Talk To Me: I'm worried my in-laws will not stick to house rules when babysitting 

Psychologist Caroline Martin is here to answer your questions on whatever issues you are dealing with in life, from work pressure and stress to loneliness and grief

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My parents-in-law have offered to pick up our three-year-old daughter from playschool twice weekly. We could do with the help, as both work full-time and have an older son in primary school. However, they have a very relaxed attitude about screen time and sweets and often bring a bag of 'goodies' when they visit. I want to ask them to stick to our house rules when my daughter stays with them but I'm afraid of hurting their feelings.

The origins of the phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is unclear but it is likely to be from an indigenous people of Africa or America. However, it would not have been out of place in Ireland before Henry VIII started taking an interest in our island. The importance of the extended family or clan in Celtic Ireland is well documented. When we consider our historical culture and the high costs of childcare, it is no surprise that grandparents are often the main carers for children of working parents, according to an Ipsos MRBI poll.