Would you let a grandparent watch your kid if they were drinking?

Question

My mother in law came to visit from out of town for the weekend. Hubby and I decided we would take advantage and go to the gym and get some food while she watched our 5 year old son. She brought a bottle of wine with her and had a glass before we left at around 5:30pm. We got back home at around 9pm and the whole bottle of wine was gone which I’m pretty sure is about 6 glasses. She also let my hubby know that she tried a little bit of his (very expensive I might add) bourbon. He only had about two shots that he drank from the whole bottle and the bottle was about 1/4 empty when we got home so I think she had at least 3-4 drinks. I know she likes her wine and I’ve seen her buzzed/drunk quite a few times before but this was different since we weren’t there and she was watching our son. He’s old enough to take care of himself but still it made me really uneasy. When we got home she was slurring her words, repeating herself, and just embarrassing herself. I don’t know what would you do/say in that situation?

Accepted Answer

Yea, she was drunk. That is completely different than someone who has a drink. What if something happened? She couldn’t take care of them in an emergency. 
Hopefully you didn’t let her drive home! I wouldn’t let her babysit anymore after a situation like that.

Answer

I think she may have a drinking problem. She can’t watch her grandson without getting drunk? She definitely wouldn’t be alone with my kid again, that’s for sure.

Answer

Unacceptable. Having a glass or two of wine sure. Drinking until your stumbling, fumbling and embarrassing yourself? No. Would she have been able to take care of the child during an emergency? Probably not

Answer

That would be the last time she was left alone with my kid. I would also ask her to replace the bourbon.

Answer

I would never allow my own mother or mother-in-law watch my children while they were drinking. No way! My mother was an alcoholic and I had never left her to care for my children. It’s irresponsible even if the child is older. It’s one thing to have a couple glasses of wine, but to drink in excess like that can be dangerous. I would have your husband talk to her about it. My MIL thankfully doesn’t drink at all, but if anything serious comes up I make it a point for my husband to approach her on the subject because she’s his mother and I feel it’s more his place to say something to her over me. I do voice my concerns with her in regards to my children, but I always have my hubby talk to her about things that bother me. She’s more likely to listen to him as well.

Answer

Nope nope nope. That is one of my few very strict rules is absolutely no drinking when they are alone with my child. Both my side and my husbands side are alcoholics and they can’t stop at one drink, they always have to be drunk. I was stuck enough with my grandparents who were alcoholics as a kid and they were both physically and verbally abusive because of it. I could never put my child through that.

Answer

I don't let my grandma watch my son if I think she's been drinking. It's not something I'm comfortable with. I don't even drink a sip of alcohol if my son is in my care.

Answer

Don't leave her alone with your 5 year old again

Answer

Absolutely not. This is an issue with my family too. If you want to drink there is zero chance you will be allowed to watch my kids alone. If you can’t get through one evening without getting drunk then there is probably a bigger issue that needs to be addressed.

Answer

Nope that would be the last time she watches him. My mom likes to drink and I'm very nervous when it comes to her watching him in the future. I'm hoping she had enough common sense to stay sober while he's around...we will see.

Would you let a grandparent watch your kid if they were drinking?

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