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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this normal? AIBU to feel upset about this?

30 replies

Sm9986 · 15/09/2024 10:52

This is probably petty and pointless and but it's been on my mind for a while and not sure who else to ask about it.

My DSD is with us full time. Mum calls and texts weekly, and sees her (usually at very short notice) a 3 or 4 times a year- usually for a hour or two, never for overnight stays. This is all mum'a choice. There is a court order in place outlining regularity of contact and notice she has to give etc but she's never abided by it. Also she doesn't contribute to my DSD's upbringing in anyway besides to shower her with expensive gifts on her birthday and taking her out to fancy restaurants occasionally.

The issue is, on the occasions that my DSD sees her, she tells my DSD what to wear. She'll pick out her outfit, make a point of asking her if DSD has showered and brushed her teeth. One time she came to pick up DSD from the house- DSD had got dressed in a hurry after getting back from school- and mum told her to go in and shower and redress while she waited in the car outside.

I can't but feel this is a dig at me and my husband, almost like she's making an implicit suggestion that we're not taking care or her properly or paying attention to DSD's hygiene or appearance, which of course isn't the case.

AIBU to feel a little upset about this?

OP posts:
IdLikeToBeAFraser · 15/09/2024 11:02

No, it's not a reflection on you. She's judging and manipulating her daughter. I would be reassuring dd that her clothes and hygiene etc is all fine.

Babsexxx · 15/09/2024 11:01

Pffffffft!!! I think it’s time to cut contact until she abides by the court order! Thats what you’ve given the money for, More importantly she doesn’t give a shit about her a child and who is she taking her to see to impress?! Must be someone she’s trying to convince that she’s a great mum.

See how sd feels about it before but I doubt she’s happy with this set up? How old is dsd?

TinyYellow · 15/09/2024 10:59

I’d be a bit upset that she’s not just happy to see her daughter and is more fussed about her being pristine for wherever they’re going.

I don’t see how you’ve made it into being about making a dig at you. It doesn’t sound like a dig at you but even if it was, would you really give it any credit seeing as she’s a Mum that isn’t raising her own child?

Meadowfinch · 15/09/2024 10:58

It sounds more like she plans to take her Dd to a fancy restaurant, and wants her to look the part. I don't think it reflects on you at all, her mother is just shallow.

Agree with pp re: teaching your dsd how to set boundaries.

jeaux90 · 15/09/2024 10:54

Yes but it's an opportunity to teach DSD about boundaries and saying no.