WIBU to physically assault FIL next time he...

[DribbleWiper]

...proclaims in a doom-laden tone "she's not a happy bunny"?

DD's had a bit of a grotty day (she's clearly not feeling well - snotty nose, sleeping lots) and been screaming her head off for a lot of the evening so far. FIL has sustained a fucking annoying repetitive running commentary throughout consisting mostly of aforementioned phrase and "it's bound to be wind" (it isn't).

So... what level of violence can I reasonably get away with? Creative suggestions welcome.

A good old flick of the balls ?

He's probably doing it to stop himself from getting annoyed. It's no fun for you, or her, but then it's no fun for him either.

Go into another room and flick him the Vs

Kick him in the shin and tell him the pain is wind . My dd is now 20 months and what I have learned in that time is this: Everyone, in the whole wide world, knows what is wrong with your baby. They will have an answer for everything she does. Sometimes, they will be right, but for the rest of the time you must learn to nod, smile and then do your own thing or they will drive you crackers. Good luck x

Thanks, guys. It's been a bit of a stressful evening. FIL's memory isn't all that hot these days (plus he's convinced he alone knows how to do everything the right way), so explaining the possible causes of her discontent is a bit pointless, as he just reverts to the default each time she cries again. It's just frustrating.

And breathe. DD has finally fallen asleep.

Could you not just take her home if she's that unhappy? It can't be much fun for you, her or your FIL to be dealing with a screaming baby and if your visit has got to the point where you are contemplating violence then perhaps it's time to go.

Are you sure it wasn't wind ?

Is there a special place on MN for grandfathers, there should be.

DoJo We're at home - they're visiting us (but staying in a B&B as our flat is TINY and the sofabed's knackered). They've gone back now and I'm quite a lot calmer as a consequence. Do feel guilty for my intolerance of what's actually not a major issue, as PIL are being very helpful at the moment looking after DD while we box up clutter in preparation for selling the flat. I'm not genuinely contemplating violence, but it's getting harder to hold my tongue.

Hassled I knew someone would say that! The last time he said it, she hadn't eaten for ages and he'd just said himself that it couldn't be wind not two minutes before! Aarrgh!

Kotinka I'm worried we might get to that stage one day... Sorry about your FIL.