worried about safety re: DH and grandchildren

Difficult situation for you ...but I do agree with the sentiments expressed here as to whether your husband has an early onset dementia ? My husband was diagnosed with vascular dementia (mild at the moment) along with a personality disorder which is bordering on the autistic spectrum .....I have only known him since he was 68 and a widower when he was very active and very lucid, coping with the personality was difficult but his mum (then aged over 90), his brother, sisters and daughter DID ask me if I really knew him ! They knew about his personality disorder ,,,but I thought I knew better ! It would be a good idea if you can persuade him to get along to the GP and ask for some Mini Mental State examinations referral ....you could have a word with your GP (obviously they will not discuss him with you, but you could mention your concerns and ask if he could be 'called in' for a general MOT ! My husband was and still is, in denial ..he is not allowed to drive any more because of his dementia problems, plus two mini strokes and only one good eye..he still insists he can though ! BUT when your grand childs life could be in danger or there is a risk of serious injury, you must try to get him along to the doctor ....meanwhile take a look on the Alzheimer website ...there are lots of forums where you can interact with people with the same problems ...first hurdle to overcome is his denial/reluctance ...might need a few little lies or persuasion. Another aspect of my husbands illness is blaming me, or anyone else for his problems ....even when I am not at home for half an hour, whatever has happened is always my fault ...luckily, although I do sometimes get upset I just ignore the accusations ! I TRY (it is difficult !) to understand that a lovely man is frustrated at no longer having much independence and having to virtually ask me to do everything ! He no longer understands money or why we never have any (because he spends it !) or cannot accept being told he must not climb ladders with an electric hedge cutter !

Whether you mention this to the parents is up to you ...perhaps you could say to your husband that you are worried now that you are both getting older if it is in the best interests of the grandchild to continue with any child care .....thus putting the onus on both of you and not blaming him !

Good luck !

That's exactly what I was thinking, Anya. I don't want to be a doommonger but my father was quite like welshmist's husband when he was in the early stages of dementia. If OH Has always been like that, well, it's something you must have been gritting your teeth over for years, but if it's more recent behaviour I think you need to keep a close eye on him for more warning signs and DEFINITELY tell the parents. How would you live with yourself if there was a major accident?

Oh poor you Welshmist-you have two problems. GC's safety is paramount so that obviously falls on you it seems. Cherry has the right idea-make the house like Fort Knox. You say DH has had some 'dings'-ye gods, what are you waiting for? Til he kills someone? Go to see doc, get him to get him in-he will be used to this, to assess him. Get his driving tested to see if he's still safe, if not end of!
Accidents will happen even with the best will in the world but we must be on our guard. Gates to keep littlies out of kitchen for starters. Stair gates, cupboard locks, meds well out of reach, hot drinks out of reach, children with you in toilet if need be.
One of our SILs is so good and sensible. We go on holiday with them too and are flattered that they know we can be trusted absolutely with their childrens's safety.
You want to be able to enjoy these lovely little people not have bad memories.

My ex was like this with his own kids. A miracle they made it to adulthood. Some men are too busy thinking about themselves to care about anyone else.

I see your dilemna, however if you had witnessed these near miss incidents when DGS was in the care of a childminder or other carer, surely you would have
raised your concerns with his parents?
I'm sure the parents are aware of what a difficult and responsible role that you have taken on, but not the circumstances in which you are trying to successifully able to carry them out.
Both of the incidents you cite were potentially fatal or at least life changing.
I can emphasise, whilst living with and caring for my very elderly father I also had the care of my DGS 18 months old. It was an unworkable scenario. GGF constantly stumbled over strewn toys and DGS constantly made a bee-line for GGFs hot drinks left on low tables. I explained to DD and that my priority was the safety of both and I could no longer guarantee that safety given the circumstances. Wishing you well.

Oh dear. I think you must ask yourself if an accident happened, how you would feel if you let things carry on as they are. You would never forgive yourself but it must be hard having split loyalties. Also, the parents would never trust you again if they discovered you had irgnored warning signs. It does seem worth thinking about
going to the toddler's home by yourself to look after him. A very difficult situation but you must be strong for everyones' sake.

welshmist have just read your later posts and am thinking "yep" "yep" "yep" !!! Could they be long lost twins. Hmmmm

To those who suggest doing childcare in the 'other' house .... My DH would go from a mild mannered person into a ballistic maniac if I suggested this. He adores playing with the GS. The downside of this is that it's like having half a dozen 4 year olds instead of just one. I get sick of my own voice saying I don't allow this, that or whatever lunacy is occurring. Of course my GS thoroughly enjoys and truly think he sees his 75 year old grand dad as another playmate from nursery.

I don't see my role like that and always now use an adult voice etc with specific instructions etc. I've often wondered if other grandparents behave like 4 year olds and that it's me who's too serious with too many rules ....

As to telling my DD; that's a conundrum because I don't want to worry her.

I don't suppose I've been much help welshmist. Just to say you're not alone. Perhaps these older chaps just don't get it because back in the day we did the majority of child rearing.

Good luck with it all x

welshmist I feel for you so much. When my DC were young I had one day off in 4 years to visit a flower show, leaving my then husband in charge. When I returned DS had fallen off a high kitchen stool and his face was cut and bleeding with other bruises on his body. On another occasion I had to go to the family planning clinic and returned to find DS 1 (aged 2 1/2) trying to change baby brother's nappy while Daddy was asleep on the settee. Some men are just totally incompetent. He is now my ex!

I know some men are completely competent and efficient fathers but find at least one DS cannot foresee problems/accidents with DGC that to me are obvious and could be avoided eg running up and down stairs, slamming doors on each other and climbing on, then jumping off furniture (to name but a few).

I suppose there are some women who are just as incompetent but I know how stressful this can be regardless of age. Good luck with what you decide to do about this situation.

Do not leave him alone with toddler. You have more than one example of a near miss. I am actually surprised that you need to hear this reaffirmed from the community. You really do not want to be spending the rest of your life thinking..'if only'... its not worth the risk. Accept that whether through lack of thought or possibly beginning to 'lose it' he (and a lot of other people!) are not responsible enough to be trusted with the life of a child. Not being judgementel, but the life of a child is a precious thing.

The first thing that came to mind when I read this post was dementia, having seen my father suffer from it. My Mum used to get so angry with him before we knew that he was having problems, poor man. But it would be very difficult to broach the subject with your husband I should imagine, Welshmist, he will probably argue with you but may be worrying himself and be on the defence. Just a thought, he might of course just not be overly safety conscious!

I have to say, having seen my Brother in law gradually change due to dementia, this behaviour reminds me very much of him. That's hard for you to hear or to face ....are there signs/changes in other areas other tan your grandchild?

Hi Welshmist. Your worry is palpable and i feel for you. However I'm going to give you my opinion as a mum and if they were my children. Don't hide it. Be upfront with your DIL and say that you want her help and advice on how to help without putting her children at risk. Speak to her woman to woman and offer to look after them at her house, or take them on play dates etc. If she finds out via another source, or god forbid something happens she will never forgive you and will find it hard to trust you.

Before too long the little one will start telling the parents what goes on anyway. Mine once came home to tell me granny hadn't strapped them in the car seat!

You are clearly a fab MIL, so bite the bullet and be upfront. Good luck xx