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AIBU?

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AIBU to think my in-laws are rude about seeing DS alone?

239 replies

SeriouslyIsThisBonkers · 13/06/2026 06:40

Is this normal? Or really rude and weird?

We're going to visit DH's and my parents next week. They live in a large city overseas, on opposite sides of the city.

We have all traditionally stayed with DH's parents, who have a large house (3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms). However over the years DH's father (my FIL) has made increasing numbers of snide rude comments to me about things like my appearance, my lack of career (I used to be a university lecturer; now I homeschool DS9, who is AuDHD and couldn't cope in school), the fact I "do nothing all day" and apparently "play at housekeeping". If I ever have any kind of opposing view (I rarely do, but have occasionally about logistical points where he's been completely up the creek) I'm apparently a "silly little girl".

So this time, I said how about DS and I stay with my parents, and DH stays with his. My parents don't have space for three guests and as it is DS and I will be sharing a tiny room and a single bed.

PIL have sent a rude email demanding that DS see them 50% of the days we're there. I send back a very polite email suggesting times and dates. FIL phones DH and tells him the times are insufficient, they'll be organising more time, and that I am to deliver DS to their house or wherever, wait outside, and collect him 2-3 hours later.

I've sent in reply
"I just thought I ought to check whether I am indeed not invited to any of the occasions where I'm bringing DS9 to meet you? I thought perhaps something got lost in translation, since FIL didn't acknowledge my email and phoned DH instead."

No answer to me. PIL apparently fuming, rang up DH to complain about my rudeness. Apparently they want to develop a relationship with DS9 independently of me, because he's THEIR grandchild, and I'm not related to them and they have no interest in having a relationship with me. And they thought I'd be pleased to just go shopping or something for a few hours.

Is this actually how grandparents are meant to behave?
Only able to relate to grandkids without that pesky DIL in the way?

OP posts:
Evaka · 13/06/2026 07:07

Sorry OP, i actually can't vote yanbu because you're being such a doormat. How have you sat through such derision from this old prick? Stop being nice, tell them to shove all their requests and enjoy time with your parents.

Your parents in law are nuts and I hope your husband can see this and has your back.

RedToothBrush · 13/06/2026 07:05

Your DH is a wet weekend.

He is not protecting you. You presumably have made joint parenting decisions and you are getting the blame for them.

Tbh given their behaviour, you should be asking why he's still seeing them without challenging them full stop.

Do you think they are capable of seeing their grandchildren without bitching about you in front of him? If they aren't your son probably should not be seeing them at all?

As for equal time. Well newsflash; they have no legal rights of access at all. Perhaps they should be reminded of this when they are told to jog on by your husband.

courageiscontagious · 13/06/2026 07:05

Go to marriage counseling with DH. I had a similar issue with in laws, and years later I am still feeling the damage it did to our relationship. He needs to draw a line with his parents. If you fight this battle you will resent your DH, even if you win.

Favouritefruits · 13/06/2026 07:04

Nah, no way my child would be around these people! I wouldn’t want their views on women thrust upon my child!

WhatNextImScared · 13/06/2026 07:04

Where is your ‘D’H in all this? Is he going to stand up for his family unit?

If he didn’t prioritise you and DS in a discussion like this I would be considering separation tbh.

They sound utterly dreadful.

Glittertwins · 13/06/2026 07:02

Mine tried to do similar. He’s also a rude bigot. We haven’t had contact for 12 years now.

Londonrach1 · 13/06/2026 07:00

Dh tells his parents to stop being rude and you are a family unit.

Grumpynan · 13/06/2026 06:59

Omg I would be spitting over this, excuse my out burst, but I’m absolutely fuming for you !

I hope your husband has your back over this.

maybe they are but out that you choice to stay with your parents, but there’s do excuse for this behaviour. And I’m a mil

I would tell my DH that he can collect son and return at hours and times he is free from commitments he has with your parents. You don’t want your son growing up with the ideas his parents seem to have.

it reminds me of the time when first married, my father came to visit and teased me with the comment “ look at you playing house” DH instantly replied “ WE love having our own place to play in” I could have died with embarrassment but it shut my father down . DH later said that my embarrassment was due to my dirty mind and not what he meant at all 😂😂

user1492757084 · 13/06/2026 06:58

Only your DH should reply to such rudeness.

Your DH needs to call his parents' communication rude and, due to their rudeness and lack of respect for their daught-in-law, this visit will only involve them seeing their grandson for one day. Your DH needs to insist that it is up to him and he is not tolerating their rudeness.

They need to change or next year it will be the same.

SunnyRedSnail · 13/06/2026 06:50

I wouldn't want my child to spend any individual time with people like that!

SparklyGlitterballs · 13/06/2026 06:48

No, it's not normal. Your FIL is a rude misogynistic twat.
Your DH should be shooting this down and telling his parents it isn't acceptable behaviour. Does he not have your back and challenge their comments?

SpottyPyjama · 13/06/2026 06:47

Yeah fuck that. If they want to see your child without you and you are willing to let that happen, they or your DH can come and pick them up from your parents home.

IsitaHatOrACat · 13/06/2026 06:43

Fuck that. Don't see such rude people and do your own thing with your parents. DH can facilitate DS seeing the in laws when it suits you

PurpleLovecats · 13/06/2026 06:43

Your DH should be telling them that it’s not acceptable and you will be with your son.

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