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Husband trying to compete which grandparents see DC more

294 replies

hmhwd · 10/08/2024 14:54

More like, is he being unreasonable or is this a normal reaction from him?

DC Is 2.5. My family is quite wealthy, his is pretty average. In laws live closer so we see them for day trips once a month, my mum lives further so I will visit her overnight for a couple of nights but also about once per month.
Sadly my DF died when I was a teen but he was highly successful, left a large inheritance to my mum and I. My mum, having raised me, now mainly travels the world, enjoys life and helps me out with raising DC when I need it. On a few holidays (3-4 per year) she will invite me and DC along, DH is invited too but can't join for all of them because of limited annual leave, he does join for probably half (sometimes joins part way through a holiday, sometimes doesn't join at all and sometimes joins for the full length). These holidays are fully paid for by my mum. When not on holiday, I'll sometimes go to stay with my mum for a night or two if DH knows he will work late - her house is large enough for DC to have their own room, all the "child" equipment that I need can be and is stored at hers. On other days, my mum will just pop over to ours to help out, play with DC etc - this doesn't affect DH because he is out at work and it'll be in the daytime.

My ILs see DC far less. They can't afford to take us on holiday and my DH wouldn't pay for them to go with us. They visit maybe once a month. Staying at theirs is more difficult because a) it would need to be over a weekend when DH can come and b) the house is a squeeze, we don’t have anything there that we need (baby chair, cot, all the nappies / bottles / aprons / toys) so have to bring everything. I guess I also don't ask for help from my ILs the way I do from my own mum (for example if I need someone to watch DC whilst I have a doctors appointment - I will ask my mum or move it, never ask my ILs), largely because I just don't have that kind of relationship with them. We are civil and no arguments but we don't "get on like a house on fire" in that we have very different views, not many common interests. I find their visits tedious and exhausting for many (very subtle but many) reasons - none because they're terrible people, just that I find them difficult to be around, we run out of conversation fast and we have to fake agreeing on topics.

I've noticed recently my husband really tries to compete and compensate. He's trying to squeeze us into their house at Xmas (as opposed to hotel like we've done previous years) even though that meant 6 adults and 1 child in a 2/3 bedroom house (3rd bedroom is a study that will have a blow up bed in the middle, the bedroom we stay in will mean either someone sleeps on a floor mattress so we physically can’t open the door or walk around until mattress lifted, or all 3 of us sleep in a small double bed). Or he is irritable when he sees that DC will run towards my mum shouting GAM-GAAAAAAM ("grandma") or when the two have little inside jokes or games. If I ask about it he claims he's absolutely fine and just wants DC to give "gam-gam" a rest (my mum is thrilled with it, doesn’t want a rest). I can just feel resentment towards my mum for being able to spend more time with DC?

OP posts:
Leanmeansmitingmachine · 15/08/2024 09:50

jannier · 15/08/2024 09:40

Exactly in a hotel you could stay one night so he gets a fair share. When you stay with mum don't you love getting up and chatting to her doing odd bits together and the relaxed atmosphere rather than the oh might fit you in for an hour or two need to get back to put lo to bed etc. give him that experience.
A hotel is saying I'm too good for your house

Actually it’s saying “there’s no room”.

Leanmeansmitingmachine · 15/08/2024 09:50

The OP knowing her own mind and having her head screwed on tightly to protect her very decent financial position has really irked some posters. 🤭

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 15/08/2024 09:45

@hmhwd are his siblings still children??

Bumblebeestiltskin · 15/08/2024 09:41

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 11:08

@AquaFurball that's when right of first refusal comes in - ie not letting anyone else look after the child during the parent's time with child unless the other parent has said they can't. And before you mention my mum, she babysits solo maybe once a week, once every 2 weeks, he'd need childcare 5 days per week whilst we works.
So dw it's all good for me :)

That's not how it works. If you split up, it's HIS decision who looks after the child on his time. Nothing to do with you!

jannier · 15/08/2024 09:40

hmhwd · 15/08/2024 09:27

@jannier actually that's absolutely not true as I've agreed to spend 4 (!) days at Xmas with them as long as we stay in a hotel...

