AITA for doing childproofing for my in-laws visit?
Imagine the stress of hosting your in-laws for a two‐week visit, only to realize that their energetic toddler might wreak havoc in your pristine Berlin apartment. Our OP, a 26-year-old woman married for five years, cherishes the modern, childfree lifestyle she and her husband have built in Berlin.
They enjoy upscale decor, expensive furniture, and gourmet dining—luxuries they never experienced as children. However, when her husband invited his traditional family from Greece—including his three-year-old nephew—to stay with them for two weeks, things took an unexpected turn.
Determined to prevent any mishaps during the extended visit, our OP took proactive measures by childproofing her home. She removed delicate glass and ceramic decor, swapped elegant linen for plastic tablecloths, secured items like her “intoxication devices,” and even covered her luxurious white cashmere sofa with a plush fabric cover.
While these changes were meant to ensure safety and protect her valuable belongings, her husband reacted with frustration. He felt she was preparing their home as if they were hosting “messy and uncivilized people.” But is such careful preparation really out of line when hosting a rambunctious toddler for two weeks?
‘ AITA for doing childproofing for my in-laws visit? ‘
Childproofing is a common and sensible practice when hosting young children, especially for an extended period. According to pediatric safety expert Dr. Lisa Miller from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Childproofing is not about sacrificing style—it’s about creating a safe environment for children while protecting your home from potential accidents.”
Dr. Miller emphasizes that when families plan for longer visits, especially with toddlers who are known for their unpredictable behavior, taking extra precautions is both practical and necessary.
Dr. Miller further notes, “Parents appreciate when their guests take the extra steps to ensure that their child is safe and that their valuable possessions are protected. It minimizes stress on both sides and prevents damage or accidents that could otherwise ruin a visit.”
In this case, our OP’s efforts—from removing fragile items to covering high-maintenance furniture—reflect a thoughtful approach tailored for a two-week stay, which is significantly different from a few hours of a dinner party. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of damage but also provides peace of mind for the visiting family.
Moreover, creating a safe environment can improve the overall experience for everyone involved. Dr. Miller states, “When children are allowed to explore in a safe setting, parents can relax more and enjoy their time without constant worry.” Therefore, while her husband’s comparison to casual dinner visits might seem unfair, the extended nature of this stay justifies a higher level of preparation.
These are the responses from Reddit users:
The Reddit community overwhelmingly supports our OP’s decision to childproof her home. Many commenters note that hosting a toddler for two weeks demands extra precautions to protect both property and the child’s safety. Several users praise her for making the visit less stressful for the in-laws, highlighting that a well-prepared environment reassures parents and minimizes the risk of costly accidents.
They point out that a three-year-old is, by nature, messy and unpredictable—so measures like covering expensive sofas and replacing delicate decor are entirely justified. Some even argue that if her friends with children can leave their homes as they are for short dinners, then preparing for a prolonged stay should be seen as smart and considerate, not as an overreaction.
In the end, transforming your home to be toddler-friendly for a long visit isn’t about devaluing your style or treating your guests as uncivilized—it’s about ensuring safety and reducing stress for both the visiting family and your own household.
Our OP’s decision to remove breakable items, switch out delicate linens, and even adjust her maid’s schedule is a sensible strategy to protect her belongings and make the visit as pleasant as possible. While her husband’s discomfort with these changes might stem from a different perspective on hosting, many agree that for a two-week stay with a rambunctious toddler, such measures are both thoughtful and necessary.
What do you think? Would you go to similar lengths to prepare your home for an extended family visit with young children, or do you believe these steps are over the top? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!