My mum offered to babysit my kids, but only if she can drug the baby

“'No, mum,' I said - again. 'We don’t do that. You know what happened last time...'"

My mum has never been one to follow the rules.

As just one example, when my siblings and I were little, she used to smuggle us into the drive-in movies. 

A more alarming example is when she gave us Coca-Cola in our baby bottles when we were sick.

And then of course there was the time she urged me to drug my son when we were travelling. On that tale, it seems she hasn't learned.

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Image: Melissa Noble

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"I might give Lily a shot"

In terms of grandma duties, my mum does an awesome job and absolutely loves our three kids, but she still pushes the boundaries on occasion, which is what happened recently.

My husband and I had been invited to a wedding on the Gold Coast, and were at a loss as to what to do with our three kids, who are aged nine, five and one.

I dialed Nana.

“Hey mum, is there any chance you could please take care of the kids while we are at the wedding?” I said over the phone.

“Of course, darling,” she replied. “I’d love to.”

I sighed with relief and thanked my mum. As the conversation ended, she threw in a disclaimer that blew me away.

“Oh, ah, darling, I might give little Lily (the youngest) a shot of Phenergan to help her sleep at night,” mum said. 

“Remember, I told you that I used to give it to you all the time as kids.”

Melissa's parents. Image: Supplied

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"The most awful parents on the planet"

Phenergan acts as an antihistamine and is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes. 

It can also help to prevent motion sickness and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. Sometimes, it’s used as a sedative or sleep aid.*

Memories of that time my husband and I took my mum’s advice to try Phenergan on our son when he was car sick in Europe came flooding back. 

We couldn’t rouse him for several hours afterwards, and were staying with my husband’s very conservative clients. We felt like the most awful parents on the planet.

“No, mum,” I said in disbelief that I had to remind her. “We don’t give our kids Phenergan to help them sleep. I can ask someone else to have them if it’s inconvenient?”

“Ok, ok,” she replied. “No Phenergan for the little one. Got it.”

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"The Phenergan is definitely out"

A few weeks later, I called to confirm if it was still ok for mum and dad to have the kids.

“Absolutely,” my mum said. “But the Phenergan is definitely out.”

I felt confused. “What do you mean, mum?” I asked.

“I checked with our local pharmacist, Frank, and he said it wasn’t suitable for a one-year-old.”

I rolled my eyes. Newsflash, mum. Phenergan isn’t meant to be used on children under two years of age, and anyway WE HAVE BEEN OVER THIS.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to my mum for babysitting and I do trust her not to drug my kids. But I still may check her medicine cabinet before we leave for the wedding.

Just in case.

*This story is about Melissa's experiences only. Speak to your own healthcare professional about the suitability of Phenergan for your family. Always read the label and follow directions for use.

And see information at theRaising Children Network.

Originally published as My mum offered to babysit my kids, but only if she can drug the baby