Not to want to child-proof my home

[GodzillasBumcheek]

...because my relatives are visiting and their kids can't keep off my ornaments/bookshelf/electricals etc?

Why do they think i want them to visit if i am going to be constantly rescuing my things from their child? Shouldn't they be doing the running around (at least some of the time), or have taught them by 18 months not to grab everything in sight; and by three years, shouldn't they know NOT to bash electronic equipent on the floor/throw items towards the telly?

[Roboshua]

YANBU. It is up to them to supervise their children but if they don't you will probably end up really stressed.

My Mum has a collection of glass paper weights on the window sill. Just the perfect height for little fingers when they can stand up. My DS1 showed no interest in them whatsoever. My DS2 made a bee line for them. He was told firmly 'No'. He then realised this was the perfect way to ensure everyone's attention for as long as he wanted. He would stand there with a deliberately pointy finger looking from adult face to adult face with a big grin on his.

When he finally got bored with this he would very gentley touch one of the paperweights with his finger and then march off with a self satisfied look on his face having in effect got the 'last word!!! He was about 18months at this time.

I think he loved the power he could exert and we feel for it hook line and sinker everytime!!

[Loriycs]

Big German Person, forgive me if i sound patronizing when i say there support groups to help parents in your situation. I truely sympathize how hard it is for you. My nephew has autism and ive seen what his family have been through and how their whole lifestyle has become limited through having to taylor every situation. Its very stressfull.Hope you are getting some support.