Ypu are way overthinking this. The toddler years are perfect for this. Your kid will love exploring a new place. When we went to the beach for a week when my son was three, we had trouble getting him to leave the condo because he was having so much fun in a new place. Just pack a few small toys. It will be fine.

I am taking my two toddlers to my parents house this summer. It is not child proofed at all. They have no toys either. They don't have toddler beds or pack n plays. BUT we make it work because they are my parents and my children's grandparents and sometimes life is about making small sacrifices and being kind. The town has parks and a very nice lake with a sandy beach and places to get ice cream. For toys - I'm going to spend a modest amount of money and get them some fun balls, a couple water toys, art supplies and some cheap blocks. They will like these toys because they are new and it's OK for them to be away from their home toys. We aren't trying to replicate what we have at home. I kind of dread this trip too because it's a lot of work to fly across the country but I just want to remind you OP that it's best to err on the side of kindness and be generous with your time for your parent's sake.

Anonymous wrote:A 3yr. old is not a toddler.

100% agree with this. We had zero baby proofing in our house with a three year old -- not even stair gates. And that age, you don't need a crib, he's in a big boy bed, right? If you need a stroller, you can make do with an umbrella stroller.

It depends more an attitude than stuff, OP. Not only yours but theirs as well. If they're not used to young children, and will complain that he doesn't have manners, he's loud and messy, then it's not worth going. But if, despite the lack of baby things, they are kind and loving, then it IS worth going. We stayed at my ILs, who couldn't see quite well and where I found pins on the floor (!). Of course it wasn't baby-proofed. Of course there was nothing to do. I had to follow him around all the time and be very careful. But they loved him and both he and they were happy, so it was worth it.

Your son will have a terrible time. I know this because you are determined that the visit will suck. You have excuses for everything and are raising your son to be spoiled and think everything revolves around him.

He is three YEARS old. My friend lives near Sebastopol (sp?) in Northern CA. She lives up a mountain. There are no sidewalks. But she has chickens, and her neighbor has horses. We walked the roads and heard cars moving and moved to the sides. We could drive to "downtown" in 20 minutes, where there were tons of parks and shops, etc. There's no reason you can't go. There's no reason you can't explore. There's no reason you can't come up with ways to make things fun. Except that you don't want to.

But just tell your parents you're a whiny, spoiled, uncreative bitch who is raising a child to be the same way and you would make things miserable if you went, so it's best you stay home.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A 3yr. old is not a toddler.

+1

Agree.

OP, you can go for a walk, bake cookies, make pizza, draw a picture, play head-shoulders-knees-and-toes, play eye-spy, read a book, dance, do yoga, sing songs, make a pillow fort...with a 3 year old.

Bring a couple of matchbox cars, play dough, some books, and a few other small toys that fit in a little backpack that your child will take on the plane. Grow up.

Anonymous wrote:Wow, so weird how harsh everyone is being on OP. OP, I think you should not go. Your parents seem to like the idea of their grandchild visiting but don't want to actually put any work into helping. Screw that.

Or try a compromise of finding a resort or something nearish your parents and offering to vacation with them there.

She doesn't know that her parents won't put any work into helping when their grandchild is there BECAUSE SHE HAS NEVER ACTUALLY BROUGHT THEIR GRANCHILD THERE! OP is creating this whole scenario that has no basis in fact.

OP is an insufferable, whiny brat. I hope her parents figure out that they are better off without her "company."

You wrote WE are traveling to West Coast this summer? Who is we? Is your DH going or does we refer to you and your son?

Wow, so many masty people. I get it, OP. My parents' condo has one room of living space - no yard, no walking areas, no outdoor space, and kids aren't allowed to use the pools. I have boxes of art supplies and toys but it's a really hard visit. I have to be on top of them and going anywhere is a production. When we come home from an outing, we want to veg, but we're all in one room. It sounds like it might be easier for you to postpone the visit for a year or two. Good luck with you decision.

Wow, so weird how harsh everyone is being on OP. OP, I think you should not go. Your parents seem to like the idea of their grandchild visiting but don't want to actually put any work into helping. Screw that.

Or try a compromise of finding a resort or something nearish your parents and offering to vacation with them there.

Anonymous wrote:A 3yr. old is not a toddler.

+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He is three. He doesn't need a houseful of toys. Or a million kids to okay with him. Take him to a park. Let him play with pots and pans. All of you can go visit something local.

Yes, we do plan to sightsee (though they live in a tiny town with very little to do) but he doesn't nap so he is awake for 12 hours in the day. They like to spend most of the day at home so I will be trying to entertain a toddler at their house at least 10 hours a day (and of course my parents refuse to help watch him). My son is not the type to play with pots and pans. He likes his train table at home. I am dreading this trip quite frankly.

As noted. You are a spoiled brat and I bet your son is just as bad as you. Why should your parents take care of your child? They should not nor should you expect them to. You are such a jerk.

+1

If your child hasn't learned to amuse himself without brand new toys all around him, you've done something grievously wrong as a parent.

Anonymous wrote:Just order a bunch of new toys on Amazon, have them delivered in advance, and then just ship them to your home score you leave. It's not a big deal OP. No one is going to hold you and your toddler hostage indoors for 10 hours at a time. Go out, take drives in the countryside, something.

After one day, They will pay her to stay in a hotel!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He is three. He doesn't need a houseful of toys. Or a million kids to okay with him. Take him to a park. Let him play with pots and pans. All of you can go visit something local.

Yes, we do plan to sightsee (though they live in a tiny town with very little to do) but he doesn't nap so he is awake for 12 hours in the day. They like to spend most of the day at home so I will be trying to entertain a toddler at their house at least 10 hours a day (and of course my parents refuse to help watch him). My son is not the type to play with pots and pans. He likes his train table at home. I am dreading this trip quite frankly.

As noted. You are a spoiled brat and I bet your son is just as bad as you. Why should your parents take care of your child? They should not nor should you expect them to. You are such a jerk.

15:35, your eloquence is unmatched.