djladysha

I gotta stop you right there on “child-free vacation” – that’s a huge privilege and not a right. Unless you have the funds to leave your child overnight with a nanny that knows your parenting style and family boundaries and is a person your child is comfortable with, then you are otherwise at the whim and mercy of your free childcare options such as grandparents. I can deal with a child hopped up on sweets and the screen time. A short visit with this MIL you’re describing might be tolerable every now and then, but leaving your child with someone like this for several days who uses language such as “Don’t tell your parents” is not okay and puts your child in an uncomfortable position as well. I wouldn’t confuse a child this age by having them spend hours/days with caretakers that break your boundaries and basic principles of trustworthy childcare.

Last thing on a comedic note – is this lady trying to throw hints your way that she’s not that into childcare without saying it? It sure feels like it. Sounds like she wants to be someone you visit, but not someone who has to babysit your kid without you. Constant engagement with a toddler takes REAL energy that even I don’t have (my husband takes that role for us).