travel toys for toddlers australia image
FiFi
I am currently seven mths pregnant, and have an eighteen month old son. I live in a three bedroom apartment with my husband. We both work, I will be finishing up soon to have baby number two and I am really looking forward to spending quality time at home with both of the babies after working full-time for the last few months.
My problem is this. My husband's sister and her boyfriend are living with us. We live in Australia, they are here on a 12 mth working visa.
When they were thinking about coming over, they asked if they could stay with us. We did say that they can stay as long as they like. I assumed that they would be looking for jobs straight away, going out, meeting people, travelling around to see the country etc. We have given them whatever we can, the spare room, I cooked for them for the first two weeks, I have given them my old car to drive around. We haven't asked them for anything.
So far, they have been here for five weeks, and have pretty much done nothing. They sit on the couch all day long, watching crappy daytime tv and using up our internet quota (we have had to increase our plan already). They don't clean, or cook a meal for us. They don't go anywhere apart from down to the shops. They don't contribute to the household in any way. They both smoke like chimneys, and they sit out in our back patio and smoke under the washing line with all my clean clothes on it. They haven't applied for a single job.
It is REALLY stressing me out. I get up at 5am every day to get ready for work, get my baby up and out to daycare. Its winter here now, so its cold and dark. I work all day, come home in peak hour traffic, and when I get home they are ALWAYS here, just sat in front of tv. I would usually put cartoons on for my toddler while I make dinner, but they are always watching stupid old sit coms. If I get his toys out and play with him (we play in the living room) they just sit there and I feel self conscious. They offer unsolicited parenting advice. The boyfriend distracts the baby when I am trying to get him to eat dinner, and plays really rough with him right before bedtime and gets him all riled up. When I have a day at home during the week, they seem to get annoyed that I am in the house, kids shows are on the tv and toys are everywhere. They just get really moody and stay in their room, and it makes me feel very uncomfortable. I can't let my toddler play out the back anymore because they are always out there smoking, and there are cigarette butts everywhere.
My husband knows how pissed off I am getting, we fight about it pretty much every day. But he thinks that its my fault for saying they could stay. His opinion is that we have made our bed.
I don't think I am going to be able to cope when the new baby comes. I have been working so hard so that we can afford for me to take a couple of years off now, and I have been looking forward to it so much.
I don't know what to do. They don't have anywhere else to go, they don't know anybody in this country. My husband doesn't like having them here, but he is not as stressed out about it as I am because I have to deal with the cleaning up and looking after the baby, so it doesn't affect him as much. Our bills are all going to be huge, they have everything turned on all day, and we are about to lose my income.
I find it really hard to say anything to them without sounding really confrontational. They both tend to get very defensive, and I get nervous and start talking too fast and blabbering and apologising.
What can I do?
Answer
Yeah, you said they can stay. Now you say you've changed your mind. Helping out relatives is the right thing to do, as long as they don't use you and that is exactly what they are doing, but it's not like you haven't noticed. The way they behave is simply rude. They are lazy and now they've found someone to support that, great for them! This is a great deal of stress for a pregnant woman with an infant on her hand. Take responsibility for your benefit, tell them all to get their act together, your husband included, sorry. So you are seven months pregnant now? A good idea would be two give them a two month deadline to find jobs and a flat and to be out of your house when the new baby comes. They are young, I'm sure they can and will manage, if they really want to.
Yeah, you said they can stay. Now you say you've changed your mind. Helping out relatives is the right thing to do, as long as they don't use you and that is exactly what they are doing, but it's not like you haven't noticed. The way they behave is simply rude. They are lazy and now they've found someone to support that, great for them! This is a great deal of stress for a pregnant woman with an infant on her hand. Take responsibility for your benefit, tell them all to get their act together, your husband included, sorry. So you are seven months pregnant now? A good idea would be two give them a two month deadline to find jobs and a flat and to be out of your house when the new baby comes. They are young, I'm sure they can and will manage, if they really want to.
16 Month Old on Airplane?
Dezzys_Mom
Soon I am going to have to fly to Nevada to see my dad and his fiance, I have to bring along my daughter, who will be 18 months old by then. I am really nervous, even though it is only a 2 hour flight, I know my daughter will not be able to sit still for that long.
