Monday, December 8, 2008

The Joys of Parenting...

Or should I say the 'getting-the-stink-eye-from-the-MIL-because-she-so-disapproves-how-you're-raising-her-grand-child' ways of parenting...

Whew, what a mouthful. ;)

Over the weekend, we went up to Columbus and stayed with Eric's mom. You know she's a good woman and I love her to death, but sometimes she is just so overbearing and so ready to give the stink-eye. Especially over parenting matters.

Granted Eric & I are a young couple raising our first child together. I'd like to think we're doing the best that we can with raising Nicklaus and IMHO, we're doing a kick-ass job bringing Bubba up. :)

There was an incident yesterday where Eric and Nick were horsing around on the family room floor while the tv was on. Nick had stepped on the remote which was on the floor and changed the input on the tv so that it displayed a lovely shade of blue. Eric stopped and scolded Nick to remind him of minding where his feet were being placed and to be aware of his surroundings.

Eric's mom was sitting on the couch and she went off on Eric because he was being to silly as to reprimand Nick for it. And the whole time she would look to me to yell at Eric too. I wasn't going to join in and yell at my man.

I let her know that we had been reminding Nick since he was 2 to be aware of his surroundings no matter if he was playing or just lounging on the couch watching tv. Nick is 3.5 now and I truly believe that he is deftly aware of what goes on all around him. Sometimes he just decides to selectively ignore things here and there. :)

Totally got the stink-eye from her.

Meh.

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7 comments:

Pam said...

I think that's the hardest thing about being a parent is getting all the familial input. It'd be one thing if it was done in a positive manner, cause you know, I *could* use the help...but yeah...It isn't always!

TMCPhoto said...

Sorry about the stink-eye. It happens to all of us no matter how much we adore the in-laws.

The best advice I have ever been given in regards to family and friends putting their two cents in with regards to parenting is to look them in the eye, smile, and tell them "What a great idea, let me think about that" or any other variation of the above. Lets them know you heard what they had to say but allows you the freedom to raise your child as you see fit.

I find this also works with the stranger on the street who feels that he/she knows better how to raise your little offspring.

Kathy said...

Tough topic. I am not a grandma yet, but I am looking forward to that day. I am also very opinionated, but I know when to keep my opinions to myself. Raising a child is one of those things that is best left to the parents. I'm sure you are doing a wonderful job!!

Baroness Bijoutery said...

I am a Grandmother, my daughter has four kids. At times it was hard to bite my tongue, but bite it I did. My kids didn't come with owners manual and I think my MIL knew it. She probably bit her lip too and I loved her for it. I know my daughter is a great Mom with or without the manual. When she asks for advice I will give it but not before. I'm sure you are a great mom and Eric a great dad, Nick will come out just fine....Smile at your MIL and just nod, you will feel better and she will think you are agreeing with her....it's called a WIN WIN.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Hee hee, I know what you mean!...when my kids were younger, I always dreaded going to family holidays becasue I knew I would get irritated at the in- laws for yelling at the kids even though I would be sitting right there making them mind.

Some houw they just seemed like they had to scold them for somethiing, even if it was how they were using their spoon or not putting their cup on the right spot by their plate. AAAH, relatives! LOL

Elena said...

Thanks for understanding everyone! And I know it's probably very hard to bite that tongue, Baroness. :) I do listen to her words of wisdom and digest them and we do discuss them as we're always evaluating our own parenting skills. It's just so challenging this whole parenting business. All we can do is fly by the seat of our pants!