not to go...

[user365241987]

I have a lovely MIL in her early70's, now sadly widowed. She occasionally babysits & generously offered to have DC o/n so DH and I can attend a work dinner in London (4 hours away). I think that it is a bit much for her as our youngest (only 2) is a handful. I will be stressed leaving them as we can't easily pop back if there is a problem. DH wants to go. I don't want to upset either of them but equally don't think I will enjoy going or feel relaxed when there. Not sure what to do.

As a thank you for the babysitting could you afford to make it a family trip to London? Book a hotel and have a nice touristy day the day after the meal? You'd be near, dh would be happy and you'd make mil day!

Or have a trial night when you are at home in case she needs help - if all good it may put your mind at rest, if it doesn't work and Mil needs assistance then perhaps think about what Threeme has suggested.

Quite often children behave so much better for others! (speak from experience )

In the kindest possible way - this is about you and not your DC.

Go or don't go - your choice.

But like the idea of taking your MIL and putting her up with your DC in a nearby hotel, if you can afford that option.

Thanks, already had a holiday with her this year and we can't afford another trip if I'm honest. She does make decisions which stress me at times and I think I probably need to feel able to say no. She has lots of quality time with the DG so this is not a rarity.