[mistyflower]

Hi everyone,
I have a little problem and I hope you can help with some advice.
I went back to work last week for the first time since our daughter has been home, the well is dry!!! My daughter became sick last week with a bad chest cold and fever, I stayed home one day with her and my parents watched her the rest of the week. My parents are great people, but they are very hyper and love to argue with eachother. My husband and I are the total opposite, we try to keep a calm house when we can.
Anyway, after feeling much guilt because of leaving her sick, I called home several times. My mom answered the phone and was yelling at my father while my baby was having a bad coughing fit in the backround!!! The lockhorns are at it again but now my baby is involved!!! I ran home and took her back to the MD, now she is doing better, the doctor gave us breathing treatments to give to her. I am sure that the stress of my parents always yelling did not help.
I really do not know how to talk to them about this. I am very greatful that Maya has loving grandparents, but they do not always listen to me. What should I do???
Thanks for letting me vent and for any advice!!!

[chirokathleen]

Sounds just like my in-laws! My husband's "lively" family will be visiting over the holidays and I'm already arranging for a babysitter to go to work with me so I can take our son with me. (Assuming we have him by then.) My husband doesn't understand but I'm taking the bull by the horns!

How long are you going to need to have this arrangement? Is it temporary or is it going to be here and there in the future? I know it's tempting b/c it's not costing anything (money-wise that is!) but they're probably not going to change their ways after so long so you might want to work out another arrangement. You could try telling them about the need for a quiet, calm environment for your daughter and how it helps you to focus on work better etc...I wish I had more suggestions--parents can be so tough!
Kathleen

[dspakowsky]

We're they like that when you were growing up? If so, they're probably not going to change their ways. If you mention it they may even say "well, you turned out just fine..." Like the other poster said, maybe you can find different baby sitting arrangements.

[kerrib]

Is it possible for you to convince your mother (at least part of the time) to babysit at your home? I'm assuming she wouldn't bring your father along. Maybe a few days and arrange for another babysitter the other days?