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This is very, very long, and yes, I've NC'd.

216 replies

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 14:44

My DS1 and his gf lived together for a few years, half here and half with her family, before finally moving into their own place a couple of years ago. They got together as teenagers and are now mid-twenties.

I will admit I was massively relieved when they moved out, the atmosphere in my home lightened immediately. They were always rather "disapproving" towards dh and me, there was a fair amount of "antler-clashing" (words, no violence) between DS1 and dh, and ds1 and ds2, and it was all just getting a bit tired. While they were here, they contributed nothing; no housework, no bills, no rent. They didn't even provide company and entertainment, they just took their evening meals upstairs to eat and wouldn't be seen again till morning.

Anyway, they have basically cut communications since they left. Ds1 passes close to our home twice every working day and has never called in just for a natter and a cup of tea. He has never phoned just for a chat, and eventually stopped even responding to his dad's friendly sports-related texts. He didn't even acknowledge FB messages. (I know, I know...) Eventually I blocked him on FB because it became obvious that his dp was using the login to post snidey, passive-aggressive comments aimed at me, and I don't need that kind of childish shit in my life.

So, roll on the months, and ds1 drops by to tell us they're having a baby. We say "Congratulations, when's it due?", he tells us and leaves. Five minutes tops, and the next we hear is when the baby is born premature, by emergency CS, and later needs surgery at a few weeks old. We were "permitted" to visit in the hospital, dh and ds2 went, I didn't because I had a streaming cold and didn't think a tiny newborn should be exposed to that. Eventually I met him at about three months when they dropped by for five minutes; he was taken out of the car, but not the carseat (fair enough, he was asleep) so I could admire from a distance. I was never invited to visit him in their home, and I have never been the kind of person to drop in uninvited; particularly where dil2b is so clearly hostile towards me I wouldn't even consider it. I know how hard the early days are and would never just "drop by" on a new mum, especially one who'd just had major abdominal surgery, I don't even phone in case I'd disturb a nap.

I don't think I've emphasised how much dil2b actually hates me, btw, she really does. She maintains I broke her trust, I think she's an attention-seeking drama queen, this is never going to end well. As is right, ds1 is fully supporting his dp and the mother of his pfb, and as a result relationships between ds1 and me have completely broken down. Frankly, I'm past caring. I've run the full gamut of emotions from hair-tearing grief, through shock at their blatant rewriting of history, to rage at the fucking using wee twat I birthed. I'm now "meh" about the lot of them.

DIL2B, however, has other ideas. She has started to demand that I have a relationship with their ds, which sounds positive, but what she actually wants is "stuff", and her email to me makes that very, very clear. She hates me, will not forgive me, does not accept my apology and will not be in the house when I visit (by arrangement, of course.) She's upset because I bought dgs1 (ds2's boy, now 4) lots of "stuff" when he was little, and I should be buying the same sort of "stuff" for dgs2. Thing is, when dgs1 was born it to two teenage parents, only one of whom was working (pt, zero hours contract, nmw), and who did not, at that time, live together, though they spent most nights together either here or with her family. Dgs2 has been born to two fully-adult parents, at least one of whom is ft employed on a rate considerably higher than nmw (am unaware of her status) and who have their own home. And who don't speak to me.

So, yes, I probably did go a bit daft on the toy front, but most of it is usable by other dc. I bought the bigger-ticket items, indoor trampoline, chute, paddling pool, ride-on toys, that sort of thing; they're all durable. I keep them here because my house is big enough and although ds2 and his ex are no longer together, they have resolved their differences and dgs1 stays over two or three nights a week, so he gets a lot of use out of these toys. But dgs2 won't be brought here to visit, so he'll never get to use them; does that mean I should shell out again for stuff they'll keep and I'll never get to see dgs2 enjoying? It's not that they can't afford this stuff if they want it, ds1 got a substantial inheritance from my uncle a couple of months ago, but they want me to pay for it.

So, well done if you've read this far, go and put the kettle on for a Brew because there's more.

If we're sitting comfortably... So, she emailed me this vituperous claptrap four weeks ago. I put off opening it, I'll be honest, I was scared to read it, actually shook at the thought for days. Eventually I had a drink steeled myself, and actually ended up snorting in derision at how blatant her demands for "stuff" were, which was a relief tbh. The email is a complete rewriting of history, apparently she has tried everything to keep communications open blah blah blah. I do intend to reply, but I veer between the emotions decribed above (though I left out the rending of hair this time) and can't quite get the right tone. Ds1 has sent dh horrible texts demanding to know when I'll reply, really nasty in tone, and snotty about me. Yeah, that makes me get the rage want to communicate calmly, and forge a relationship with your pfb.

So (I use that too much, eh?), I am pretty much in a place where I want absolutely nothing further to do with any of them. She hates me, and I don't recognise the ds1 I raised, he's grown into an unpleasant bully, and I'm ashamed of him. It's a pity I won't know dgs2, but dh and ds2 are persisting so I'll still have news, and perhaps he'll choose to visit me when he's older. He'll get nothing positive about me from his mother, but his cousin (dgs1) loves me, so he might get curious.

