In law parenting challenges

How many moms out there struggle with their in laws and parenting decisions?

Tonight I lost my cool. I didn’t yell or try to shame my SIL but darn it if she didn’t push every single button of mine (and hubby’s too!).

Both of them are highly educated and do extremely well for themselves, but know nothing about children. I’ve guided them as best I can - however they don’t care. She always says “I know nothing about babies and kids. I just learn as I go along” but won’t do the research.

Tonight was the last straw. We had a late family thanksgiving and she couldn’t get her toddler to eat as much food as she wanted him to eat. (To us seemed like a lot along with the 8 oz of milk she gave him). She kept saying negative things to him like “you’re ADD” “you’re being so naughty” and “I’m going to pinch you if you don’t stop”... then proceeds to pinch the toddler.

Why pinch a toddler for refusing to eat what you give them? Just redirect the behavior. If that doesn’t work stop the meal.

This isn’t the first time, she slapped the now toddler (8 months at the time) on the leg for “being naughty” when the baby wouldn’t eat it’s food. It’s a baby! That’s what they do. You provide as the parent and they eat what they want. If they don’t eat, then you wait until snack time or the next meal. Quit trying to truss the baby up like a freakin goose and pour food and formula down it’s throat. Give the kid fun foods to try on their own. So what, toddlers make a mess. Put a sheet down and let them explore. They’re only little for so long! Embrace it!

I’m so glad we only see them once a month. My heart can’t handle this stress.

Edit:

I’m not perfect. Far from it. I do what I can to educate myself and I give that info to my husband. He also googles baby related things too and has had some solid ideas for our house. We follow a bunch of people on instagram to help us in our journey.

If you like look up: Feeding Littles, Weelicious, Mama Knows Nutrition, Plant Based Juniors (we’re not vegan but they’ve got great tips!), the lean green bean.

For non food related tips: Little Z’s Sleep, Literacy for Littles, the Baker mama, mama papa bubba, and busy toddler!! We love them all and are enjoying learning about baby and toddler-hood.