My husband and I both work and sometimes we both work on the weekend. My MIL watches our two young children on these days (3.5 yo and 14 mo). There have been many times over the years when I have arrived home (after an 8 hour shift) to my son still in his pj's watching Netflix. I've expressed my concerns about how much tv he watches, I've also brought up that we live very close to parks and that he should not be watching too much tv, especially Netflix.
My husband doesn't care that he watches tv all day but says he prefers that he watches our VHS collection instead of Netflix.
The last few shifts I've been coming home to my son running to turn off the tv (even though I can hear the tv from outside). Or meeting me at the door to say his sister wanted to watch (insert Netflix show).
I'm starting to get really concerned with him taking advantage of my MIL. On top of that, he's starting to become secretive about what he's watching.
My husband thinks I should "chill and be grateful we have someone to watch them".
I feel like he's completely missing the point. I'm not concerned about the tv, I'm concerned about his behaviour lately.
The views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.
Learn more about our guidelines.
I hear you about being worried about your son. He’s picking up the on the tense vibes around the TV stuff and responding. He’s being deprived of time outside and replacing it with screen time which would have anyone feeling out of sorts, especially a child. I think it makes more sense to be worried about your MIL and how she’s respecting (or not) your boundaries. Does she have what it takes to adequately care for them? If not, it might be time to look for alternatives…

15
2
12
2
5
11
1
6
7