My Father in Law smokes. He claimed he was quitting, but that didn't happen. They were just here and he stepped outside. When he returned he REEKED. The smell permeated my entire living room and the chair he was sitting in. When he plays with the kids, they come away smelling like smoke. It drives me crazy and the smell just makes me ill. Even if he "washes his hands" like he makes a big deal of doing....he still stinks.
The new baby is due in about 4-5 weeks. Is there any way of asking that he not hold the baby if he's been smoking without coming off like a complete jerkface? I love my FIL and I don't want to offend him, but dude....it's gross. I don't want my newborn smelling like cigarettes.
Re: Smoking Relative - Not Sure How to Handle This One
when we were still in the hospital!) either change into a fresh shirt or don't smoke until you leave because he can't breathe that in. The chemicals etc linger and it's not a judgment on anyone but he was pretty strict and told her that if we could smell it she couldn't hold him. So she waited to smoke and it was fine. I would definitely have your husband handle it but make sure it is very clear why. A newborn doesn't need exposure to anything more than the unavoidable.
Thanks for the feedback, guys!
Let him decide the best way to go about discussing it.
Sometimes conversations just have to be had, and there's no easy way to say it.
My hubby smokes, but he is already being very careful about making sure he's not smoking around the stroller, car seat, etc. He exclusively smokes outside the house and changes shirts any time he can smell it on him.
Baby first, feelings second. He'll understand.
Married: October 23, 2010
DS: 8/7/2013
#2 EDD: 6/29/2016, C Section: 6/22/2016
As a mother-to-be, I've had this talk with my drama queen of a mother and while she was offended, my son's health is more important than her feelings.
My BIL smokes and my MIL asks him to spray himself with air freshener before coming in their house. That may take care of the smell, but it doesn't take care of the risks from 3rd hand smoke. If BIL continues to smoke, he won't be holding our child or coming into our home after a cigarette. We are a smoke free home. End of story.