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AIBU?

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Adult DC visiting from New Zealand - how would you feel about this?

385 replies

abitgutted · 08/01/2026 15:54

My adult DD lives in New Zealand with her DH. They decided to visit for Christmas, which I was so excited about. They came here on Boxing Day for lunch, stayed over and set off fairly early the next morning, for her Dad's house. I was expecting them back at some point, but was told they didn't know their plans yet.

It's now 8th January, and we haven't seen them since. They have split their time between her Dad, her DH's Dad and their friends (the friends all live near her DH dad, so they will have slept there after nights out with friends).

It looks like they will pop in for a coffee tomorrow morning. Can't commit to anything more, like a night out or an evening meal here, where we could have dinner and drinks, because they have other plans.

By the time they go home, they will have spent 28 days here, but we will have only seen them for one night (less than 24 hours in total).

To be honest, I am totally gutted. I was so excited for their visit. I got their room ready, bought in their favourite drinks etc. The pop in tomorrow just feels like crumbs, or like they will only see us if nothing better is on offer. Obviously I haven't said this, and won't!

Would any other Mum's feel so disappointed with this, or AIBU? Honestly feel like I could cry, tbh. Won't see them after this, for at least 2 years.

OP posts:
InveterateWineDrinker · 08/01/2026 16:12

What is the dynamic like when you go to NZ to visit them?

If you are in their hair constantly for three weeks or whatever, expecting to be waited on/chaffeured/guided around, then maybe they are trying to tell you something?

abitgutted · 08/01/2026 16:11

Ablondiebutagoody · 08/01/2026 16:08

How far away from you is the Dad's house?

30 minutes in a car. Longer by bus/train. But I've made it clear that we can collect them and drop them back. Both me and DH have cars.

OP posts:
TomatoSandwiches · 08/01/2026 16:09

Normally I'd be on your DDs side, I'm not keen on duty visits but 1 day out of 28 is really inconsiderate.
I wouldn't say anything if they come tomorrow but perhaps talk about it when you're not as upset.

HarvestMouseandGoldenCups · 08/01/2026 16:09

I think that’s really disgusting of them tbh. Unless there’s a backstory of you not getting on I’d be asking them why you’re such an afterthought? She’s an adult she should be able to explain herself.

Ablondiebutagoody · 08/01/2026 16:08

How far away from you is the Dad's house?

abitgutted · 08/01/2026 16:06

Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 08/01/2026 16:03

@abitgutted , I would have cried; I really feel for you they are being actively unkind.
When they pop in could you just tell them that you’d like to spend some quality time with them and ask when that could be arranged?
I might be a terrible mother but if either of my sons behaved in this way I would have to tell them as calmly as possible that I was hurt by the situation.
Wishing you luck and sending a hug. 💐

I've made it really clear that we want to spend quality time with them. She always says they have other plans. DH won't even be here in the morning, as he is working.

OP posts:
abitgutted · 08/01/2026 16:04

I've told her we want to see them. I sent our shift patterns across, so they knew when we were available.

Me and DH have visited them in NZ. The Dad's have not.

OP posts:
Icanthinkformyselfthanks · 08/01/2026 16:03

@abitgutted , I would have cried; I really feel for you they are being actively unkind.
When they pop in could you just tell them that you’d like to spend some quality time with them and ask when that could be arranged?
I might be a terrible mother but if either of my sons behaved in this way I would have to tell them as calmly as possible that I was hurt by the situation.
Wishing you luck and sending a hug. 💐

beAsensible1 · 08/01/2026 15:57

She is your daughter. Why not give her a call and tell her you’re happy to meet half way or drive over to that side as you’d like to see her a bit more before she leaves.

I can understand why you’re disappointed, but she won’t know unless you tell her.

have you or her dad ever been over to visit?

EmeraldShamrock000 · 08/01/2026 15:57

I would be gutted too. Let them drop in say nothing about it. I’d be very disappointed in him.