MIL advice
Show your support
I’m assuming this isn’t the only thing. And if she’s watching your child it would be normal for her to ask or give you a heads up on where she plans to take your kid. That does feel like an aggressive way to inform you though.
Not unreasonable at all , I’d chat to her
This specifically doesn’t sound overbearing but I hear where you’re coming from in terms of wanting to be asked permission, if it’s okay to take them to XYZ rather than stating it as fact. Should be a quick conversation, just say you have certain rules or whatever; we always ask for hourly updates and a photo of him in the car seat for us to check (it’s always wrong “because he looks uncomfortable” 🥲)
Personally don’t think this would bother me. I don’t think I’d expect someone watching my baby to ask me if they can take them on an outing. But I suppose it depends on where they’re taking them. And with the example that you’ve given, I’d just say I’m not comfortable/don’t want to them to go to XYZ.
I can understand completely! It's less about what she's doing rather how she goes about it. I have felt the same on many occasions and tbh don't know what to do myself 😅 I think I've just accepted it tbh and my SIL makes up for it haha
It sounds like this is a boundary for you, you want to be acknowledged as her mother. It’s difficult to give over control. It’s also scary to say anything, like can you tell me what you’re doing with her etc, because you don’t want to seem ungrateful. Could you maybe have a call with her prior to her babysitting and say what do you think you’ll do that day? Or maybe ask for picture updates/video calls, so you feel more involved? Sending love x
I don’t see the issue in this especially with the weather being so nice. You either trust her or you don’t.l and she’s giving you both a break. My dad used to take my son for a walk every time he sneezed as my son would be hysterical. Sometimes a quick walk can settle them especially if they are tired and fighting sleep.