I'm going to rant, it's about my MIL...

[margosbeenplayingwithmynoonoo]

We've just moved and are trying to decorate before we move furniture from storage. Dh has 10 days off. I'm trying to help as and when I can and we asked MIL to babysit dds while we decorate.

I was hardly able to do anything, I had to make tea, do lunch and wash up. She was even sitting in the kitchen with nothing to do while I was washing up.

I know, I know, I'm stupid because I didn't ask. I hate the fact I have to ask.

She is babysitting on Friday, so I'm going to have to pluck up the courage to ask her to make a cuppa every now and again.

Right, rant over. My mum and aunt have been wonderful with babysitting duties.

Can you get her to take them out somewhere? Have it all planned out, lunchboxes packed, nappy bag at the ready when she arrives? Don't give her a chance to argue?

No, She's arthritic. And there's a limit of what she could do. I know that she could wash up, make a cuppa and make lunch.

Ah.

(Sadly packs opinions back into her big box.)

babysit dd's in the house that you are tryng to decorate?
doesn't sound the best plan really....
have you got anyone else who could help out?

Agree with LucyJones, it will be very difficult with the dc's in the house.

I know exactly how you feel margo. The day after I got out of hospital after my caesarean, my MIL came round, "apparently" to HELP to tidy the house before my Mum came to visit. She ended up lying with her legs up on the sofa cuddling the baby while I vacummed under her feet etc etc etc. Quite incredible - and maddening...... Errrrrrgh.

Gateau - you let her????!! I would have held onto baby and told her where the hoover was kept

I wouldn't usually be such a walkover but I wasn't really seeing things in the true light of day at the time. Call it the shock of birth. I seethed afterwards.

Yes this thread does sound incredible familiar to me!
I had the same after both my kids. With ds MIL would 'pop in' on her way into town, I'd look terrible c-sect, house a shit tip and MIL would say, 'you need to rest, housework can wait, it'll all be there tomorrow'
Course it would be there tomorrow, she'd have her cuppa and off she went!

At least your MIL recognoised the need for you to rest!!! But yes, still a crap attitude.

Sorry Policywonk, it's a very good idea. Don't be put off from giving advice, I did appreciate it.

Gateau

LucyJones, yes I have others who have been looking after dds. My Aunt has looked after them at her house for the previous 2 eveings and my mum looked after them this evening. We got loads done tonight. I agree, it's not the most practical solution. I can't think of any other solution when it come to my MIL looking after dds.

You like my opinions? I have others!

(chases margo down the street)

Lock her and the kids in a room 'accidentally' and say you've lost the key!

Now, I lurve that one!

margo, maybe she will soon ask herself why you are asking others to do the babysitting???! Or maybe she'll just take the huff. You can't win with MILs.