AIBU to feel molly coddled here?

[covfefe18]

I'm a FTM with a 12 week old DS. My car is broken and so I've relied on my dad this weekend to get to shop etc. He just got a new car which is an automatic and I'm used to a manual, but I did a test drive earlier with him and all is well. I need to make a journey with my DS in the car seat to pick up DH but my dad is adamant he wants to come with because he needs to keep an eye on DS in the back seat (even though I have a mirror so I can see him when driving). He's probably afraid I'll crash his new car too. AIBU to feel like I'm being treated like a baby? It's common practice for my parents to baby me even though I'm now in early thirties. I have been insistent to drive myself but keep ending up in an argument with them. Exasperated here!

For the record, we are in a bubble and are adhering to all guidelines. It's one thing I'm super cautious about!

If it's his car and you're not used to driving an automatic, I can see why he would want to come with you.

Ask your Dad to pick up DH. Job done.

Well- I suspect you are right and he’s worried about you crashing the car, but he’s worried about it because of you and the baby, not his car. It’s quite throwing switching from manual to auto and he’s thinking if the baby starts fussing you might get distracted and...

So I think he’s being a good dad and I wouldn’t die on this hill, it’s more grown up to see his point. If you think they molly coddle you generally then that is a separate issue.

Remind him you are an adult. You managed to bring a baby into the world and you can manage a car. You hold a driving licence, you don't need a back seat driver...

I can understand him wanting to go with you, it's a new car, you're not used to driving it and you have a young baby with you. I don't think it's mollycoddling to be concerned about safety here.

Its not really worth getting angry with him because you don't like how he's doing you this favour.

Are you insured? Is he hoping to swap places in the event of an accident for insurance reasons?

Thank him and get him to pick up your DH. Saves messing with the car seat?

I think you are probably right he wants to keep a eye on you. But I will say from experience it’s hard going from Manuel to automatic. 🤦‍♀️ I once tried to change gears and pressed my clutch unfortunately it was the break 😬 all was good no crash until I gather myself together about 10 cars passed me and one lorry just didn’t see me and smashed into me . Very scary . I’m sure he’s worried about you and the baby though not the car . But maybe get your dad to just pick up your husband.

His car, his choice, just be grateful he’s helping you out!

Is it a very nice car. It's nerve wracking to let someone drive your new car. It's nice he is letting you. I assume he wants to do one decent trip with you to be reassured you're just fine.

A but annoying but totally understanding.

His car, his rules. I don't blame you for being irritated, but it's ultimately your father's decision.

@CuriousaboutSamphire

Thank him and get him to pick up your DH. Saves messing with the car seat?

Exactly!

If it was the other way round, and you were only used to an automatic and his new car was a manual, that could be it.
But I suspect this is more about him being a bit precious about his new car - which is kind of understandable, really.

Why can't he just collect your DH.

Failing that, it's his car, his rules.
If in general you feel they baby you, discuss it and sort it when he's not actually doing you a favour.

Might be he just thinks a little road trip with his son and grandchild would be nice?

Be happy he cares and stop complaining.

His car, his rules.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

Well when he asks to have ds unsupervised you must insist on tagging along...