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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Women and looking after your PIL - AIBU?

130 replies

AboutTimeTwo · 08/06/2024 13:12

Just interested in what other people do WRT their elderly PIL care?

My DH works very long hours, and doesn’t have much time to himself. His DSis is married, but never had DC and has a FT job with long hours too.

PIL seem to be going downhill, and I think one has some cognitive decline. I am pretty sure that in a couple of years they are going to both need some help.

My SIL has already said that she is not compromising her lifestyle to look after them, despite being on the receiving end of some very serious help over the years. My DH has also said that he can’t look after them as he works all the time.

So, that leaves me right? There is no one else.

I work p/t and my youngest of 3 is just about to go to Uni. I have spent a good 2+ decades child rearing. I may even be a granny in the next 5 years, which would be lovely. I have never had a seconds help from my PIL and so I don’t feel that I owe them anything.

We haven’t got into debate over it yet, but I know that the second my PIL need help, both my DH and his DSis are going to think that I am free, and therefore I should be doing it. How I feel about this is that I have spent the past 2 decades child rearing, and I am not jumping straight into a carer role, plus I have my own parents to think of. I’ve thought about going FT if and when this happens, but then think why should I? I work 3.5 days a week and I do all the household stuff.

I’d like to have my position straight and be able to say no with confidence, so looking to be ahead of the game and ask what others think and how you would stand up for yourself? Oh, and AIBU to not want this responsibility?

OP posts:
vivainsomnia · 08/06/2024 13:18

How about you go to work FT, your OH reduces his hours and he uses the extra time to care for them?

GCAcademic · 08/06/2024 13:17

Anticipate this in advance and suggest to your husband that you'll go full time so that he can go part-time to look after his parents. I bet he won't be rushing to put himself in your position.

feathermucker · 08/06/2024 13:16

Let them know now that you're not prepared to do so and they'll have to have a think about what they need to do. Dave's any uncertainty down the line. You have absolutely no obligation to provide care for them.

GabriellaMontez · 08/06/2024 13:16

Yanbu.

I'd probably start the conversation myself.

"Looks like your parents will need some help in the next few years, have you talked to them about getting someone in or moving into sheltered accommodation " ?

Then be very clear that you are too busy, and its a job you don't want.

Mouswife · 08/06/2024 13:14

Simply don’t get involved. Dsis dh is not bothering to put his cap in the ring, so stay quiet and don’t mention anything. There are two children who are responsible, they either help their parents or they don’t .

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