Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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:
NoSquirrels · 24/08/2013 21:20

Good luck!

schmee · 24/08/2013 21:25

I think your DiLtobe sounds very hurt. She has had problems in the past (eating disorder) and has had a premature baby. Is the elderly relative still around BTW (you refer to her in the past tense)? You don't like her. She undoubtedly realises this. She was a teen when you first met her - it's a shame that you weren't able to cut her some slack and to build a good relationship with her.

You haven't called since her baby was born. Did you send a card or anything (the clothes were from your DH)?

You say you despise your DS and his DP. Do you actually mean it or are you just speaking from hurt too?

If you are just hurt, you are really cutting off your nose to spite your face. You should grab the olive branch you are being offered, and hope that you can build a relationship with your DGS and possibly his parents. You should do everything you can to unravel the escalation of hostility that seems be have happened between two young people and a mature adult.

If you do actually despise your DS, then perhaps you are better off out of their lives.

Phineyj · 24/08/2013 21:39

I think in your place I would report your concerns about the baby, as it sounds like your relationship with your 'DIL' really couldn't get any worse.

Then I would send birthday and Christmas presents of a similar type to the ones I got the other GC and leave it at that.

www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/worried-about-a-child/the-nspcc-helpline/helpline-uncovered/helpline-uncovered_wda87536.html

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

PoppyAmex · 24/08/2013 21:46

Dude, you said at least 4 times that you "don't care about them" (that includes your son and your grandchild).

You called your son a "fucking using wee twat I birthed" and your grandchild a "walrus".

I have no idea what your dilemma is - it's clear to me you harbour no positive feelings towards this side of your family so the best you can do is not reply.

waltermittymissus · 24/08/2013 21:50

My giant post seems to have disappeared.

I'm heartened to read you've thawed a bit OP, if only for your own sake and that of the baby.

I had also said that I would respond to the email saying your gs is always welcome to your house and for them to let you know when you can have him over if they'd rather not join him!

I wouldn't mention or offer toys etc.

I wish I could trust that MIL would be there 100% for my children but, tbh, as time has gone on that trust has started to build.

She and I will never be close but she's forging a relationship of her own with my dc. That's good enough for all of us.

Good luck.

SnapCackleFlop · 24/08/2013 21:56

Helpme - This whole situation sounds so difficult and it sounds like there's a lot of hurt all round. My family have a terrible relationship with DH's family and as a result we almost never see them. If it's at all possible I think it would be the best thing if a bit of life in the relationship can be sustained. (Don't know how best to do this as my own situation is such a spectacular disaster!).

Walter's suggestion of offering visits at your house sounds good? Do you feel you could offer to baby sit eventually? Maybe something monthly or more frequently could be set up that would mean you could nurture good relationship with DGS and dil2b would feel like they were getting something (which might help matters from the sounds things).

It know it's shit but I think you would be much happier if something could get sorted out.

DioneTheDiabolist · 24/08/2013 22:31

Helpme, I think that your original instinct is correct and that you should reply to your DiL2b telling her that you wish to have no more contact with her, your grandchildren or your son. You should then speak to your DH and tell him that he is free to have whatever relationship he wishes with your son and his family, you have decided that it would be best for you to cut loose. And ask him to pass no more messages or information onto you or try to pressurize you
into taking anything to do with them. Then leave it.

Yes it is sad, but given the scenario that you have posted here, it really would be in the best interests of everyone involved.Sad

mumat39 · 24/08/2013 23:19

OP, hi. I just wanted to say that I can understand how you feel.

Parents are supposed to unconditionally love their children, but when those children become adults, then that are no longer the responsibility of their parents. I've always been one for keeping the peace. OP in the opening post sounded like she was trying to rationalise the situation in her own mind. Sometimes writing things down is a good way to 'see the wood for the trees', and to me, by the end of the post, it seemed like she had decided enough was enough. Her DS is aa grown up. He has shown no interest in making the effort with his DM yet she is expected to make all the effort.

I don't know what hold dil2b has, but t isn't healthy, ever, when someone enters into a relationship and starts to detach from their own friends and family. I don't know if he has also detached from friends but to be so hostile to a parent when he is as guilty of what he or his girlfriend are accusing her of.

They sound like they believe the world owes them something.

Maybe the son has a chip on his shoulder and has whinged to his gf about stuff, but once their is a grandchild in the equation, there should be as much emphasis on the son to make an effort as on his mum, OP.

What right does dil2b have to send an email containing all that history over how OP treated her dg1 or what she bought for him. Dg1's parents obviously have alot more respect for OP and mr OP. why would a child put their own parent though all that crap, when they haven't done anything to deserve it.

OP, I'm sorry you're going through this, buti for one admire your resolve to actually say enough is enough. I'm sure you would absolutely adore our dg2 but it's almost like unless you shower him with gifts, your love won't be enough.

I'm curious as to what draw this person has over your DS. But whatever it is, he should be at the least more respectful of you and your DH and that is clearly missing.

Some people in life are takers and some are givers and sometimes you just get to the stage where you can't give anymore.

