To think no one does this - Christmas toys related

[EvilsElsasPetSnowman]

So MIL once did a judgy shock-face at me when, after asking if I take all the toys out the boxes and test them before Christmas Day, before wrapping them, i said “No of course not!”. She said “Oh I did with all of my kids’ toys! I made sure they had batteries in and that they worked because there’s nothing sadder than if a child can’t enjoy their present on Christmas Day”.

I pointed out that as a SAHM she probably had more time to do stuff like that than I do, and that if a toy doesn’t work I’ll replace it at the earliest opportunity, and the kids will have to live with the disappointment and that it won’t kill them, that’s life.

Anyway she went on to say that not only did she un box and then re box the toys, she would also read Lego instructions so she knew how to build the sets, and get this - if they were getting a computer game she’d set up their consoles and play the game so that if they needed help on a level she’d know what to do to help

She just kept (rather smugly) saying “I always made sure I was prepared when it came to Christmas and that my kids knew I was always there for them if they needed my help with something”. I REALLY felt like saying “Funny how you weren’t there for them when you left their dad and moved in with your new fella and his kids for a year, completely ignoring their existence and not even turning up to parents evening or their sports matches, emotionally scarring all 4 of them, but the real failure as a mother is me as I don’t play Animal Crossing before my son gets to”. But I didn’t.

I think this is totally bonkers? Does anyone actually do this?

Also how in the actual fuck would you ever get toys back in the box?! I asked this and she says “it’s easy they just go in the same as they came out”. She clearly hasn’t met vacuumed toy packaging of the 2020’s some of which needs a hacksaw to even open

YABU = Yep I do this you slovenly woman
YANBU = that’s bat shit crazy and no one does it.

I pointed out that as a SAHM she probably had more time to do stuff like that than I do

Sorry op but you lost me here.(narrows eyes)

She sounds like she had way too much time in her hands, actually played the video games FFS?!
I make sure I know id something has or needs batteries but that's the limit. I suppose when it gets to that stage I would make sure a bike for example is built.

But you would* have more time than someone who works 5 days a week (I’m not having a go at SAHMs but she does this a lot, points out all the things she had time to do and it’s the best way to tell her I don’t^ have that time)

YANBU, it’s bonkers. However I didn’t appreciate the dig at SAHMs.

😁

Yes I’ve built a bike on Xmas Eve as it saves doing it on the day and also looks better when they come downstairs in big bike shaped wrapping paper. I also mass buy batteries even the funny square ones but I dont pop them in beforehand (note to self - need batteries next time you’re in the supermarket)

When they were little I would remove the cable tie things and put in batteries before wrapping. I would also set up electronics to a certain extent - I remember making sure the PlayStation had latest updates loaded. I also built up large Playmobil sets (school, hospital etc) so they were ready to play with. (Worked full time, not that it matters)

I obviously do this, you're such a slovenly woman it hurts my perfect parenting head to read what you've written! This is on you babe!

Joking! Realistically, I think you're doing a good job if you made sure you have the right batteries lined up. I felt I'd mastered parenting when I had a big square battery ready to go. However, I now have a teenager and realise I've mastered nothing.

Your MIL sounds like she's living in dreamland. Only remembering the good because it suits. I have to ask why your husband has much to do with her as an abandoned kid?!

I call BS on your MIL

Bonkers. For games consoles I would set up and download the latest software just before Christmas though, because it would take hours and no-one wants that on Christmas Day.

I know Mum and Dad used to open presents from family members and note down that they had sent so they could be thanked properly. Later on I can remember Mum writing down what people had sent her so she could write thank you letters. I still do for myself as I do write letters or send a thank you text.

I think there’s a halfway point here - I’d put the batteries in and put together other toys with stickers etc such as dolls houses / bikes / scooters. She’s right it’s no fun getting a box of bits - I’d rather give less and have them enjoy being able to play with toys they’ve opened.

She sounds like an absolute basket case. I sooo wish you'd said what you typed here😂

I was going to say she's batshit, but actually DS got a tablet last year and I did open it/download games etc so he could play straight away. But mostly because I didn't want to be faffing with it on Christmas Day!

Haven't opened anything else though, unless you count getting rid of packaging to make stocking presents smaller.

What a snide thread

I have to ask why your husband has much to do with her as an abandoned kid?!

DH’s family live in the land of Pretend Bad Things Didn’t Happen. He has a very arms-length relationship with her though and as she came back to the family home and his older siblings (he’s the youngest) have forgiven her he kind of goes along with it. But doesn’t ever forget. And is very forthright with “Mum with respect I don’t need your advice” when she tries to dish out parenting advice to us. It’s quite alien to me as my family are very upfront.

I will confess to taking off some of the ties and screws that held Fisher Price Imaginext toys as they were in a open display box hence the irritating as fuck ties

She sounds bonkers

It helps pass the time making things, finding batteries etc. The day is so long with them trying to get up from 4am ... Why not use the time putting stuff together!

But you would have more time than someone who works 5 days a week
eh no, when I was a sahm I had toddlers at home with me so I had the same time as you, when the kids were in bed

Ok so my DS is getting a Switch for Christmas, should I do this?? I didn’t even know that was a thing!

My parents did this, not computer games, they weren't invented. Anything needs batteries, dolls houses, Lego, jigsaws etc were all tested to make sure they were ok.

You should have said it OP.
She sounds awful.

As a kid I would have been quite upset if my presents weren't in unopened boxes

Given her history, Id just raise an eyebrow and assume she is trying to make herself feel better about her shoddy mothering skills (ie the abandonment).