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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Regarding my MIL/holiday/DC's

18 replies

WeeClype · 26/04/2014 14:46

Going on holiday with the in-laws shortly, no problems there as we get along and always have a good time.

The last time they came with us I only had 2 DC's...now I have another 2 and they will be 2yrs and 7months.

We are heading to Florida and it was suggested by MIL that me and DH take the older 2 DC's to the water parks and leave the 2 little ones with them at the pool.

Now I'm not happy at the thought of this as the GP's can't swim, FIL walks with a stick and my 2yr old runs fast lol

I don't know if I'm being precious or not Grin as I'm sure it would be fine but I have images of them paying attention to the baby and my toddler jumping in the deep end.

OP posts:
Birdsgottafly · 26/04/2014 14:51

It would then make more sence to limit "around the pool" time, perhaps an indoor activity.

Your children might be happier, out of the heat anyway.

But whilst outdoors, arm bands, reigns (sometimes) etc.

Children pick up that they have to behave differently for older relatives, so start to instill this.

HumphreyCobbler · 26/04/2014 14:54

There is no way I would do this. Would they fling themselves in and be able to fish a child up from the bottom? Drowning takes seconds. A friend of mine turned her back on one of her children when she was in the pool with them and 1 minute later she found him stuck upside down through his ring. He had to have cpr.

3lovelykids · 26/04/2014 14:56

There are child friendly pools/play areas at the water parks so need! Shady areas also so i would all go together.

WTFlike · 26/04/2014 15:00

No to pool. Or anywhere with traffic. Or cliffs.

Original poster
WeeClype · 26/04/2014 15:08

Thanks for the replies! so should I just be honest and tell them why I'm keeping the 2 young DC's with me? I don't want to hurt their feelings but also want them to know why leaving a toddler with 2 people that can't swim worries the hell out of me.

OP posts:
Andrewofgg · 26/04/2014 15:10

Unless it's a paddling pool - YANBU and while you will let the GPs down as lightly as you can, they sound like wonderful people, you need to stand by your position, your DCs' safety comes ahead of their feelings.

dreamingofsun · 26/04/2014 15:21

why don't you just say you want to take the younger children with you as its a family holiday. You want to enjoy the parks together.

dylanthedragon · 26/04/2014 15:30

Could you leave your baby DC with them for a day or two as a compromise? You could tell them there are special toddler friendly areas at the parks so wouldn't want to leave toddler DC out. Plus, even if you set down rules of not being by the pool, there's no chance of them giving in to the baby moaning to go out there. Do they ever look after the little ones at home?

Original poster
WeeClype · 26/04/2014 15:36

When they've came with us before it's always been that the days we go off to the water parks they stay at the hotel as they hate them, they know we all go down the slides together so that'll be why my MIL offered as now either me or DH will need to sit out.

If they plan to stay inside on the water park days I'll leave the baby but take the toddler along with us.

OP posts:
Original poster
WeeClype · 26/04/2014 15:43

Dylan no they don't babysit, I have a 15yr old so she's the babysitter. They don't know how fast my 2yr old can run when he wants too lol

OP posts:
WilsonFrickett · 26/04/2014 15:50

I think taking the toddler and leaving the baby is a good compromise. There's no way I'd leave a toddler round deep water with non-swimmers, and I'm not usually pfb about gp's. Have a great holiday!

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 26/04/2014 15:55

It's my guess that they have forgotten how fast a 2-year-old can move, and when they see, they'll realise minding yours by the pool will be far too stressful.

How would it be if they (or you) found somewhere else where the two little ones would be safe under their supervision?

SaucyJack · 26/04/2014 15:55

YANBU. What use do they imagine your toddler and baby will get out of the pool if the GPs wont be swimming with them anyway?

Or maybe do park instead?

BorsetshireBlue · 26/04/2014 15:59

Buy a float suit for your two year old (to be worn at all times when near water) and teach to turn and grab when they fall in.

HumphreyCobbler · 26/04/2014 16:06

My parents forgot that two year olds don't listen or come back when called always....either that or I was an impeccably behaved toddler unlikely

dylanthedragon · 26/04/2014 16:10

If they haven't looked after your toddler before, then there's no way I would allow them to do so on holiday especially with a pool. Like SDTG said, they will probably realise that it wouldn't work after a day or two out there.

It does sound like they mean well though. If you dont want to leave the baby with them could you pop out for a drink one evening once the little DC are asleep and let them 'help' that way? Maybe you 15 year old could also stay in on standby to help if needed?

Awakeagain · 26/04/2014 16:49

Is there not an indoor activity they could go off and do for a while? Surely young dc will both need a nap as well so could be out for morning and lunch and back to hotel/villa for naps and then play there

Quoteunquote · 26/04/2014 16:54

zip child into this and relax

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