I’m stressed about Christmas Day.
My 20 month old little boy stayed with my parents on Saturday for the night and was an absolute nightmare, he has learned to climb out his travel cot as he’s very tall for his age and only slept for 3 hours. He’s always struggled with new environments and routine changes, and never has been a good sleeper (we’re currently waiting for an autism assessment due to a number of factors with his development)
I felt so guilty on Sunday knowing he kept my mum up all night and that he couldn’t sleep, he was so tired when we picked him up he went to sleep at 9AM and slept until 12:30PM. I went back to work when he was very young at 5 months due to a fantastic opportunity but made the decision to return to being a SAHM in September due to the ongoing autism speculation and just wanting to spend more time with him. I made the decision on Sunday that I don’t want to change his routine or stay out overnight anymore because of this.
our plans were to go to the in-laws on Christmas Day and stay overnight but due to him being able to climb out the travel cot and far too young and excitable to sleep in the bed, I want to change our plans to just an afternoon visit (maybe for dinner?) between his afternoon nap and bedtime so as not to cause any more disruptions to his routine.
Aibu? I feel like my in-laws will be disappointed and my partner will likely sulk, but my main excitement for Christmas is to see my little boy happy and excited and I just think that overtiredness and overstimulation could ruin that for him. Also on a selfish level it would be me that would have to battle with him for hours to nap and sleep at bedtime whilst everyone else drinks!
AIBU?
AIBU to cancel Christmas at MIL to keep toddler routine
HallieM93 · 07/12/2022 23:43
Am I being unreasonable?
2319 votes. Final results.
POLLLBFseBrom · 18/12/2022 20:51
That is sad, Handygirl and I am sorry your little granddaughter died so tragically.
People on this thread are forgetting the op's little boy is 20 months old - a baby. They are all very lively at that age, mischievous and getting into everything. That doesn't mean they are autistic!
However as the op doesn't live a very long drive away from the grandparents, there's no reason why they cannot go for the day. The little one will enjoy being up late and playing with whoever else is there and probably fall asleep on the way home.
zingally · 19/12/2022 13:28
It's one day. Toddlers have been having to fit in with the hustle and bustle of family life since time began. You're not the first person to have a toddler, and also not the first one to have one with maybe some additional needs. People expect toddlers to be a bit ott, and also anticipate him having some moments of drama. He won't remember this Christmas, but the family you shaft at the last moment will always remember feeling pushed away.
He'll likely be a lot more settled with you there anyway.
zingally · 19/12/2022 13:28
It's one day. Toddlers have been having to fit in with the hustle and bustle of family life since time began. You're not the first person to have a toddler, and also not the first one to have one with maybe some additional needs. People expect toddlers to be a bit ott, and also anticipate him having some moments of drama. He won't remember this Christmas, but the family you shaft at the last moment will always remember feeling pushed away.
He'll likely be a lot more settled with you there anyway.
Corinnaskye · 19/12/2022 16:08
Hello! I know I'm late to see this post, but I hope that everything is going well now that Christmas is so close, and that your in-laws are not being unreasonable to your situation. I jumped on here to offer moral support if you are still having difficulty, because I also am a parent of an autistic child and have so many similar situations of family expecting us to suck it up and carry on with something they see as trivial. I am also my child's preferred parent. So even if my husband tries to help, it's probably still going to be me calming my child. It's hard going against the grain, but you're being a great mom advocating for your child. Your child will reap the benefits of this by being happier and feeling more secure. Keep doing what you do. The non-autistic adults can learn to adjust and get over their pride. Happy Holidays!
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