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Stupidcat
Snowy Owl
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Age: 40
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Location: Texas

10 Aug 2008, 4:15 pm

My older sister recently had a baby. He's about three months old and he's really cute. My sister and my brother-in-law both work pretty hectic schedules so they ask me to watch him on the weekends sometimes. I honestly like my nephew but I have such a hard time dealing with him.

By the end of the day I'm so burned out I can hardly focus on anything. I'm very stressed out and I become easily agitated. I get frustrated easily when he starts to fuss and I never know what to do with him. I have sensory issues because he's always drooling on himself or me and I can't stand the feeling of moist cloth against my skin. I also have problems devoting all my attention to him because I feel an oppressive need for solitude. My mom helps out on her days off but she's got to work for a living as well. My dad (who I believe also has Asperger's) isn't any help at all. Some days are easier than others (as is the nature of babies) and my nephew likes to watch my computer screen when I play Civ so its not all bad.

I want to help out my sister and I'm glad that she doesn't have to worry about child care right now. But I'm watching my nephew right now and sometimes when I look at him I'm so incredibly glad I'm going back to University soon. I decided a long time ago that I'm not ever going to have children of my own. I can't fathom having a drooly, squirming being demanding my attention all day long.

Does anyone else have these kinds of problems with infant children?



BokeKaeru
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10 Aug 2008, 5:05 pm

Sorry to hear about the issues. Perhaps it would be better, for the baby as well as you, if your sister hired an actual nanny who liked doing this. Not to say you're necessarily doing anything wrong, but having someone who really wants to do a task might make the baby that much happier. Unless the budget is really tight for you guys, perhaps it's something you might bring up, seeing as you'll be gone to University soon anyways.

Though thankfully I have not had to deal with this problem directly, I can easily foresee myself having a similar problem. I can barely handle listening to a screaming baby in a restaurant - dealing with one on a constant basis would be a recipe for disaster. Then there's the issue of textures... not only drool, but baby food, poop, all that stuff.... *shudder*...

If my brother ever has a family (and I know that that's out of the question for me), they'd do best to find outside childcare rather than rely on me until the kid's mastered the basics. It sounds selfish, but when some stimuli are so irritating to the point of being borderline painful (as the noise is, and some sorts of food are), it's better to put someone in charge who can handle it.



origin
Emu Egg
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Joined: 9 Aug 2008
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10 Aug 2008, 7:17 pm

i have 4 nieces but i dont mind watching them



liloleme
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10 Aug 2008, 7:24 pm

I can say....at least for me that it is far different when it is your own baby. Im not saying that this would be the case for you but for me I dont really care for other peoples babies/kids but am madly in love with my own.