The best way to declare this change with MIL?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just tell her exactly what you said here. It's not personal. If she can't handle it, she's just too sensitive to live.

Agreed. It seems YOU are the one with the social anxiety here.

[Anonymous]

Say this to the kids in front of Grandma as they are leaving -

"Kids, have a wonderful time with grandma! Take the keys and let yourself in when you come back. If I am not up, just come to my room to let me know that you have reached back safely after grandma leaves. I will be leaving all the exterior and interior lights on, switch them off before you go to bed."

Then turn to MIL -

"Thank you, mom, for taking the kids. They have been looking forward to this and I can relax knowing they are with you! Will you send a group text once you reach back to your place after you drop off the kids?"

Then wave at the group -
" Bye! Have a great time. "

[Anonymous]

I would just be in my bedroom with the door closed when they come home and not come out.

[Anonymous]

I don’t get the point of waking someone who is asleep to “let them know you’re home.” Like, what are they going to do if you get in a car accident and don’t come home? Somehow figure that out through ESP/a dream, wake up, and get police to the scene? Someone please tell me how this is any type of safety measure.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Say this to the kids in front of Grandma as they are leaving -

"Kids, have a wonderful time with grandma! Take the keys and let yourself in when you come back. If I am not up, just come to my room to let me know that you have reached back safely after grandma leaves. I will be leaving all the exterior and interior lights on, switch them off before you go to bed."

Then turn to MIL -

"Thank you, mom, for taking the kids. They have been looking forward to this and I can relax knowing they are with you! Will you send a group text once you reach back to your place after you drop off the kids?"

Then wave at the group -
" Bye! Have a great time. "

Ew except why the expectation to call MIL “Mom”?

[Anonymous]

I mean … jeez. Your MIL is sweet enough to take your kids out while your husband is traveling and you can’t sit in your PJs relaxing on the couch to make sure your kids get home ok and chat for a few minutes? Please examine your life and decide what led you to be such a pain in the butt.

[Anonymous]

"Have fun tonight! I'll probably be in bed when you get back so you can just send the kids in when they're back. They already have the key."

[Anonymous]

Speak your explanation to her ahead of time and do what you would most like to do.

Don't add to the over-analyzing environment.

[Anonymous]

Buy space on a billboard that's on the route that MIL drives. She'll get the message.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Have fun tonight! I'll probably be in bed when you get back so you can just send the kids in when they're back. They already have the key."

Perfect but OP likes drama.

[Anonymous]

I refuse to massage other adults' anxieties. Those are their issues to work out. I am normal, and beyond that, it's on them.

"Babs! Just wanted to let you know I'm heading to bed because this week has exhausted me. Becky and Bucky have a key and will let themselves in and lock up when you bring them home.. Thank you so much for taking them!"

[Anonymous]

Yes, you can. Go to your room and get in pajamas and let grandma wait for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I refuse to massage other adults' anxieties. Those are their issues to work out. I am normal, and beyond that, it's on them.

"Babs! Just wanted to let you know I'm heading to bed because this week has exhausted me. Becky and Bucky have a key and will let themselves in and lock up when you bring them home.. Thank you so much for taking them!"

how did you reach this state of nirvana?

[Anonymous]

Becky and Bucky! I love that. I now officially declare that DCUM will take the wonderful invention of pp above and forever call the kids not Larlo and Larla, but Becky and Bucky! Pass the word!

[Anonymous]

Becky and Bucky might be home on time... only bcs they know someone is waiting for them!