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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:
paperlantern · 24/08/2013 18:58

if she/your son didn't need your help why was she living in your house if according to you she contributed nothing to your household not even her company?

paperlantern · 24/08/2013 19:04

regardless of whether you agree with my opinion I have said the same as nearly everyone else on this thread.

have a relationship with your grandson, write of a relationship with your dil.

nenevomito · 24/08/2013 19:04

If I'm reading right, you talked to someone about your concerns before your DIL2B actually confided anything to you. Its not really a breach of trust then.

She sounds quite immature and also that she has some real issues if she can hold onto a grudge like that, while at the same time demanding martial things.

I do think Maryz has given great advice. I also don't think you should say anything even remotely antagonistic in your email. a) as anything you say will be used in evidence against you! and b) it will really take the wind out of her sails if you are calm and kind in response.

"I'm sorry you feel that I am being unfair towards DGS2, its not been my intention as the toys at our house are for all of our grandchildren to enjoy. Why don't we arrange a time when you all can come over and spend some time together."

I know you don't want or care about a relationship with them, but it would be better all round if you got a relationship with your DGS2.

Don't mention the weight at all or mention anything to do with her parenting at all - it would be used against you till the end of time. the HV will pick it up soon enough.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:06

At my house, ds and his then gf were permitted to sleep in the same room. A king size bed was included, along with a telly, computer stuff and the other accoutrements of a teenage boy's bedroom. At the other house, they were not permitted to stay together and were permanently supervised by the elderly and ill family member with whom she lived. Gf loves this family member and worries about her, so she never really moved out. Her status in my house was very much "guest", hence no bills.

And hence why they lived here about half the time.

OP posts:
waltermittymissus · 24/08/2013 19:22

I've been on the other side of this, in a way.

DSD was born to a woman whom MIL idolises.

When my dc came along, she had a massive falling out with dh which essentially resulted in her not giving a fuck about my dc (though she would probably deny this). It hurt. I can't even begin to describe how much.

I wrote her an email and tried my very best to explain how the "stuff" wasn't about stuff. It was about the fact that she was making an effort with one child and not the others who were completely innocent in the whole thing.

Now, years later things are on a more even keel. We're not in the UK so she has as much a relationship as is possible with dc.

I know she loves them but I will never forget her nonchalance about them. Her willingness to cut them off and her actually saying that if dh fought with her again, she wanted nothing more to do with them.

I'll allow her to be in their lives because I've no real reason to stop it as yet (dc were very young at the time) but the next time she tries a stunt like that, she's out.

I'm not saying you've done anything wrong where your ds and dil are concerned but it's horrible to read your attitude about your grandchild because I can only imagine mil had the same 'I don't give a fuck' attitude.

This baby is innocent. How can you not love your own baby grandchild?

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:26

I don't know my baby grandchild. In six months, I have seen him for about five minutes, sleeping in a carseat. I've seen one short video and a couple of still shots. Would you fall in love with a baby on that basis, knowing how his parents have behaved?

OP posts:
RandomMess · 24/08/2013 19:28

It does sound like in reality you are happy to not have a relationship with dgs2.

If that is the case then you don't need to reply at all.

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:31

I'll be happy to have a relationship with dgs2 if he so chooses, when he's older, and I'll spoil the shit out of him too if he does. But it'll be his choice.

OP posts:
paperlantern · 24/08/2013 19:32

sorry I'm really confused.

You're initial post is structured to emphasis every you have done for them as a couple, they lived with you contributed nothing etc. but she was in fact a guest in your house, there to see your son not you. if you were unhappy with your guests presence you could have discussed it with your son

it appeared to me from the initial post you resent the ds and dil treatment of you particularly light of your past kindness to them letting them live with you. but actually they didn't.

paperlantern · 24/08/2013 19:36

sorry ypu fall in love with a baby because they're your grandchild. not because you do or don't like the mother
Sad Angry Shock Sad Angry Shock Sad

RandomMess · 24/08/2013 19:39

I don't think your dgs2 will actually bother to try and have a relationship with you when he's older as you won't mean anything to him IYSIM.

I honestly think if you don't make the effort to build a relationship with him from now then you won't have one. It's just the way children are.

paperlantern · 24/08/2013 19:39

random mess - ive felt that since the op said she saw a picture of her her grandchild and thought "how fat! the mum is doing a bad job" instead of "OMG that's my beautiful grandson I'm so sad I don't get to see him

waltermittymissus · 24/08/2013 19:40

Would you fall in love with a baby on that basis, knowing how his parents have behaved?

Yes, I would I'd imagine. In the same way as I loved my dc the second I set eyes on them.

Because they're your blood. And while I think you can grow to not love family member because of their treatment of you or behaviour, I genuinely don't see how you can be so detached from your grandchild.

I think you should leave well enough alone now. If ds wants to take it out on your dh then that's his lookout.

But your dil is right in that you clearly don't give a shit about this baby so why bother?

You both sound a bit horrible IMO (that's you and dil).

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:41

I'm sorry if I've confused you, it's probably because there never was a big discussion. She initially came here as a guest, ds1's gf. She stayed overnight sometimes. These times gradually increased (my house was a lot closer to the college she attended, and then to the jobs she took) and, although she never actually officially moved in, she ended up living here half the week or more. When she was in her family home, ds was there as her guest. I have no idea what the financial arrangements were there.

I think half of the problem is that they "moved in" as teenagers and never really lost teen skulking habits. It doesn't help that she's a very "girly" woman, into pink and glitter, and I'm... not. We are diametrically opposed in just about everything.

OP posts:
MrsDeVere · 24/08/2013 19:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

waltermittymissus · 24/08/2013 19:43

I have no doubt that the OP does actually 'love' her gs

Really?!

MrsDeVere · 24/08/2013 19:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:44

Apart from being horrible. At last, something in common! Grin

I didn't fall instantly in love with either of my ds', I guess my emotions just don't work that way.

OP posts:
ShimmeringInTheSun · 24/08/2013 19:46

Where has the OP said on this thread that she does not love her baby grandchild?

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:47

I'm willing and prepared and expecting to love him, MrsDV, once I get to know him a little. But I don't know when, or if, that'll be.

OP posts:
DioneTheDiabolist · 24/08/2013 19:47

OP, you day that you're not the "dropping in" type. What happened when you phoned to arrange a visit or invited them round?

waltermittymissus · 24/08/2013 19:48

Based on your replies, I would guess this has absolutely nothing to do with self-preservation and everything to do with you just not caring.

If that's the case, why not just leave them to it. No response, no communication, just leave it.

That baby doesn't need somebody like you in his life and if he does come looking for you in the future, please at least pretend to give a flying fuck about him.

waltermittymissus · 24/08/2013 19:49

@ shimmering

In pretty much all of her responses.

Pinupgirl · 24/08/2013 19:51

Sorry did I read that epic right-did you actually call your grandchild a baby walrus?-surely not?

Helpmehelpmydgs · 24/08/2013 19:51

I didn't, Dione, which I admit is a failing on my part. Tbh, I was so relieved when they moved into their own place I didn't particularly want to see them. Ds1 invited us down once to see their place, his dp was pointedly not there. After that, things just dried up; I'm not good at phoning just for a chat and this would appear to be a trait ds1 has inherited.

OP posts:
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