.
Hold your baby and enjoy the holiday!
Great excuse for not doing the dishes!
Enjoy, they grow soooo fast
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