Sister not receptive to concerns
By Jon Busdeker on Aug. 06, 2007
Dear Emily: Just three months ago I had my first child, “Bethany.” As a new mom, I have become overwhelmed with so many things, including the art of traveling with a baby. My sister, and mother of three, insists I come visit her for her 40th birthday bash next month and won’t take no for an answer. She says traveling with Bethany is no big deal, but I am already freaking out about it. What if I forget to pack something? What if the three-hour car trip turns into a six-hour nightmare with changing and feeding stops? I just don’t think I can do it, and I know my sister won’t understand.
— Driving Me Crazy
Dear Driving Me Crazy: Your sister may have forgotten what it is like to be a new mom after having three, so you need to remind her that all the stress you feel can’t just be ignored.
Ask her questions about her first child, and jog her memory about all the obstacles she (eventually) learned to deal with. Perhaps then she will be more sympathetic and offer advice rather than merely criticism.
If you decide to make the journey, bring extra toys to help stimulate your baby, plan on taking your time with plenty of stops, and don’t worry if you forget something because there are convenience stores everywhere that will probably have what you need.
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