It's very sad, but I hope you are ok. Thanks xxx

Helpmehelpmydgs · 25/08/2013 01:35

Many, many thanks to everyone. You have given me much food for thought, I was quite determined to cut them all off, because I saw no way through, now I am re-imagining everything. Maybe...

Still don't know.

OP posts:
SnapCackleFlop · 25/08/2013 01:44

Another 2p worth from me (so that's 4p now then Wink ) don't burn any bridges whatever you feel or decide. Even if you decide to cut them off and never have anything to do with them again don't tell them that and definitely don't write any emails or letters to that effect (IME letters cause no end of grief!). See it like coronation street or dallas - even if you've decided to write yourself out for a while at least leave it possible to come back for a future appearance. If you decide in the future you want to turn up for a christmas special or come back full time it's better that the door was still open instead of having to appear out of the shower from a dream (I've overdone the analogy haven't I Blush

Hope things work out. x

LoopyLoopyLoopy · 25/08/2013 02:21

You are supposed to be the true grown up in this.

If you can't manage that, yes, cut off all contact and stop pretending you're in any way concerned about your DGS. If you can muster a bit of compassion, it might be best for the poor little boy if you were to have a relationship with him, but only if you could try to treat him as well as you treat your other grandson.

Back story and your relationship with your sons/partners aside, it is clear that you don't love your DGS2, certainly not as much as the other. That is very damaging. Poor little boy. So, regardless of how they felt about you before, they are, in my opinion, right to dislike you now. You simply were not bothered about their son, your grandson, when he was born. I'd be cross too.

karinmaria · 25/08/2013 07:21

Morning OP, you seem to have missed my, and another poster's similar, questions about your behaviour post your DGS2's birth.

We were wondering what contact you tried to make, via text, card, phone call etc., after he was born and you couldn't make it to the hospital due to your cold.

I ask because, regardless of your history or opinions of his parents, there was a tiny baby born who needed his grandmother.

Also, the fact you didn't hear from them is almost moot. If my (lovely) PIL had waited until I picked up the phone and invited them to see my DS they would have waited weeks! That is the reality of having a newborn, and mine wasn't even premature. Luckily they remembered what it was like and got in touch themselves.

I really do hope you are able to see, and, in time, love, your DGS2. You may need to swallow your pride and hurt to do so but from what you've said about his weight he's going to need you as he gets older.

And FWIW I don't think using the term 'walrus' to describe his fatness means you are a baby hater!

Mummyoftheyear · 25/08/2013 08:40

Invite them over so that DG2 can play on the toys, as DG1 has. If they don't come. (DS2 and DG2 or DDIL) then you've been the adult in extending the invitation. I'd invite them, despite not wanting to see them (except DG2). I'd certainly not want to go to their house on their terms under their demands. Sounds v screwy!

RandomMess · 25/08/2013 09:18

I was thinking last night whilst you were respecting their space with a newborn perhaps they wanted you to be all gushing and asking to see dgs2 and they interpreted your cautioness as complete disinterest which they would have found very very hurtful. As a new parent you want everyone to be interested in your baby, they probably expected the same treatment of their baby regardless of their relationship and treatment of you.

My PIL always took more interest in SILs dc in every single way however as dh reminds me SIL is far more pushy and demanding which isn't in his nature

It does sound like your ds has a lot of growing up to and I can understand how at the end of the rope you are. Perhaps you can tell your ds that you would love to spend time with dgs2 and get to know him and what does he think the best way of doing that is considering things are very rocky between all of you? In part you can honestly say that you know they are very hurt but you are also very hurt and need him to suggest a way of sorting things out.
.

Your DS may not even be self aware enough to realise how young/selfish/teenagery his behaviour was and has been...

With regards to money we get the "SIL doesn't have any money" etc but that is simply because she spends it - always eating out, always has holidays, kids have new clothes it tbh it really pisses us off, our DC get less than hers because erm we're more responsible! So her dc get more time and more material things for ILs.

I often wonder how long it would be before we heard from them if we didn't make contact - we all live walking distance from each Shock. Regardless I know my ILs do love my dc and they do have a relationship with them and I really treasure that as they don't have any relatives on my side of the family.

Extended family dynamics are complex your DIL2B seems to be bringing a lot of baggage with her, your DS1 probably has thought DS2 is the favourite who can do no wrong (not seeing that his behaviour has made him difficult to like). Perhaps the olive branch from you to your DS1 is "I would like things to be different I don't know where to start"?

Just more food for thought really you're in a very difficult situation.

mumat39 · 25/08/2013 22:33

Good luck OP. Thanks

Mumoftwoyoungkids · 25/08/2013 22:45

My ds is 3 months old tomorrow and has literally doubled in weight in that time. (8lbs at birth - now over 16lbs.)

I wonder if people are saying he is like a walrus. Sad

He isn't - he is stunning and perfect. He is also exclusively breastfed and (according to the HV I was discussing my concerns about him being so big the other day) you can't over feed a breast fed baby.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread