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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.
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??
Plan to constantly chase him with "no-no" and ask your husband to give you frequent breaks.
It's rather insulting for you to be so negative about it to your husband. They are his parents!
Knowing me, I would start cleaning their house, if they won't do it themselves. You could mention that if it stays out, chances are it will break - they should know, they had at least one kid themselves.
Ask your husband to call his parents and explain to them that your child has hit the exploratory stage and request that they put away any precious breakable items. Then, buckle up and prepare to do a lot of chasing. It's just something parents have to do at this stage. Don't fret. It passes quickly.
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??
Is it possible to bring along (or ship ahead) some portable "baby gates" and restrict access to certain areas? I would also plan on spending LOTS of time outside exploring the local park scene - local yard sales for "new" items to keep occupied with - oerhaps a zoo is close by? A tired 17 month old is a better house guest.
I would probably just do a lot of chasing after the kid. Maybe you can get a baby gate to keep the baby in one room with you. Then baby-proof that room as best you can, and when you have to chase, it's not so far to go.
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??
My in-law's house is also cluttered. Not dirty, junky cluttered, just FULL of knick-knacks, artificial plants, breakables, LIT candles... I used to take it upon myself to put as many items out of reach as I could, and blow out the candles that were in reach. I thought I was doing MIL a favor by not letting my boys break her stuff (or burn down her house), but I always got disapproving looks from her. I finally gave up and last year one of them broke her big snow globe music box that was on the coffee table. I hope it was a learning experience for her. I felt kind of bad, but not really. If it isn't a danger to your child, maybe let him pull some stuff down. Maybe it will serve as a hint. but also plan on chasing. It won't be relaxing for you, but it is a phase. In a couple of years it won't be so bad. Good luck.
Yes, exactly!! They travel a LOT and have little figurines everywhere, which I am sure scream "TOY" to a little one. I know I wouldn't want a child come screaming through my house breaking things, but I can't exactly tell them what to do. I don't want to step on any toes with the in-laws, but I don't want Christmas at Grandma's be a killjoy for the baby because of all the "no-no"s.
We are going to FedEx babygates before we leave. I'm not familiar with the city in which they live, but I will suggest many outside excursions.
Yes, exactly!! They travel a LOT and have little figurines everywhere, which I am sure scream "TOY" to a little one. I know I wouldn't want a child come screaming through my house breaking things, but I can't exactly tell them what to do. I don't want to step on any toes with the in-laws, but I don't want Christmas at Grandma's be a killjoy for the baby because of all the "no-no"s.
We are going to FedEx babygates before we leave. I'm not familiar with the city in which they live, but I will suggest many outside excursions.
Thank you so much for your help!
maybe as you are chasing and taking things away, you could put them out of reach instead of back on the coffee table. then maybe it will get a little easier as the days go by.
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