Moms - Is this an appropriate reaction to a gift you don't like for your baby?

Question

I'll be honest... I'm a bit overly sensitive, so wanted to get a second opinion.

My boyfriend's sister has a baby and they all live overseas. At one point, I had great communication with them but haven't heard from his sister in seven months despite me always tell my boyfriend to tell his sister that I said hello.

He went overseas to visit and I sent a big box of Sees candies for his mom and sister to share and some coloring pages for his sister's two year old. They are the color wonder pages by crayola -the markers are clear and won't show up on anything besides this special paper and it turns beautiful metallic colors with sparkles.

Today my boyfriend mentioned his mom loved the candies and said, "my sister is holding onto the coloring paper you gave for her daughter. She's only two and won't be able to draw animals...she will let the baby play with them when she's 3"

I was a bit upset since I was expecting a different response. More than anything, this was my way to reach out and let her know I was thinking about her daughter. Of course, since I've been worried about the little contact for so long I'm paranoid it's her way of shutting me out. I have no idea why she wouldn't like me -she loved me when she visited 1.5 years ago.

Answer 1

I'm not a mother but I'm around plenty of children. So for starters I don't think there's really a age for coloring. More or less depends on the growth of the child as its unique in each baby. It's a good general gift as I'm sure it will be used! Not for a newborn obviously but you know what I mean. And as her reaction I feel you might be thinking a little bit to much into this due to the lack of communication. I'm sure she really appreciated the thought and was just saying she will hold onto it until her child's ready! I wouldn't think its something to worry about! Not sure if this really helps but I hope so!

Answer 2

There's nothing for you to be so upset about. She didn't say anything hateful or that she didn't like or appreciate your gift. She just commented that she's going to wait until her daughter is a little older to use the markers and pages you sent. Nothing wrong with that because that is something for a child much older than two.

Let it go. You're being a bit paranoid. If you keep this up, you'll ruin this relationship with her before its even started.

Answer 3

I don't think that there is anything wrong with the present you bought for your boyfriend's sister's baby. I think plenty of people in your position would have bought her the exact same thing! Even if they can't draw animals, a 2 year old is still capable of doing drawings, scribbling and what not; its not as if the quality of artwork between a 2 year old and and 3 year old is going to be that much different!

Answer 4

I'm with the other answers. I can be sensitive too, and I do tend to read into things so I understand your feelings. But I see nothing wrong here!

Answer 5

What's wrong with holding on to your gift until the kid is at age to use it? If she gives it to the kid now, no matter how special that crayon is, she'll eat it.

Answer 6

It is possible the mom loves the idea and doesn't want her child to ruin the markers. By waiting and letting the child practice more first, your gift will last longer for the child.

Answer 7

stop reaching out. she isn't responding, or is responding in a very weird manner. no reason to keep putting yourself out there for defeat. your bf clearly isn't handling the issue, so rather than you being in the middle, raise that white flag and ignore her right back.