Mil wants weekly night stays

[Abw96]

My baby is 8 months old, last week my mil had him for us for an over night stay while we went out. She’s now demanding to have him again this week and every Saturday night regular. How is best to approach this? I’m happy to have him stay at mil’s maybe once a month for an over night stay but I don’t want to leave him every weekend. Has anyone else experienced this situation

Just say no?

Ideally, your DP ought to be the one to approach his mum. I think it's a bit much TBH, but it's just personal preference. If you're not up for it, I'd just say thanks, that's very kind but it doesn't fit in with your plans and would she like once a month?

"Thanks for the offer, but no thanks, but we like him being at home with us"

Just say that he's a bit young to be staying overnight regularly. Also, don't commit to any arrangement that ties you down, for example every first Saturday.

That's really kind of you but we love our cosy nights at home together.

Yeah, of course you can just say no. I really can't see how someone can 'demand' to have your child and you have to ask MN if it's OK to refuse. Bizarre

Jesus, who are these MILs making demands like this?

Tell her thanks but that doesn't work for you.

No 'handling' required.

Have a break your sides, tears rolling down your face laugh at her.
Then look up and say "Oh you were serious? That'll be a no then."

She can demand all she likes, but you don't have to give your child to her at all.

Just say no. If you and DH aren't planning to go out then your child stays at home with you.

You could say something like "not every weekend, but if we need to/are planning to go out together again then we'll be keeping you in mind for babysitting duties."

Thank you, I know you are only meaning well, but that is far too often for my baby to be away overnight. I couldn’t possibly.

Just say no, he is too young and you will reconsider once he is older.
Honestly, he isn't a toy or a pet for her entertainment.

Just say you don't feel you need the break that regularly and you like having baby at home with you. If she's difficult about it then it's dhs job to step in and tell his mum to back down. I'm all for grandparents having strong relationships with grandkids but they seem to forget they aren't the parents sometimes.

Just say no thanks we enjoy weekends with him
too, and suggest once a month.

You just need to say no. If you start this malarkey then it'll be really difficult to change it once your child starts nursery or school.

Demanding? What did she say when she demanded?

What is it about wanting babies and children over night? Surely they are either asleep so might as well not be there or that awake and needing something which is just fucking exhausting.
Is it a control thing?
Tell her no thanks, we're fine.

I'd personally bite her hand off and enjoy my sleep, but if you don't want to then just say no.

Yes what were her words?

Mine would be "no, because I dont want to".

I'd say no. She had her turn at parenting.

Oooh once a month would be lovely, thank you. Then greyrock

“Thanks for the offer but I’d rather not be away from her every week.”

You say, that's lovely, thank you, but not every weekend.

No chance. Just remind her that if she takes YOUR baby once a week then other family members will want the same. Tell her she can visit your family by arrangement when convenient with you all. That way she still seeing baby but puts her in her place.

Just say no !

Why not just tell her the truth? Say something like "Look Sue ,its so kind of you to offer ,and we really appreciated the break last WE,however we also love being at home with him as well . We will let you know when we next go out ,and you will be first pick!"