Exactly in a hotel you could stay one night so he gets a fair share. When you stay with mum don't you love getting up and chatting to her doing odd bits together and the relaxed atmosphere rather than the oh might fit you in for an hour or two need to get back to put lo to bed etc. give him that experience.
A hotel is saying I'm too good for your house

jannier · 15/08/2024 09:37

hmhwd · 15/08/2024 09:05

You say you need to stay at your mums overnight as it's far away but also then say she visits just to watch DC while you have an apt.

I've mentioned earlier in the post that she has a flat in London where she can stay.

You act like it's slumming it too much to stay at IL.

Yes because there's literally no space to stay.

I also guess you're a SAHP?

Yes i am.

If he's the sole worker to provide for the family you need to be the sole one facilitating dc grandparents visits during the working week.

Indeed that would be the case if he was providing for the family. As it currently is, we provide 50/50ish if not slightly more from me.

Ask mil if she would loan the use of flat or share it with some of the in-laws who couldn't afford a hotel. Get in a chef to do Christmas at yours and make an effort just once.
Drop the I'm a better class than you and play nice. You might find you all get on if you give it a go.

Mrsgus · 15/08/2024 09:36

I think someone has been a bit spoilt by their mother and because you don't have the same luxuries at your IL's are being a bit of a diva!! A couple of nights in a put me up isn't going to break your back and you actually only need a few things to take for your LO (I mean aprons, why?) Unless they are really horrible people, I honestly don't see what the issue is!! They won't be around forever and if you really can't fave up to 'slumming' it for a couple of days let DH go with dc.

hmhwd · 15/08/2024 09:27

@jannier actually that's absolutely not true as I've agreed to spend 4 (!) days at Xmas with them as long as we stay in a hotel...

OP posts:
jannier · 15/08/2024 09:23

hmhwd · 15/08/2024 09:02

I don't need the faff of cooking an entire Xmas dinner for 7 people, whilst also having a toddler to look after. Whenever DH or I have cooked for MIL before she lays on with the comments "ooh I'd have added more butter, less flour and maybe some peas as well" or "I made a similar dish the other day but with a bit more X and took it out of the oven a bit sooner, it was better that way" - I'm not slaving away in the kitchen all morning to then be criticised. This isn't a cooking lesson, and if I did want a cooking lesson I'd get it with someone who actually cooks well.

Them coming over to ours would also mean his parents and siblings have nowhere to stay, they're unlikely to want to pay for a hotel so would just end up driving over later and leaving quite early (fine by me but not ideal for any of them as they'd want to max time together at Xmas). And we're unlikely to pay for their hotel (I certainly wouldn't, pretty sure DH wouldn't pay either)

Your putting up barriers to every suggestion that doesn't say sod DHs thoughts, family etc it's my mum or nothing and it's only you who can be critical of them ....get your mummy to pay for a chief

hmhwd · 15/08/2024 09:05

itsgettingweird · 15/08/2024 09:02

Your IL are close by and you act like you need to be the best bosom buddies in the world to ask them to watch dc while you have an apt.

You could always ask DH to ask them.

You say you need to stay at your mums overnight as it's far away but also then say she visits just to watch DC while you have an apt.

Your whole post is about your mums wealth (and I'm sorry about your dad that must of been really hard) and her huge house, her equipment etc.

You act like it's slumming it too much to stay at IL.

I also guess you're a SAHP? That of course makes it easier for you to take dc to your mums. If he's the sole worker to provide for the family you need to be the sole one facilitating dc grandparents visits during the working week.

I'm another who's team DH.

You say you need to stay at your mums overnight as it's far away but also then say she visits just to watch DC while you have an apt.

I've mentioned earlier in the post that she has a flat in London where she can stay.

You act like it's slumming it too much to stay at IL.

