More info:Mumsnet|Hayley McLean|Vicki Broadbent
This new mom is planning to return to work soon
Image credits:Andrea Piacquadio (not the actual photo)
She is thinking about offering her mother and MIL some money to care for her child during her absence
Image source:Lilacriver
Parenting is an incredibly joyful and fulfilling experience – however, it’s also very tough; there’s the good old unpredictability, never-ending demands, parental guilt, lack of personal time, financial issues, and about a thousand more things that can take a toll on your emotional and physical well-being!
Now, every person needs a strong support system to make life things more manageable! Let alone when it comes to raising another human being. Knowing that you can always rely on someone during a time of crisis reduces stress, which, let’s face it, is essential for when you have a kid to parent.
Family and friends, various parenting groups, online communities where you can let off steam, therapists – everyone has their own little person that is able to make things better. But the people that most of us find the greatest comfort in are our parents!
Her pals are “shocked” she wants to pay her family as she should expect them to do it for free
Image credits:PNW Production (not the actual photo)
To get a more professional outlook on the dilemma,Bored Pandareached out to a couple of experts. Our first expert is Hayley, a mom of three and the face behind the blog calledSparkles & Stretchmarks!
We asked Hayley for her opinion on the OP’s situation, and the woman replied as follows: “As for my thoughts, I completely agree with the OP’s approach and find it very respectful of her mother and MIL’s time and expertise. I feel that as women we are often expected to be of service to those around us with little regard for the demands it places on our time and health, and our skills as caregivers are hugely undervalued – this seems especially true for older women.”
If we value them enough to want them to care for our children, why don’t we value them enough to pay them for their time? Grandmothers have already spent their lifetimes caring for their own children; we shouldn’t expect them to give up their retirement years for us for nothing.”
So the woman took it online for some unbiased opinions and guidance
Image credits:Kelly Sue DeConnick (not the actual photo)
We then got some interesting commentary from Vicki Broadbent, the bestselling author of ‘The Working Mom,’ founder ofhonestmum.com, and Bored Panda’s parenting expert!
“I think it’s polite to offer and to not assume grandparents won’t want payment, especially if it’s a long-term setup. You might want to offer expenses if they decline payment, so a contribution towards food, travel and days out.
By offering first (broaching it gently and saying you hope you’re not offending them), you place the ball in their court, allowing them to decide what’s best for them.
The fact the poster cares about what is best and doesn’t want to upset the grandparents as it’s a delicate issue, shows how considerate she is being,” added Vicki.
Now, Pandas, do you think the original poster is unreasonable?
Fellow online forum members shared their thoughts and opinions
22Kviews22Kviews
You May LikeOverworked Mom Hears Daughter Mock Her, Finally Stands Up For Herself On Valentine’s DayRugilė Žemaitytė30 Of The Most Hilarious Posts From Parents That Made People Laugh This FebruaryIlona Baliūnaitė“I’m No Contact With My Parents”: 30 Parents’ Mistakes Millennials Swear Not To RepeatJustinas Keturka
Rugilė Žemaitytė
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Justinas Keturka
Parenting