Then ds2 visited dgs2 during the week, and took photos. He showed me, and I am genuinely shocked.

DIL2B has been overweight, massively so, all of the time I have known her. She has had an eating disorder in the past, and I don't think she's resolved any of the background issues (of course, she might have had intensive counselling, I have no idea) and I think she has a problematic relationship with food, equating it with love in some way?

Anyway, dgs2 looks to me (not a trained professional) to be clinically obese, dangerously so. He is HUGE, he can't move because of his weight, he can't even wave his limbs in the air. This is not "normal baby" chubbiness, cute wee dimples and squidgeyness. This is baby walrus territory. And it has been achieved in about three months; he was a perfectly normal size when I last saw him, and is only 6 months now.

Apparently she has been adding baby rice to every bottle feed since 12 weeks, and spooning purees into him from 16 weeks. :(

So, do I start to take an interest in the child, perhaps rebuild bridges with ds1 (tbh, I don't want to, I don't even like him much any more) and persuade him to see how wrong this is, how dangerous for his pfb? Do I hope the HV sees and says something? Why can't ds1 see for himself? I think he does, he put up a video of the child blowing raspberries and carefully showed nothing but his face (and that's pretty fat, too, but not as revealing as his limbs). Why does he want me involved, and why does he think that being bullying and aggressive will do that?

Sorry, wandered off on another tangent. Wwyd, re-establish relationships in the (quite possibly vain) hopes of changing dgs2's diet to something more babyish, or tell them all to piss off and hope they come to their senses? They're not going to listen to me anyway, are they, I'd just be a judgemental and interfering MIL.

Ok, talked it all through now, they can fuck off. Sorry, dgs2, hope you and your mum get the professional help you so much need and deserve.

Thanks for reading, I don't really expect replies, but it's been cathartic to get it all out.

OP posts:
picnicbasketcase · 24/08/2013 15:27

I don't think there is much you can do, sadly. You know you were only looking out for danger signs and sought help, she sees that as gossiping about her. Leaving that aside, the real problem is her over feeding your DGS. Do you know if he's up to date with immunisations etc or is being weighed by an HV? Surely someone must have pointed out how big he is, if it's that obvious to you?

froggies · 24/08/2013 15:27
Grin Have a
RandomMess · 24/08/2013 15:29

Hmmm I think you should do a lot of "reflective listening" in your response.

"I'm sorry you feel that way"
"I'm sorry that you have decided dgs2 will not be able to come and play on the toys that I have provided here"

and so on

Sad

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jerryfudd · 24/08/2013 15:30

It is clear they are only interested in making contact to get stuff so no reason to believe your opinion/advice re baby weight would be taken/appreciated so why put yourself through it? Seems to me youd only be causing yourself more grief so if it were me I'd stay well clear

EasyMark · 24/08/2013 15:32

Hi
Imo I would not reply to the email at all. Next time you see son 1 tell him you refuse to reply to Dil. Tell him your terms, dg2 will be treated the same as dgs1.

Dil needs to grow up and if she cant do that with her first child there is no hope it every happening. Leave the door open but dont put yourself out for them.

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 15:32

Picnic, I have no idea about his jags, I have no idea about anything really. Except my horror at his size. I was reading a thread earlier about whether one can refuse HV visits and the answer was yes, so maybe she doesn't take him for check ups. He'll need something at some point though, someone will pick up on it... Honestly, he's about doubled in size in three months!

OP posts:
booboobeedoo · 24/08/2013 15:33

Am trying to imagine this from the other point of view, because the behaviour seems extreme from them and I am trying to think of an explanation.

Imagine if she posted about her MIL, who:

Broke a confidence / gossiped? about a previous eating disorder.
Blocked her son from Facebook.
Blatantly prefers dgs2 (bought him loads of things, didn't come to visit after dgs1 preemie was born).
Ignores emails sent to her trying to rebuild a relationship.

I wonder what the replies would be then?

I am not having a go OP, just wondering out loud really, since the MIL is usually the baddie here Wink

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 15:34

OMG, it's on "most active", have none of you any housework to be getting on with? Grin

OP posts:
Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 15:35

You have a fair point, Booboo. :)

OP posts:
StrangeGlue · 24/08/2013 15:44

Really hard! I think in your situation I would reply to the email in a bright and breezy tone, take the invite to visit when dil is out and send birthday and Christmas cards and presents but expect nothing back. I know that is shit but I think anything more in terms of getting into an exchange of views or anything to do with the baby's weight won't do anything apart from cause dil to cut you out and hide what she's feeding him. She'll have to have 12 month review where the hv or community nurse comes to your home so it'll be picked up then if not sooner.