Yes because there's literally no space to stay.

I also guess you're a SAHP?

Yes i am.

If he's the sole worker to provide for the family you need to be the sole one facilitating dc grandparents visits during the working week.

Indeed that would be the case if he was providing for the family. As it currently is, we provide 50/50ish if not slightly more from me.

OP posts:
Wrennyjenwren · 15/08/2024 09:02

Starlight1979 · 15/08/2024 08:49

I got as far as

My ILs see DC far less. They can't afford to take us on holiday...

And stopped reading.

I got as far as 'my parents are very wealthy and my in-laws are average' or something like that, and instantly pulled a face, too.
It's nothing big, but choice of words said alot. The rest of the post confirmed it.

itsgettingweird · 15/08/2024 09:02

Your IL are close by and you act like you need to be the best bosom buddies in the world to ask them to watch dc while you have an apt.

You could always ask DH to ask them.

You say you need to stay at your mums overnight as it's far away but also then say she visits just to watch DC while you have an apt.

Your whole post is about your mums wealth (and I'm sorry about your dad that must of been really hard) and her huge house, her equipment etc.

You act like it's slumming it too much to stay at IL.

I also guess you're a SAHP? That of course makes it easier for you to take dc to your mums. If he's the sole worker to provide for the family you need to be the sole one facilitating dc grandparents visits during the working week.

I'm another who's team DH.

hmhwd · 15/08/2024 09:02

Marseillaise · 15/08/2024 08:42

Why not ask his parents round to yours at Christmas? I must say, Christmas in a hotel sounds miserable.

I don't need the faff of cooking an entire Xmas dinner for 7 people, whilst also having a toddler to look after. Whenever DH or I have cooked for MIL before she lays on with the comments "ooh I'd have added more butter, less flour and maybe some peas as well" or "I made a similar dish the other day but with a bit more X and took it out of the oven a bit sooner, it was better that way" - I'm not slaving away in the kitchen all morning to then be criticised. This isn't a cooking lesson, and if I did want a cooking lesson I'd get it with someone who actually cooks well.

Them coming over to ours would also mean his parents and siblings have nowhere to stay, they're unlikely to want to pay for a hotel so would just end up driving over later and leaving quite early (fine by me but not ideal for any of them as they'd want to max time together at Xmas). And we're unlikely to pay for their hotel (I certainly wouldn't, pretty sure DH wouldn't pay either)

OP posts:
Ophy83 · 15/08/2024 08:55

Think about ways that Christmas at his parents could work, as that seems to be important to your dh. No need to block the door or all share the bed. You and your dh share the double and make the toddler a comfy bed on the floor - you can get a special little sleepover bed for the toddler to make it even more exciting.

Starlight1979 · 15/08/2024 08:49

I got as far as

My ILs see DC far less. They can't afford to take us on holiday...

And stopped reading.

Marseillaise · 15/08/2024 08:42

Why not ask his parents round to yours at Christmas? I must say, Christmas in a hotel sounds miserable.

Sjh15 · 15/08/2024 08:38

You sound a little judgey.
’their house is small, we’d be uncomfortable, they don’t have baby stuff’
so?
make fun of it, make it an adventure.
Sounds like money has made you judgey!

MSLRT · 15/08/2024 08:23

hmhwd · 12/08/2024 08:47

@JustMarriedBecca my mum is alone in the single sense ie no husband / boyfriend / partner, yes.
But then she's quite sociable so will occasionally travel with one of her friends (we don't join for those) , her own sister etc

You don’t have to apologise for spending time with your mum, being a SAHM or not wanting to spend your inheritance on your in-laws. People are mad. It’s normal for a woman to be closer to, and want to spend more time with her own mum. It’s just how it is and has been for years. It’s your husband’s problem if he things your child needs to spend more time with his parents. Ridiculous to object to your mum coming over when he isn’t there. As for all squashing in the same house for Christmas. Sleepovers are for kids. Not adults. Stick to the hotel.

