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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to object to my mother-in-law visiting after bedtime on school nights?

83 replies

boymam25 · 16/06/2026 10:33

AIBU to not want my mother-in-law calling over after kids' bedtime on a school night? Context is this. I have a highly anxious, very spirited, little 4 year old who is a lot of work and an 8 month old baby. My husband works long hours and I'm often here by myself with the 2 kids for stretches of 10 hours plus. Sometimes bedtime is just me, sometimes DH is home to help. Baby is teething at present and 4 year old is going through his own stuff starting "big school" at the end of summer. Anyway, the time between 8.30 and 9.30 is the only time of the day I see DH. I was actually crying last night to my husband after a v stressful time when in walks MIL for a visit. Nearly 9pm. I'm sitting there in my pjs and can barely extend a welcome. I feel she knew it was inappropriate to come in as she made some odd comment about my nail varnish as she sat time, purely out of awkwardness. AIBU to want that hour of the day to myself?? I feel like she has no regard for our relationship and honestly, after she left, we ended up having a row about something totally unrelated as I was so burnt out.

OP posts:
boymam25 · 16/06/2026 10:58

thetinsoldier · 16/06/2026 10:35

Yanbu, but you’re going to have to tell her not to come round then. Say what you said here.

Why does she come round so late? Is she lonely?

I'm really bad at confrontation but I do think it's required here and that you're right. The issue is that she is a very difficult person. She would not see the issue calling round at that time because she figures I'd be going to bed soon with the baby anyway. Yes, she is widowed, but had been separated for 20 years before his death so she is used to not having someone around all the time... thanks for reply.

OP posts:
WhosGotTheKeysToMyBimma · 16/06/2026 10:48

DH needs to tell her that is not a good time to come round unannounced. And if he doesn't, you will, and you won't be nice about it.

I'm usually in bed at 9!

WhatNoRaisins · 16/06/2026 10:48

I'd have hated that and I get that you need that downtime for yourself especially with such young children on your own. I think that you need to be honest that after bedtime on a school night doesn't work and barricade the door. Even if she's offended I think your needs come first here.

HumberSquid · 16/06/2026 10:46

Was it a 1 off or is it a regular thing? Does she see you at other times? Was there a particular reason for her visit?

Basically YANBU but a little context would help.

Strawberrryfields · 16/06/2026 10:44

Who visits unannounced at 9pm?! Very strange and inconsiderate behaviour.

Does she live on the same street or something? Does she work shifts? Is it your husband she’s coming to see at that time? Is she lonely? Trying to see how she may think this is ok - it’s not - but just find this such an odd thing to do!

Sorry you’re having a stressful time with the kids at the moment 🙁

ComfyKnickers · 16/06/2026 10:39

Does she have keys?

If so, get them back.

murasaki · 16/06/2026 10:36

How did she get in? Lock your door. I'd hate it too.

thetinsoldier · 16/06/2026 10:35

Yanbu, but you’re going to have to tell her not to come round then. Say what you said here.

Why does she come round so late? Is she lonely?