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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Inappropriate tv at Inlaws

299 replies

Zippyette · 17/10/2016 21:43

Whilst I was at in laws on Sunday a dead body was on the TV screen whilst my FIL watched beregerac. I said at the time it wasnt appropriate for my 3 yo daughter but FIL just responded by saying 'she doesn't look very well' to his granddaughter. I was fuming so we left soon after.
I've said to my husband that we should say something to his parents before we visit next time such as ' can you make sure you're not watching an adult programme next time we visit?' (Or something similar -ideas?!) But he thinks we should ask them to turn the telly off or over if it happens again as he doesn't want to upset them. I'm saying I'm being proactive as they're still going to get upset and feel he's putting his parents feelings before our need to protect our child. He disagrees.

So now I gave two choices - either phone them up and say something - potentially upsetting them (which I've already done when I turned the telly over to cbbc bedtime when we were visiting over the summer as it was near bedtime and I wanted something calming) or go along with my husband.
What would you do?

OP posts:
justgivemeamo · 19/10/2016 13:19

X factor is a hideous exercise in bullying & public humiliation. Like being picked for sports only in front of millions of people. Vile, exploitative BS.

^^ AGREE also EASTENDERS is vile, every time we accidently flick to it - someone is being pushed against a wall or some nasty argument, and the sets themselves are so miserable

as you were Smile

BowieFan · 19/10/2016 13:53

I used to watch Tales of the Unexpected. Every week I used to scare myself shitless watching it. I don't know why, I knew there was always a twist and yet it used to draw me in. I remember there being a really really creepy one about a girl on a bus.

bruffin · 19/10/2016 17:01

My DD used to be petrified of the cow that peaked over the hedge at the beginning of Rosie and Jim Confused

Soubriquet · 19/10/2016 17:05

My dd was petrified of monkey from pg tips ad

The one where he takes a sip goes "oooooooh" and you look inside his mouth to everyone dancing as fruit

She used to scream and cry Confused

Found her a monkey toy and she got over it eventually

romany4 · 19/10/2016 17:38

I thought you were going to say he was watching The Walking Dead or something.

I used to sit on my dad's knee watching The Sweeney, The Professionals and Carry On films from age 4.

I didn't grow up damaged.

Brighteyes27 · 19/10/2016 17:40

I would try not to get too focused on it.

We don't visit often and when we used to stay over due to distance I struggled to restrain myself with my Outlaws. The kids stay up later when at there's as it's the weekend and no chance of any sleep with TV and loud voices. FIL has been known to put CSI on, various war films, cowboys etc and worse and when I have said please could you put something else on he gets all uppity so I take the kids upstairs and we read until I'm nearly asleep.

annfield62 · 19/10/2016 18:55

I don't know if you've heard but Punch and Judy is really traumatic, it's so violent and in the middle of the fighting a crocodile turns up.

annfield62 · 19/10/2016 18:57

My son loved Punch and Judy but was terrified of Bertie Bassett off the liquorice allsorts ad.

EvansOvalPies · 19/10/2016 19:40

As an adult, I find the McDougal man very sinister. In my day, he was a happy little cartoon chap called Fred, selling flour. This new one is very creepy indeed.

StressedOne · 19/10/2016 19:56

So Sorry, but YABVVVU, I thought you were going to say it was the children covered in blood in Syria, or limbs blown off, or swearing. My daughter used to be in the room when Murder she Wrote was on, but I wouldnt (and still dont) let her watch soaps - far too much rape, abortions, violence!! Grin

debbs77 · 19/10/2016 19:58

My kids watch greys anatomy !

coffeeandbubbles · 19/10/2016 20:01

Do you live far away and only visit and stay over every so often? If so, might it be better if you suggested turning the tv off and actually spending quality time together?

FlabulousChic · 19/10/2016 20:09

Blimey I watched all sorts of tv when my kids were young. Never horror. They never showed an ounce of interest

riceuten · 19/10/2016 20:39

You could have said, if your DD noticed - which I doubt - he's not REALLY dead, he's just pretending for the camera.

So yes, you are needlessly overreacting.

riceuten · 19/10/2016 20:42

Yes, I remember 'The Changes' - they DID preface it with 'this is a series for older children', though. I even have the DVD.

IFinishedTheBiscuits · 19/10/2016 20:44

Expected to sympathise because me and my Dad had a huge argument when he refused to turn the Channel 4 news off when the Jordanian pilot was set on fire in a cage by ISIS. While simultaneously trying to drag my 7 year old son kicking and screaming out of the room. I'd previously texted and then phoned my parents from work, asking them to make sure my sons didn't see the news.

But... Bergerac?!

StressedOne · 19/10/2016 21:36

@ Thatwas - similar thing happened with my DD, I was watching House and she walked in the front room, not sure why she had woken up- right at that point House fell and she just burst into tears. I guess when you are 3/4 and just woken up in a daze that can happen! Maybe she'll become a doctor GrinHmm

Notmuchtosay1 · 19/10/2016 22:11

I've not gone through all replies, so I'm sorry if I'm repeating. But there's a lot worse on the news. All mine have seen the news from a young age. I wouldn't worry about someone "playing dead" it wouldn't bother me st all.

Dontpanicpyke · 19/10/2016 22:27

MissH yes that was it.

Bowie I bloody remember the episode it was about the killing of young girls and she was targeted as the next victim and apparently being helped by s kind middle aged lady who took her to her caravan where the killer was waiting. Thry were a serial killer couple.

Scared the fucking pants off me.

MsJudgemental · 19/10/2016 22:28

At 18 months old, my son watched the unfolding of '9/11' while excitedly shouting 'Plane! Fire!' He experienced an important historical event was not traumatised. I think an episode of Bergerac should be OK.....

MsJudgemental · 19/10/2016 22:28

AND was not traumatised

BanquoGhostie · 19/10/2016 22:41

We had to watch The Professionals since Gordon Jackson aka Cowley was my mum's cousin! Didn't matter if it was 'appropriate viewing' - it was on!

Dontpanicpyke · 19/10/2016 23:12

Banquo he was quite hot for an old guy. Grin go uncle Gordon.

Eiram49 · 19/10/2016 23:14

This all seems a bit daft?
My 3 year old, if they noticed the "dead
Body" at all would've thought someone was just asleep?! However, I wonder at us that we think to acknowledge death, even at such
A young age, is damaging. Surely if explained in an age appropriate manner, we would be doing more good than harm?

Natstar98 · 20/10/2016 08:48

Wow, so all you ever watch is cbeebies. Stop trying to be the 'perfect' parent and take a long hard look at your bossy/crazy self. 'Sorry kiddo you can't go see gramps just in case he refuses to turn the telly over and watch more age related shows' (which I assume are well before watershed). Make sure you avoid Bambi as the dead mummy deer will only bring more death and destruction. I have a feeling your child is going to grow up to be one self obsessed, spoilt, pampered princess who thinks the world should revolve around her, just like her mother.