Am I being precious to hate it when people say they are going to steal my DD?

[Speckledfroggys]

We have an amazing little toddler DD. She's so lovely and happy and we love her to bits. Family often say "oh we're going to kidnap her" or "we'll take her home and you can take our (pet, goldfish, their DC whatever) instead" and I really hate it!

I always read threads where people are complaining about what their MIL wants to be called to DC or their DM kissing their grandkids or whatever and think it is unreasonable but this one gets me - is it me? We love her to bits and objectively think we're good parents - why do people keep saying it?!

I reckon I'm just being a total precious loon but felt the need to make a thread about it.

Meant "no in laws" not lease!

What sort of dog @Downunderduchess? 😀

Ha! Mine are virtually grown up now, but if I look back at the toddler years (especially with DD2, who was my "difficult" toddler) then there were times when I could cheerfully have given them away.

In hindsight though, I am rather glad I didn't do that.

It's a compliment. They aren't actually going to do this.

You seriously need to relax. Fgs.

I vote seriously u and precious.

I say this all the time. I mean it as a compliment.

The only time I'm careful is if there is a history of foster care.

@speckledfoggys - you are not stupid or a prat - - something has annoyed you which most people think should not - that's all. If it weren't that it could be something else. I can't imagine being bothered by it but then I am not you. I am sure I have been been irritated by lesser things , but mostly if people keep breathing and remain polite , the little stuff just fades away & life moves on.

Other cliches and apple pie are available All best to you @speckledfroggys , your DD sounds adorable ( can I steal her ? ) I do not have a daughter of my own in my defence

People are harsh on here, fuckin hell.

Jesus I'd say no need to steal them, I'll pack a bag.

I think you are being slightly precious, but you can’t really help what you find annoying. Just try and focus on the fact that it’s intended as a compliment from people who love your daughter!

You do know they're not talking literally ? Please tell me you do.

They're pointing out how lovely she is, how about taking it as a compliment to your daughter and your parenting?

Are you worried that if you said "yeah go for it", they'd take it seriously? Do they try to take her away from you when you don't want them to - that sort of thing?

OP- You’ve clearly accepted YABU so I’m not going to pile on to day the same. I’m a woman in my thirties with no children. I sometimes say silly things like this to parents with cute children. It’s meant as code for “your child is really cute” or “you have a very well behaved child”. I’d never dream of actually exchanging my cat for a toddler. They’d have to prise the cat from my cold dead hands.

Say not day

Yes you are being precious.

My friend said when dd2 was a toddler “awww I’ll take you home with me” and when she made to leave dd got her coat and put her shoes on

You're being precious. Do you also take it literally when someone says they could eat your daughter because she's so yummy (or similar)?

@username286
Same - SIL and everyone else joke about it all the time. I hate it because a small part of me thinks it actually could happen!

Also it’s a total lie they are being polite once you through the toddler stage having full on care of someone’s else’s toddler is believe me not what most adults want to do!

OMg you’re being incredibly sensitive and shit at dealing with normal compliments / small talk.

You respond with a smile and a laugh and say something mild like “oh no, no stealing of the baby - I’ve got her tagged”. Or even just smile and don’t say anything.

Have a think for a minute about what "loving her to bits" means if you're so upset about the other turn of phrase

Also this 😂

How lovely, OP. I always knew that if anyone stole my dd they'd bring her back in a couple of hours. She couldn't bear to be separated from me and would cry non-stop until we were reunited.

There is a woman who works at my local store and she is always telling my DS (12 months) that she is going to take him home soon. I think she's just trying to be sweet but it does make me feel uncomfortable.

I say this all the time to my GORGEOUS granddaughter...'Nanny's going to steal you, go put your shoes on!' And she does...then waves 'bye bye' to her mummy 💓 We get half way down the path and she's still waving...would TOTALLY let me steal her 😂. My DD is waving right back and smiling happily. Safe in the knowledge that nobody loves this little girl more than I do (apart from her and her DH, obviously!). I do return her of course 🥰 (but would definitely steal her if I could get away with it...until bedtime 😉)

I say this about my neighbours dog but sadly she said the dog and her husband come as a pair so think I will leave it.

I have a couple of in-laws who constantly and I mean constantly say or post comments like “oooh I could eat her” “look at that face I want eat it up” as well as “I’m gonna steal her”

Now I know they’re not actually going to eat my baby or actually steal her but I can’t help but feel a shudder every time they say it. Once or twice I wouldn’t have minded but now I hate it and think can you seriously not think of something different to say