Tips on trip with 3 generations

[CathyC]

We are taking my parents on our next trip. We have a great relationship with one exception, discipline. My parents, who were fairly strict with us, sometimes intrude on our discipline. We use 1-2-3 Magic for the kids, however, there have been occasions when we start counting and my Mom or Dad will say something like "Oh, he's ok" or "Does he really have to take a time out" It's bad enough with the kids saying "I don't want a time out" etc, but from my parents. Makes me want to SCREAM!! Whatever happened to "I'm the mom that's why" Where did these people go? LOL

Anyway, we will often use different consequenses out in public since they can't exactly go to their rooms. I am afraid if we say something like "IF we get to 3 you will have to sit out the next ride" we will be dealing with 3 negotiators (ds or dd, mom and dad) instead of 1. I am all for Grandparents spoiling the kids, but we need to stay consistant and follow through on the consequenses so the kids wont take advantage and I dont want to fight with my parents.

I make it sound like my kids are always getting into trouble. They are generally really good, but they do have their moments.

Has anyone else dealt with this problem? Any suggestions?

 

[don8life]

Oh Boy, do I ever have that problem. Especially now that my 3 year old had a liver transplant. UGH! My parents will let her do anything. Alwyas has been that way with all three of my children. But my kids know what I say goes. I disregard(not disresrpect, I would never sdo that) what Gam and Gramps say and tell my child "Did you hear me?" That lets them know I mean it and what I said still goes. We always go to WDW with the grandparents and have never had a problem. While they like to spoil the kids they know at a place like Disney rules have absolutley have to be followed to the letter for safety reasons.

 

[Lora]

I can't relate to the problem with your parents. My parents have NEVER questioned my discipline. I feel for you in your situation. That must be difficult.

Take these suggestions as just that...suggestions.

Maybe you could speak ahead of time to your kids and let them know that they will sit out on rides if they are ___ - (you fill in the blank with whatever - "throwing a fit", "disobedient", whatever). You could maybe use a non-verbal cue that the grandparents are not aware of. That way, they maybe won't even realize what's happening. If the kids do (fill in blank), one parent moves along and goes on ride "x" with the others while one parent just says ds or dd and I are going to sit this one out, see you at the exit.

OR - you could just do as you normally do and kindly ask your parents to not interfere. In that case, you would maybe just need to speak to your parents ahead of time, so you don't have to discuss it in the middle of the situation. Good communication in peaceful times helps a lot when the trials come.