Let them cry a bit, 10 to 15 minutes won't hurt them. I got my best advise from my sister in law, "crying is normal, usually you can tell if it's a I'm hurt/wet/hungry cry from the I don't want to goto bed cry after a few minutes. Just be sure to stay near enough that you can hear or use the monitor". She told me that the first time I looked after my nephew.
As for your mother, if my mother or father EVER tried to pull that kind of stuff on me I'd have a few words in private and none of them would be nice or polite. On the other hand my grandfather spoils his great great grandkids even though the parents and I ask him not too but what can you do? He's well over 90 years old
