Is this a pick your battles type thing?

krissyh21

My MIL keeps buying age inappropriate things for DS. Things with small parts and just stuff he simply can not play with.

Now, I know moms of older kids must have toys around with smaller parts and have to deal. But I hate her wasting money on things he can not play with. Not just because of small parts (think legos) but ability wise too.

So would you point out that the age recommendations are on toys or just keep saying thanks so much and leave it at that?

Mouseygail

I'd probably point it out with a nice comment about how you can't wait for him to be old enough to use it and how you will store it away until he's able to handle the smaller parts.  (either she will get the message, or you will have a nice stockpile of toys to draw on as he gets older!  win-win!)

Temp159135562506975

just put it away to use when he's older.

 

JillRock96

My MIL ALWAYS does this.  I didn't really say anything at first -- just "thank you," and I put the toys up in Ava's closet for the time being.  A few times she asked if Ava liked the Zhu Zhu pet or mini princess figurines, and I just told her that she was a little too young for them, so I saved them for later.  Now she is much better about asking about the appropriateness of toys before she buys them.

PsychedForBaby

My mom was doing this.  Or she'd buy video games to play on the computer.  Umm yeah, I have a mac, you can't just throw any cd in the computer and expect it to work.  Besides the fact that it's a video game.  She doesn't need them!  And also the age inappropriate thing.  I would show her how the recommended ages are clearly marked on the packaging.  If you don't say anything, it will never change.  

perry7285

i'd definitely say pick your battles, and if she asks whether he likes them you can explain that he's too young but you're sure he'll love it when he gets older. i think when someone buys you a good-intentioned gift, it's generally not appropriate to criticize the gift, even if it's a 100% reasonable criticism.

krissyh21

Sorry I got torn away from a stubborn napper. For those of you who answered, just store it away for later, what would you do if she also has toys for him at her house? She only sees him once a week, and h is with him. I am usually working.

JillRock96

krissyh21:

Sorry I got torn away from a stubborn napper. For those of you who answered, just store it away for later, what would you do if she also has toys for him at her house? She only sees him once a week, and h is with him. I am usually working.

That's tough.  If it is a safety issue (like a choking hazard), I'd definitely say something.  But, I think it's all in the wording.  Something like, "DS has been putting everything in his mouth lately, and I'm worried about him choking.  We've had to go through all of his toys and put away anything with small parts.  Could you do the same?"  

krissyh21

Thanks. I knew you girls would help me approach it more gently then I could do on my own. I do not want to come off as ungrateful, I just don't want to risk D's safety either.

qtpa2t

If you've said something before and she won't listen, then I'd just say thanks and put it in the closet until he can play with it.  At least they'll get eventual use.  And if she asks why it isn't out, you can simply say it's too old of a toy for him now but he'll get use later.