My mother in law has been living with us in Canada providing childcare since New Years. We love having her here with us, but she is returning to the DR next week. This post is about my observations on things she has commented on or done since I met her 5 years ago, and also since she has lived with us here. Lots are Dominicanisms and have been posted, I'm sure, but perhaps some are unique to her. It hasn't been easy, but we will miss her and very much appreciate her help. Please comment or add your own observaciones de las suegras Dominicanas.
-Cloro para todo.
-Don't use cloro if you have a cold, it will make it worse.
-You cannot wash your hair for one week after you have a baby.
-Babies should not have a bath at night, the afternoon is better.
-You cannot wet your hair of you are sick.
-The toilet can replace a mop pail.
-Taps must be cleaned with a toothbrush.
-Shoes need to be spotless, and must be cleaned with dish soap and a toothbrush.
-Your hands work just as well as the ringer in the mop pail.
-Anti-biotics should be available over the counter, for everyone, including toddlers with a slight cough. Super-bugs? What? Canadian doctors don't know anything.
-Touching a stranger's kid is no big deal, what's wrong with people here? (This has been a struggle).
-Toddlers are sick with croup-it's their teeth.
-Toddlers are grouchy-it's their teeth.
-Toddlers are acting differently- it's their teeth.
-Toddlers aren't sleeping well- it's their teeth.
-Toddlers should eat Avena with sugar every morning.
-Bedtimes can range.
-Gerbers Organic baby cereals are terrible.
-Thrombocil should be used sparingly on bruises.
-Vicks Vapor Rub should be used sparingly always, except for on Toddlers (Thank God).
-Zinc ointment can be used to prevent diaper rash (No, actually, I took her up on this).
-Curls on little boys aren't cute. They need a haircut (This also).
-The broom can be used to wash windows.
-A tiny frying pan is better than a large one, even when cooking Yanny-Keke for the entire house.
-Knives are for opening cans, can openers are not.
-Eating at 10-11am, 3pm, and 7pm-ish is fine. That schedule is better anyway.
-Cloro para todo.
-Don't use cloro if you have a cold, it will make it worse.
-You cannot wash your hair for one week after you have a baby.
-Babies should not have a bath at night, the afternoon is better.
-You cannot wet your hair of you are sick.
-The toilet can replace a mop pail.
-Taps must be cleaned with a toothbrush.
-Shoes need to be spotless, and must be cleaned with dish soap and a toothbrush.
-Your hands work just as well as the ringer in the mop pail.
-Anti-biotics should be available over the counter, for everyone, including toddlers with a slight cough. Super-bugs? What? Canadian doctors don't know anything.
-Touching a stranger's kid is no big deal, what's wrong with people here? (This has been a struggle).
-Toddlers are sick with croup-it's their teeth.
-Toddlers are grouchy-it's their teeth.
-Toddlers are acting differently- it's their teeth.
-Toddlers aren't sleeping well- it's their teeth.
-Toddlers should eat Avena with sugar every morning.
-Bedtimes can range.
-Gerbers Organic baby cereals are terrible.
-Thrombocil should be used sparingly on bruises.
-Vicks Vapor Rub should be used sparingly always, except for on Toddlers (Thank God).
-Zinc ointment can be used to prevent diaper rash (No, actually, I took her up on this).
-Curls on little boys aren't cute. They need a haircut (This also).
-The broom can be used to wash windows.
-A tiny frying pan is better than a large one, even when cooking Yanny-Keke for the entire house.
-Knives are for opening cans, can openers are not.
-Eating at 10-11am, 3pm, and 7pm-ish is fine. That schedule is better anyway.