DEAR DEIDRE: MY husband won’t back me when I say it isn’t safe for his parents to babysit our one-year-old son because they smoke in the house.
I’m 37 and my husband is 35. Lately his parents have divided us.
It started when the in-laws invited us over for dinner to celebrate our son’s first birthday.
They’ve always smoked in the house, but I thought they would make an exception knowing their young grandson would be there.
When his grandad sparked up a cigarette, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I instantly asked him to put it out.
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He fobbed me off and continued that it never “harmed their children growing up”.
My husband didn’t back my corner at all.
Now they’ve asked to babysit and I’m dead against it, but my husband says I’m being rude and over the top.
DEIDRE SAYS: You are right to be concerned. Secondhand smoke is dangerous, especially for babies.
Find a moment to speak with your husband and let him know how this makes you feel.
Children have smaller airways than adults, so breathing in secondhand smoke can lead to respiratory and other health problems.
Ask him to have a look at the nhs.uk information page on passive smoking and babies for more information.
My support pack When Parents Fall Out might help you navigate the conversation for a healthy outcome.
