We try and keep our kids (3 and 6) off mobiles/tablets as much possible, mainly because they zone out so much when using them but also because of the constant nagging if we do let them use them occasionally. If I get really desperate (like if we’re stuck in traffic or stuck waiting somewhere boring) I let them play games but not for long and not often. Me and DH don’t have Snapchat or anything and try to keep phone use to a minimum around kids. We do use the cameras and show kids the pictures.
MIL does not understand why we do this. Whenever she comes over “to see the kids” she just hands them her phone to play with, which results in squabbling stroppy children while she’s there and a few days after she’d left. She doesn’t really read to them or play with them, which seems a shame.
Both DH and I have asked her to stop, she says we’re silly and Grandma’s are meant to give kids a treat they see them. She says this in front of them so it’s hard to argue.
She’s coming over next week and DH asked her if she can stop giving them her phone and explained the reasons why. She has turned it into a huge deal, says we must give them our phones or else how do they know how to use them, that she wants to have fun with them, plus loads of other overemotional bullshit.
AIBU to ask her to stick to our rules - even if she doesn’t agree with them? Or am I using double standards because of the occasions I do let the kids use my phone? Should I back down?