NotSmallButFunSize · 15/08/2024 07:40

FarmGirl78 · 11/08/2024 09:51

Because when you're a child having everyone together and squeezed in is fun? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Everyone together for events = fun

Shitty nights sleep crammed in a small space, climbing over all your stuff = not fun

Just stay at the hotel and be at the house early, best of both

Allie47 · 15/08/2024 07:24

MapleTreeValley · 10/08/2024 15:38

I think it's nice that your DH is trying to encourage a good relationship between his child and his parents, and I'm surprised that you're viewing it in such a negative light.

What is he doing to facilitate that relationship though? It's not OPs job, she's making sure her parents get time with DC to bond and DH should be doing the same with his own parents, he can take DC on weekends if he wants to, give OP a bit of downtime 🤷‍♀️

bluewatermelon · 14/08/2024 16:50

DoreenonTill8 · 12/08/2024 20:17

This!! Why on earth would his parents want to holiday with you and your mum, over their son?!!

It really does sound like you think you're better than them, and they should be in awe and ever so grateful to the superior you pair lowering your self to be in their company!

I really don’t think they would want to.

saraclara · 12/08/2024 20:58

ThreeSides · 12/08/2024 08:50

Why wouldn't you stay in a hotel and be more comfortable rather than in a cramped room where one person has to sleep on the floor on a mattress, when money isn't an issue? It's hardly being a princess. 🙄

Because I was at my in-laws at Christmas so that we were all together. A toddler needs an early bedtime, so we'd have had to go to the hotel by early evening and missed spending the evening with them and missed dinner and the post dinner chat and such.

Also parents enjoy hosting. I know my in-laws did, and I'm sure they'd have been really disappointed if we'd stayed in a hotel. And bunking up wherever we could was part of the fun!

DoreenonTill8 · 12/08/2024 20:17

Bushmillsbabe · 12/08/2024 18:21

Your posts read like you and your mum are the couple, rather than you and DH. 'Mum and I could take them' 'he doesn't see it as something to spend his money on'.
We pay for our in laws to come, because we want our children to make positive memories with them while they can. And because we can. And because if we didn't she wouldn't have a holiday.

Unfortunately FIL passed away 2 years ago, but oldest has wonderful memories of building sandcastles in the beach and drawing their names in the sand with his walking sticks. Make memories with the grandparents whilst you can. Studies show that children who have positive relationships with their grandparents have better mental health, better social skills and better resilience.

This!! Why on earth would his parents want to holiday with you and your mum, over their son?!!

It really does sound like you think you're better than them, and they should be in awe and ever so grateful to the superior you pair lowering your self to be in their company!

Demonhunter · 12/08/2024 19:25

You sound really entitled and unpleasant.

Bushmillsbabe · 12/08/2024 18:21

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 19:43

My mum and I could afford to take his parents on holidays, he'd never ask and we wouldn't do it because it seems a bit absurd to be paying for them.

I guess he COULD pay for them to go on holiday with either my mum and I (although would likely stay in a separate hotel but maybe nearby) or with just our little family unit (me, him, DC) but he doesn't choose to do this. He does however take us on holiday (me and DC) 1-2 times a year for a total of maybe 2 weeks. He doesn't see it as something reasonable for him to spend money on - taking his parents on hols. Although we are due to go on holiday with his parents and siblings as a special birthday is coming up but that's each sibling paying their own share plus chipping in to take the parents away.

Your posts read like you and your mum are the couple, rather than you and DH. 'Mum and I could take them' 'he doesn't see it as something to spend his money on'.
We pay for our in laws to come, because we want our children to make positive memories with them while they can. And because we can. And because if we didn't she wouldn't have a holiday.

Unfortunately FIL passed away 2 years ago, but oldest has wonderful memories of building sandcastles in the beach and drawing their names in the sand with his walking sticks. Make memories with the grandparents whilst you can. Studies show that children who have positive relationships with their grandparents have better mental health, better social skills and better resilience.