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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Have I got it wrong or SIL

160 replies

Ahsotired · 13/08/2025 10:50

I went to visit my DB's family for few weeks. They live in another country and I flew with my baby and toddler. I am very conscious of following routines for my DC, especially food times, nap times and sleep routine.
They don't seem to have any routine with their DC. Their younger DC is same age as my older DC. I always used to plan any outing in the evening after both my DC were finished napping and we're fresh and content as I want to avoid any meltdowns and going around with a baby and toddler is hard as it is. Baby was 7 months and older DC is 3.5 years old.
My SIL made a comment that they never made any changes to their pre kids lifestyle and they made their DC to fit in their lifestyle, which meant their 3 yo DC would be awake till 1 am on the weekends when they are out and about with him, getting only 6-8 hours sleep and they have already cut his nap since he was 2. He hasn't got any fixings sleep routine and he sleeps around 11 pm, when they go to bed and wakes at 8 AM. They are not strict with processed food etc and some days he'd just have crisps and biscuits for lunch if he wants. He's very short and under weight, probably something like under 4th centile for his age. She indirectly said that I should be doing whatever I want and not worry about my kid's nap times and feed times etc. I think she's AIBU but wanted to get some perspective from others on this.

OP posts:
Ahsotired · 13/08/2025 10:57

I changed my routine when I was there and done nights we were back at 1 am and I made baby to sleep in her buggy but it's not ideal and not something I would want to do every weekend.

OP posts:
Tiswa · 13/08/2025 10:57

I agree you both sound at opposite extreme ends whereas I suspect most of us follow a general routine in life but adapt the routine to life not life to the routine (which is what you are doing)

because you will soon find others dictate a routine! School for example.

I could never follow a strict routine like you!

redskydelight · 13/08/2025 10:57

Neither of you are wrong - you just have different ways of parenting.

CosmicEcho · 13/08/2025 10:56

It depends on you and your dc. It’s a good idea to keep feed times and nap times fairly consistent but sometimes there can be flexibility.
I’d plan certain journeys during nap time as I knew dc would sleep in the car and buggy. If they had the odd late night, they would be grumpy but it’s not the end of the world.

Sirzy · 13/08/2025 10:55

Two extremes and both which have issues with them. Most people fall somewhere between.

the later nights though could be a cultural norm where they are?

HoskinsChoice · 13/08/2025 10:55

Isyesterdaytomorrowtoday · 13/08/2025 10:52

You both sound at quite extreme ends of the spectrum here, I suspect you’ll find most people are somewhere in between.

Agree with this.

But also, what time your respective kids go to bed is not the other one's business. Whilst you're in their house, you don't need to give up your routine entirely but don't ruin the holiday by sticking to it religiously and expecting everyone else to work around you.

Ahsotired · 13/08/2025 10:55

I didn't make a comment or a response when she said that children need to fit in to their parents lifestyle. I am just hoping to get some perspective as she thinks I am being too accommodating for my children.

OP posts:
Ahsotired · 13/08/2025 10:54

My belief is that parents need to change their lifestyle when they decide to have a baby as babies and kids have different needs and they thrive on routines.

OP posts:
doglover90 · 13/08/2025 10:54

I mean you already sound pretty certain that your sister in law is in the wrong? Are you just hoping for a pile-on about her parenting style? Clearly it doesn't sound great but also we only have your perspective

Isyesterdaytomorrowtoday · 13/08/2025 10:52

You both sound at quite extreme ends of the spectrum here, I suspect you’ll find most people are somewhere in between.