Having parents that live in the same town as you is a big deal, especially when you have kids. I am lucky enough to have my parents live in Houston, and I am so thankful for all their help. I am a stay at home mom and my girls don’t go to MDO or preschool yet, so my parents will often watch the girls when I have appointments. It is so nice that the kids get to spend quality time with their grandparents, and I don’t have to pay a babysitter. I really appreciate their help…as long as they do everything exactly the way I would do things.
And there lies the problem. When I drop off the girls at their house or when my parents come over, I have expectations of them doing things a certain way. Namely, my way. That applies to the timing of naps, type of snacks offered, amount of tv watched, night time routine, or any other parenting technique. I consider myself a laid back person in general, but for some reason in this area I tend to be very up tight. I have realized, I need to learn to relax.
I still have a long way to go, but I am taking baby steps. I remind myself that they are doing me a favor. They are not obligated to drop everything and watch my kids just because they are grandparents. They are showing my children and I love by sacrificing their time for us. And my kids will not die if they watch 3 shows on Disney Jr. or if they do not consume any fruit with their lunch, or heaven forbid if they eat sweets. Because I have those days too. Can anyone say, double standard? {I am not saying my parents do this all the time, just giving examples.}
I also have to remember, um hello, they raised 2 girls themselves.
{And I think we turned out great, ha!} Sure it has been a while since they have been in the baby stage, but I don’t need to micromanage them. I am trying to work on this.
The bottom line is that I need to be thankful and just let things go. There are worse things in the world than a skipped nap. If the grandparents are taking good care of them and keeping them safe, then that is all that really matters.
And they are. They do a great job.
Now tell me, how do you react when grandparents or other people watching your kids do things differently than you?