I have a couple questions..
1. What stuff for my toddler am I NOT ALLOWED to bring on the plane? (pack in the suitcase, carry on..ect..)
2. How can I keep her occupied during the flight?
3. What do I do if she throws a fit?
4. Should I bring a carseat? Where will she sit?
5. I cant bring any drinks or food for her, can I?
I know it probably will go way easier than I expect, but Im still nervous about it. Please help!
Answer
1.) Here is a list of what you can an cannot bring both in your carry-on and checked bags, direct from the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
2.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. My children bring coloring books, a Doodle Pad, Leap Pads (+ booklets), & scrap paper. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear & my son likes to bring along action figures. I found that a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books & sheets, & stickers. http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age=
I take the contents out of the box & place them in a travel pack. Here is my sons:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/ - outside
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside
Let your child (I let mine start this at age one) pick out her own carry on bag & a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry-on.
3.) Keep your calm and try to distract her with something to play with. You can also get up and walk the aisles with your daughter.
4.) Definitely bring her car seat - you will glad you did! Airlines offer bassinets for some (not all - usually just long-haul) flights. However, the number on board is limited and you are not guaranteed to get one. If you are unable to get one, then you will be holding your child in your lap for the entire flight.
If it is at all possible, I highly suggest you buy your child a seat. Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
Here is a link where I talk about it's importance:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Al1UbRoXsX5ZhEr3KUq4cuzty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081020143755AAcr1Qs&show=7#profile-info-e9FRoo9gaa
5.) You are allowed to bring food and drinks for your daughter as well.
Liquid and powder formula, milk, juice, baby food, and water are allowed in quantities over 3oz (100ml). Here is a link that will give you all the details:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApaVhxxUaNiiEsDfths2ADjty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081002064751AAqUtKH&show=7#profile-info-Y3IuVmeiaa
Bring Snacks! Just add water packets of food, cheerios, pretzels, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 9&6, 10 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
1.) Here is a list of what you can an cannot bring both in your carry-on and checked bags, direct from the TSA website:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
2.) Pack plenty of things to entertain your daughter. My children bring coloring books, a Doodle Pad, Leap Pads (+ booklets), & scrap paper. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear & my son likes to bring along action figures. I found that a Rose Art kit is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books & sheets, & stickers. http://www.megabrands.com/en/products/description.php?product_id=1031&brand_id=36&cat=4&age=
I take the contents out of the box & place them in a travel pack. Here is my sons:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577667314/ - outside
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamie_hassen/2577681352/ - inside
Let your child (I let mine start this at age one) pick out her own carry on bag & a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once you are on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry-on.
3.) Keep your calm and try to distract her with something to play with. You can also get up and walk the aisles with your daughter.
4.) Definitely bring her car seat - you will glad you did! Airlines offer bassinets for some (not all - usually just long-haul) flights. However, the number on board is limited and you are not guaranteed to get one. If you are unable to get one, then you will be holding your child in your lap for the entire flight.
If it is at all possible, I highly suggest you buy your child a seat. Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
Here is a link where I talk about it's importance:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Al1UbRoXsX5ZhEr3KUq4cuzty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081020143755AAcr1Qs&show=7#profile-info-e9FRoo9gaa
5.) You are allowed to bring food and drinks for your daughter as well.
Liquid and powder formula, milk, juice, baby food, and water are allowed in quantities over 3oz (100ml). Here is a link that will give you all the details:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApaVhxxUaNiiEsDfths2ADjty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081002064751AAqUtKH&show=7#profile-info-Y3IuVmeiaa
Bring Snacks! Just add water packets of food, cheerios, pretzels, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. You can also bring a limited amount of yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml)
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#10
I've been flying internationally & domestically with my children since they were each 2 months (now 9&6, 10 months and currently pregnant with #4). At least three trips a year are the children & I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone. We do another 8-10 international & domestic flights a year as a family. Due to this, I have written a small article about flying with children that goes more in-depth, gives up to date security rules & regulations for the US, EU, UK, & Australia, offers tips & tricks for the travel, etc.
http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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