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In laws telling DD she would never make it to university.

380 replies

Getbackinyourlane12 · 03/11/2025 13:18

Hi
this is more of a rant than anything else ! In laws have 8 grandchildren and the eldest has just started university ( not my DC )
my eldest has just started secondary school and so a while off yet !
DD was over at grandparents the weekend and came back a little upset questioning me about university and getting upset that she will never be able to be an Occupational therapist.
I asked where this has come from and it turns out during the weekend her cousin was talking about her new life at university and DD took an interest and said she wanted to be an OT. She is 11 so I’m aware this can change 🤣 her nan then went on to tell her that I am not setting her up for the reality of her future. To get in to university you will need to do well in your GCSES for college and then well in your A levels and unfortunately your ability is below that. What ?? She’s 11 😭😭 this has all come about because they are all huge academics and asked daughter when she got her sats results what they were.
not to drip feed there was huge health impacts and other factors than meant her primary education was not your average !
she is now able to attend school more and is a great school with great results for children who need a smaller environment but are academic.
I spoke to the in-laws and the MIL said I was misleading daughter and it was better for me now to work towards more an enable goal and have a plan for her that is realistic and not a pipe dream.

she’s 11 😭she’s a tough cookie and in my opinion extremely smart !

OP posts:
Getbackinyourlane12 · 03/11/2025 13:26

Rainallnight · 03/11/2025 13:23

That is outrageous. She wouldn’t be going back there again if that was me.

I mean she won’t be going back for weekends and unsupervised!
I am so mad and I have Completely lost it with them.
I am not delusional and I am aware of the education system and I know maybe along the line there could be factors than mean we need to find another route but currently I don’t think there is anything to say her pathway is not correct.

OP posts:
Screamingabdabz · 03/11/2025 13:24

How much do the in-laws know about university entry requirements these days? I know a girl who barely scraped through SATs and GCSEs, she got Ds and Es at A level and now has a first class law degree. Crap uni but that first class degree can’t be taken away from her.

JamesClyman · 03/11/2025 13:24

Unless your MIL is a university admissions tutor she knows the sum total of diddly-squat about the matter.

I'd be cutting contact if I were you. Maybe every other Xmas and significant birthdays.

Rainallnight · 03/11/2025 13:23

That is outrageous. She wouldn’t be going back there again if that was me.

BlueIndigoScarlet · 03/11/2025 13:21

No more going to Grandma’s house unsupervised.

Your poor DD. Lots changes about who is “clever” during the secondary years. It’s all to play for and you are absolutely right to encourage your DD to go for her goals.

What did your DH say?