FIL thinks I'm a bad parent

[Anonymous]

Not looking for advice, just need to vent. Or hear from those in the same boat. Or something.

After spending 2 or 3 hours with DH and my infant DS this weekend, FIL has decided that the kid is uncared for and has developmental delays. His basis for thinking so seems to be that the little guy wasn't smiling or babbling at him enough and appeared "sullen" and "disheveled". I wish I were exaggerating.

I'm actually a little proud of kiddo for not smiling at Grandpa. Maybe my kid's a better judge of character than I give him credit for He smiles at strangers all the time.

DH knows intellectually that FIL is being a jerk, but not so much emotionally. FIL is actually one his more functional relatives.

How do I get through Thanksgiving weekend with this guy?

[Anonymous]

You ignore him completely. He is DH's problem for the duration of his stay. You also don't let him babysit anymore.

[Anonymous]

The kid is a good judge of character. He may be young but you may want to take his advice more often.

[Anonymous]

How old is your baby?
Tell FIL that you appreciate his concern for your child but that your pediatrician says your son is doing fantastic. Give a fake smile, then change the subject.

[Anonymous]

OP let it go. You know everyone is ok. Laugh about it. If he's the functional one in the family, take notes because T-giving will be a great ride! Woo Hoo!

[Anonymous]

pp here. BTW I literally take notes when we visit my in-laws. Someday I'll write a book about them and I want to get the dialogue just right. Won't they be thrilled? Hahahahaha

[Anonymous]

My FIL never liked me so I avoided him when I could. If my husband dies before I do and that old bastard is still alive, I plan to tell him to GFH.

I hold my tongue right now though because he is my husband's father, my kid's grandfather and my mother raised me to have sympathy for the mentally ill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:pp here. BTW I literally take notes when we visit my in-laws. Someday I'll write a book about them and I want to get the dialogue just right. Won't they be thrilled? Hahahahaha

Please please PLEASE share these in another thread! Please?! I'm on bed rest and need entertainment. You'd be doing a bed-ridden pregnant lady a huge favor.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:pp here. BTW I literally take notes when we visit my in-laws. Someday I'll write a book about them and I want to get the dialogue just right. Won't they be thrilled? Hahahahaha

Please please PLEASE share these in another thread! Please?! I'm on bed rest and need entertainment. You'd be doing a bed-ridden pregnant lady a huge favor.

NP here but let's co-author that book. I've got some doozies!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My FIL never liked me so I avoided him when I could. If my husband dies before I do and that old bastard is still alive, I plan to tell him to GFH.

I hold my tongue right now though because he is my husband's father, my kid's grandfather and my mother raised me to have sympathy for the mentally ill.

[Anonymous]

Do any of you think about behavior traits and genetics?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do any of you think about behavior traits and genetics?

No. No resemblance. At all. Thank God.

[Anonymous]

Op - are you one who posts all the time?

[Anonymous]

You need to stay away from FIL.

[Anonymous]

After several years, I've learned to completely ignore anything FIL says. It's like he never said anything. I never respond to any of his comments. I don't even acknowledge he said anything; I don't look at him when he makes comments. I will answer if he asks me anything directly, but comments.. no, just don't go there.