WWYD: In-laws

lizztheo

Without typing out all the issues that have gone on with my in laws, I just wanted opinions on what happened tonight. They babysat DS at their house. The house was really messy but I try not to judge because ours gets messy too. Then we come to pick him up and they are playing with him on their bed- and I see at least a dozen used insulin syringes on the night stand, easily within my sons reach. I just quickly got him out and we went home. I am so upset that they could be so clueless and leave dangerous things out. Would you bring it up with them (and trust they listen and clean) or just never let them babysit at their house?

lizztheo

I should note that I have very little trust in them and it's always my husband who convinces me to give them another chance. I told my husband about the syringes and he claims he didn't notice.

Meery82

Gross. Your husband needs to tell them to clean it up. That's pretty irresponsible.

alrighthamilton

I think we may have the same in laws. Right down to the insulin syringes-I wouldn't be surprised at all if they were in my mother in law's room. The last time we visited, there were pill bottles and pin cushions littering the floor, among other things. Both my husband and I are in agreement that we won't even take DD over there anymore. They have to come to our house to visit. They have never baby sat, either at their house or ours. I absolutely don't trust their judgement, and thankfully my husband is in agreement. I think you need to do what you feel is best for your child, even if your husband doesn't agree. I know it can be a slippery slope, because sometimes my husband feels I'm criticizing his parents, but I also know we are the ones responsible for the welfare of our child.

ASmallWonder

Messy and used syringes are two different worlds.  I would absolutely bring it up with them and likely hold off sending him there for a while.  That's major endangerment, IMO.  And this comes from someone who normally defends in the ILs and tells posters that they're overreacting and just hating on their ILs.  

cedenton

I wouldn't bring it up because I think people who would leave days(?) worth of used syringes around aren't going to easily change. And there is no FUCKING way my child would ever be there without me again. Never mind the possibility of a serious injury, but also the possibility of some type of disease transfer...OMG!

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twinkletoes3126

If it were me, my son wouldn't go over there ever again without me. They should obviously know that's a hazard and since they chose to ignore that, they would lose my trust. If I were you, I would only consider letting them babysit at your house.

melody921

I would have mentioned it right away. Since you didn't, yes, I'd bring it up and mention that it's unsafe. That goes beyond messy. No matter their response, I would say they don't babysit at their home again.