To be absolutely exhausted

[sqirrelfriends]

And to please ask for some advice? I'm at my lovely PIL with DH and 18month DS and I've had enough of running round like a crazy person trying to prevent DS from maiming himself or damaging property.

Nothing is baby-proofed, ornaments on every surface, wood burner with no guard, heavy plant pots on spindly narrow tables, he can open every door easily and wants to get into absolutely everything including the million side tables with crockery, glasses and booze.

PIL are really lovely, have been entertaining him a lot and have removed what they can from his reach but they're not set up for little ones and there's only so much they can do.

I've found little batteries in reach and have just found him with a cat teaser wrapped around his neck that was tied to the wall. Argh, I just want to sit down for 5minutes without worrying what he's up to.

How long are you there? Where's his Dad in all this?

Just over a week, most of the way there by now. DH does help but it's literally constant running after him so we're both tired.

Could you all go out to somewhere like a pub with an attached soft play area? Ds can run off some energy in safety.

YANBU. I remember visiting older relatives with dcthat age ot was exhausting. Little ornaments and sharp edges everywhere. Means DH had to take shifts.

Agree with PP. go out somewhere! Much easier to manage at a park / softplay / long walk.

I feel for you; until my DD started moving I enjoyed visiting relatives and getting to drink hot cups of tea but since she started moving it’s just been a nightmare

We've gone to the local soft play a few times, unfortunately the big kids section isn't closed off to the small kids and he is very resistant to us preventing him from going in (and hurting himself) we can't even go round with him as parents aren't allowed in.

Walks we've done to but he is refusing to walk or go in his pushchair and will only be held by me (very unlike him, it's very cold here and I think the cold air is hurting his lungs)

Generally his behaviour has been awful since we've arrived. Very insistent when he wants something, won't be told no, won't eat in his chair etc.

YANBU - it's hard at that age when they want to be everywhere but haven't reached the point where they can avoid chucking themselves off/into things!

Another vote for getting out somewhere- park/softplay etc. So your DS can burn off some energy.

Cross posted with you. Sounds like the change has overwhelmed him.

Would your PILs be offended if you went home a day or so early?

Not the point of the thread but referring to what your husband does as 'help' just perpetuates the idea that it's your job to watch DS and any 'help' from your husband is a bonus.

YANBU it is such a stressful age when you are out of your own controlled environment. It doesn’t last forever, by this time next year he will be much easier to reason with. He is probably just reacting to the change and perhaps your stress levels.

Yanbu this age is exhausting. How long are you there for? Maybe go out during the day and come back for naps so you minimize the running around.

Thanks pumpkin, we can't leave early unfortunately. I'm hoping his change in behaviour is temporary, he's stressing me out.

Marmite, I know how it sounds but DH is very hands on and would probably be very offended if he knew I referred to his parenting as "helping"

YANBU. An afternoon in that house with an 18 month old sounds stressful, let alone a whole week! Can your in laws come and visit you next time until your little one moves past this phase?

Also the behaviour issues might be due to frustration on his part of feeling cooped up. I remember our daughter behaving awfully at a friend’s un-babyproofed flat because I had to prevent her from exploring everything. It was hellish weekend!

It’s a stressful age and yes exhausting having to watch them constantly. I’m pretty sure we didn’t go and stay with anyone at that age! Bit late now but I wouldn’t go for a week again, far too long. Either they visit you or go for a couple of days max. You can’t expect them to babyproof their house so no other options. Just don’t go.

Calling him hands on is similar though nobody would ever describe a mother as that. For a dad to be 'hands on' is seen as great rather than the bare minimum.

Couple of day visit isn't an option unfortunately as it takes about 12 hours to get here.

I think we will just have to wait until he's a bit older to visit again, I can't take the running about all day and my back is in bits.

@WineAt4pm you make a good point, I think it's just the way we've been conditioned to treat men like they couldn't possibly cope with children so anything that gets done is a massive bonus. It also doesn't help that DS is going through a permanent big mummy stage right now and only ever wants me to do anything for him. It's equally frustrating and lovely and means that I do end up asking DH to do things around DS.

Do you have a travel cot with you you could use as a play pen? Just plonk him in there with some toys?