SirRaymondClench · 24/08/2013 15:49

What exactly are you supposed to have done that 'D'DIL2B can't forgive you?
I wouldn't bother replying to their entitled demands for stuff.
How dare they?
Let them get on with things their way.
I'm sure if the baby is overweight the HV will say something.
Ignore.

solarbright · 24/08/2013 15:53

What a horrible situation. I really feel for you.

I would only respond in the briefest possible way to her email. If she specifically and openly discussed what she wanted, and that she wanted and deserved it because you had bought things for DGS1, then explain why you did so (they were teenagers, no house, etc) and that all the stuff is waiting at your house if/when DGS2 visits. Then drop the subject. But if she only hinted at all this, then I would ignore it completely. You're in a no-win situation, as if you explain it will be used against you, and if you ignore you're a bitch for not responding to her demands. If you give in and buy them stuff, it won't be enough, won't be as good as...

Wish them well, send your love, and say you hope to meet little DGS2 again soon.

Nothing you say on the health/weight issues will make any difference whatsoever. Don't even try, you'll just look like the interfering, disapproving bitch she has painted you to be.

How much can you keep communication open with DS1? Is it all out in the open and universally acknowledged that she hates you? If so, you can simply say to DS1, as DW doesn't want anything to do with me, how can I have a relationship with DGS2 that won't make things worse for his DW? Can you ask him that?

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 15:53

I said upthread, at 15.18. :) I have to reply though, Ds1 is really putting the pressure on dh. He even called round on his way home from work last night, fortunately I was at work myself.

OP posts:
Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 15:56

I can try, Solar, but tbh I don't even want to see him, I don't want to talk to him, I still get the rage and I shake at the thought. Which honestly isn't like me.

OP posts:
SirRaymondClench · 24/08/2013 15:57

You don't have to do anything.
How come he can call round on his way home from work to hassle you to reply to their demands for stuff when he can't do it just to say hi?
How dare he??
Text back saying you will not be replying to their demands and holding their child to ransom. You will not be drawn into playing their games.
Why is everything on their terms??

Ragwort · 24/08/2013 16:01

What do you mean DS1 is really putting the pressure on dh - pressure to do what?

solarbright · 24/08/2013 16:02

No, you don't HAVE to reply. If he calls round and wants to talk about it, you could ask which bit he wants you to reply to. You can tell him what you've told us, that the whole situation upsets you so much that you just can't engage anymore.

There's lots of ways to read this - a sort of messed up cry for help or your involvement on some level, or spoiling for a fight, or flat-out greed.

AbuseHamzaMousseCake · 24/08/2013 16:06

Shock I would report to SS - she is overfeeding the baby if she is putting rice into feeds etc. This is abuse and must be stopped.

As to the rest, just say as RandomMess advises "I'm sorry ...."
Say DGS2 is welcome to visit and play with the toys etc at your house as DGS1 is. Don't engage any more than that.

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 16:08

LOL, SirRaymond, you are feeding my rage! Grin Yeah, there's an element of that, he did it the other week (when I was visiting a friend) too.

He's putting pressure on dh to get him to get me to reply. (He doesn't have my mobile number). He appears not to understand that my relationship with dh isn't like that, but dh us getting a bit snippy anyway, and it's not really fair that he's playing donkey in the middle while I, effectively, hide behind him.

OP posts:
TheCrackFox · 24/08/2013 16:08

What a horrible situation to be in.

TBH I would buy DGS2 some toys and clothes but would actually ignore her email. You have no real relationship and they are adults so have to expect that you don't have to buy them the moon on a stick.

The HV/GP will realise that the baby is grossly overweight. Upsetting as it is he us their baby to make hugely fat and miserable.

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 16:11

Dh bought some clothes when he was newborn, a couple of white babygros, one with a yellow collar, the other green. His gift was rejected for being insuffuciently boyish.

OP posts:
SirRaymondClench · 24/08/2013 16:17

I am angry on your behalf! Grin

I can't believe how cheeky and entitled they are both being.
How dare she send you an email basically demanding you buy them things when they have no relationship with you, nor are doing anything to rectify that. If they couldn't afford to have this baby they shouldn't have had it.
You don't have to have anything to do with either of them, and if they are so keen for you to see DGS they can bring him round to you. Why are they calling the shots?
Just seen your latest post about your rejected gift when the baby was born.
Fuck the pair of them.
You don't have to respond to their demands.
Just send the text above and make sure you are about when 'D'S comes a-grovelling when his prize of a girlfriend kicks him out.

CaptainSweatPants · 24/08/2013 16:18

When the child was born you didn't visit & you didn't ring

Maybe that's where you went wrong ?

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 16:22

No, I think I went wrong long before that, when I agreed to let DS1 bring his gf home. Grin

OP posts:
birdybear · 24/08/2013 16:24

You say that they didn't bring the baby round and you didn't phone or visit. From their point of they i would be asking why haven't you visited and called? They must think you don't care about them or the baby. If my mum or mil never called or visited i would think that.

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