Talking to the in-laws about childproofing their house?

Hello, what do you think would be the best way to approach talking to my in-laws about making sure that their house is childproofed and safe for when my kids (ages 1,2,and4) come to visit? I always feel like the paranoid daughter in-law when I mention something that I feel might be dangerous. I know it's their house but my kids love going there (they live very close) and I would like to feel comfortable that they are taking the steps that most people would take to keep the kids safe. For example, I bought sliding outlet covers to put on their plugs b/c my daughter who is 1 loves to go and investigate the sockets...at our house, they are all covered. Should I just leave it and keep my kids at home most of the time except when I can be right with them?


Thanks!

Talking to the in-laws about childproofing their house?
I'm not sure what all the issues are at your inlaws house - but i had a similar issue wtih mine. Assuming they love to have your kids over, they should be pretty open to some general child proofing. I did the same as you, bought the outlet covers. When we go over there, I make a quick sweep of the house and anything that is breakable (usually knick knacks or pictures in frames) I move up high. If its a long visit, I've been known to bring a baby gate to keep them out of certain rooms. And I've taken elastic bands and wrapped them around cabinet knobs so they can't open them (makes great temporary child proof locks!!)





I didn't think these things were too intrusive...and chances are if your inlaws are watching them without you there, they are probably watching them like a hawk. I know my parents and my inlaws watch my children more closely than I do, becuase they're visiting with them, not trying to do a million other things like I am (laundry, vaccuming, etc.)





Hope tihs helps!!!
Reply:Just say it to where it puts the blame on you. Like... "I know I probably sound paranoid but I worry that the kids will do something while over here to get hurt. They are so good at sneaking off from me from time to time so I just feel better by using all the child proofing things. I figured you would feel better too." Then give her more door locks, etc.





Then if that doesn't work - just flat out ask her to help you out. Tell her that you feel uneasy being that you have 3 young children and hope that she can understand where you are coming from. I had to do the same with my (now ex) mother-in-law. Her husband left loaded guns in the corners of rooms! No way was I going to let my children visit with those sitll there. I told her that I was concerned and didn't feel comfortable leaving the kids around weapons - as I didn't grow up that way. (duh) I explained that I had full confidence in her but that I knew my children loved to explore and I was afraid their curiousity would lead them to the guns as that was something they weren't used to seeing. She said she understood and the guns were always put up after we arrived -although would look (without her seeing) before I would leave the kids there.





I hope that helps! Most mothers would understand.
Reply:You may want to ask your inlaws for help in keeping the kids safe.
Reply:The point is, your kids are your responsiblity. If you are going to their place and just because they are the grandparents, you cannot impose upon them to change the way they keep their things. You can request them and Im sure they will oblige. But you CANNOT make an issue about it. Think about it this way, would you agree to someone come to your house and move things away from reach just because they had a kid?





We brought up a 3 yrd old without any baby proofing. One of us was always behind her wherever she was. End of the day, its a matter of responsibility. At 3 yrs old she knows what not to touch and what will happen if she does.





.:Fishie:.
Reply:Sorry, but I think when you go to someones house it's your responsiblity to watch your kids and monitor what they are doing.


I have a toddler and I would never tell anyone they need to do this or that to their home to keep my children safe. If as grandparents it hasn't entered their own head to do these things, then you will just have to keep an eye on your own kids.


Or maybe let them babysit for you, then they will get some clues as to what your kids get into and make these changes themselves.
Reply:I think this can be a dificult and touchy subject. Taking my kids to my in-laws is very stresfull as it it not child friendly at all. They don't seem to mind that it is not child friendly as they like how their things are. I didn't want my mother-in-law to get offended by anything I said, so I just expressed how hard it is to take my kids 2.5 and 1 to other people's homes when they don't have kids. After saying that a couple of times, I think she got the hint. Now, she suggests they come to our house as it will be easier on us and our boys. Good luck!!!
Reply:If in doubt, bloody shout, and shout load! Its your children here for Gods Sake. What in Gods name are you thinking, you should never, ever place you children at risk just in fear of offending someone, would you like for your children to do that to you, if you where just one, in danger?





This is so pathetic and I'm not being rude, i am saving your children you FOOL!





If they can not see the danger, damn well tell them, and if they cant see the point from your perspective, then don't allow the children to go their. So have an argument about it, dig deal, it will blow over and so it should, but the children? Nah No way Pal!!!!!!
Reply:buy some plug covers and put them in at your in laws house--thats what I did--I would move breakables out of the kids reach--when I was asked why I did stuff like that I told them, well if you can't child proof your house then I will

curse of the golden flower