What would you do if your mother asked you?

**Kid Cossack** · 3rd March 07, 10:46 AM

Aye and he's a charmer ain't he? There are a number of approaches that come to mind. Theodore Roosevelt wore DRESSES as a child, was no uncommon thing in those days. Not that long ago, me beloved late Mum just SCANDALIZED the University of Houston when she wore TROUSERS to attend graduate level classes in geology. A WOMAN! In PANTS! Surely she must be . . . well, you know, not quite normal. You could point out that pants were really only even thought of for purposes of riding horses, and that before that unbifurcated garments were the norm. You could tell her that, while she is certainly entitled to her opinion, is it really helping her grandson to mock how he's dressed? Oh and aye, you could mention how much easier it is to change the diapers when a lad's in a kilt, vice trews! Oh and by the way---your son is a charmer indeed, as I mentioned already, but his outfit is simply smashing. His sartorial presentation rivals that of esteemed members Panache and Hamish, and I consider that dang high praise indeed! Best of luck to you, my brother, and I think, based just on the picture of your son, that you've got a darned fine start on things.

**Dreadbelly** · 3rd March 07, 11:02 AM

Mini Medusa (My wife) read this post with me and loved the picture of your son.

She said Granny would be getting a butt kicking from overly protective mommy hormones and would be shown the door.

She also informed me that there would only be scraps left for the husband to clean up.

**Pour1Malt** · 3rd March 07, 11:13 AM

lovely wee bairn there...

guid oan ya...

granma is probably just messin' wi' you, ya ken...

but if she is serious ya need tae have a serious talk wi' her aboot raisin' yur bairn....

does she want ya tae have a cookie cutter- no spine- no pride child?

ai thoucht noucht....

slainte

**cessna152towser** · 3rd March 07, 04:18 PM

Cute little kid; shame about the Mother-in-Law's ignorance.

**pipesndrumsnun** · 3rd March 07, 04:38 PM

What a cutie!!

**RockyR** · 3rd March 07, 05:32 PM

Ever see the show "Everybody Loves Raymond"? The mother in that show comes to mind.

I believe that discretion is the better part of valor. Since your wife would be seen as "neutral" in this (she's not the one in the kilt), I'd probably have HER take her mother (your MIL) aside and sit her down for "the talk". It's really more your WIFE'S place to "scold" her mother than it is yours.

Your wife should sit her down and let her mom know that NEITHER of you are comfortable with that kind of talk around the baby. You'd like to raise your child with an appreciation for different cultures and if she has negative things to say about it, she should speak to you or your wife directly and not address it with the child, even in a playful / teasing manner. While her occasional input (DIRECTLY TO YOU) is appreciated when requested, it is not expected and it was not requested in this case. Also, your wife should remind her of a very basic fact that may be VERY hard for her to swallow... while it is your MIL's Grandson, it's your SON and YOU will raise them with YOUR values, not THEIRS.

**RockyR** · 3rd March 07, 05:35 PM

BTW... please keep in mind that I can only give a "rational" response b/c I'm removed from the situation. If my MIL tried to tell me how to raise my kid or criticized the way I was doing it TO THE CHILD, I'd calmly ask her to speak to me outside, IMMEDIATELY and then explain to her that it was NOT ACCEPTABLE and that if I EVER heard that again, we'd immediately leave the party / visit / premesis with the child. But since I'm not you, I can speak calmly.

**Caradoc** · 3rd March 07, 09:09 PM

Originally Posted by jordanjm

My wife's mother when she sees him in it starts doing baby talk to the effect of I'm so sorry they keep putting you in a skirt, and blah blah blah about how he's a boy and should not be in a skirt.

The case is hopeless. Your wife's mother is a clueless twit and is beyond help.

**jordanjm** · 3rd March 07, 09:41 PM

Thanks, for all of the suggestions. The main ideas I have found so far are:

1. Disassociate from the negative
2. Be firm about not taking the cut downs.
3. Invite her to various activities where people other than just my family will be wearing kilts.
4. Teach the kids to love her.
5. Her issue with me, and my son wearing kilts is just a piece of a larger problem.

**Panache** · 3rd March 07, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by jordanjm

Thanks, for all of the suggestions. The main ideas I have found so far are:

1. Disassociate from the negative
2. Be firm about not taking the cut downs.
3. Invite her to various activities where people other than just my family will be wearing kilts.
4. Teach the kids to love her.
5. Her issue with me, and my son wearing kilts is just a piece of a larger problem.

jordanjm,

You may be new to the forum but you are certainly wise.

Good luck!

Cheers

Panache