To think my parents shouldn't smoke around my children

[Doomandgloom]

Parents have smoked for 40 years,after a major op (dad) a few years ago they both claimed they had given up. I never believed they had completely given up as the house would often smell of cigarettes,clothing smelling of smoke and you would see ashtray contents in the bin. If I mentioned this they always blamed a neighbour who had called around! They do childcare for me a couple of times a week and sometimes dc clothes have a whiff of cigarette smoke about them. Have always wanted to mention this to them but I know they would just deny it and I didn't want to create an awkward situation regarding the childcare. Fast forward to a week ago Dc were staying over at there house and my dp called around unannounced and spotted my dad about to light up in the kitchen where dc were. Now dp never said anything at the time and I don't think my dad knows he was spotted. I am angry that they appear to be smoking in the house when dc are there,I thought they would at least go outside. So today is the first day since then that they will be looking after Dc. I feel it needs mentioned but I don't want to create an awkward situation.

I hate all these replies that go along the lines of "their home their choice, find alternative childcare".

If that were me I think I would have a gentle word with them and explain your concerns. Tell them that its really bothering you and even provide them with information on the damage that passive smoking can do.

Ask them to come to some kind of compromise with you. They wont suddenly be able to stop smoking, as you are probably already aware, but maybe going outside or standing at the door is a good compromise (its not ideal but still better than nothing).

Its a difficult one. But I would feel exactly the same as you.

ComposHat Yes, really, or I wouldn't have said it - I'm not in the habit of saying things I don't mean.

Of course we all are exposed to other toxins, there's not a lot we can do about that (on an individual basis), but you can do something about being shut in a room with a smoker & worse still, allowing your children to be shut in a room with a smoker (or two).

I know the OP would lose her childcare, do you seriously think I couldn't work that out? Yes, it might put them under financial pressure