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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

How would you deal with this?

40 replies

MarioandLuigi · 18/02/2011 17:33

DS1 has been given a badge by DH's mad aunt (MIL Sister) saying 'No to the Monarchy' and she also apparently gave him a 'boring lecture' (DS's words) about how the Monarchy is a waste of money and they take money from poor people like us. DS now thinks this is the truth Hmm

We have heard this all before but have ignored. However this is the first time she has spoken to DS about it. DH said something to her and she replied that she had a duty to tell DS the truth.

I am not saying that DS shouldnt know other peoples opinions and be able to make up his own mind, but as he is a Scout and a pupil at a CofE school it might not be a view he needs to repeat anytime soon.

OP posts:
SenoritaViva · 18/02/2011 17:35

I would sit him down with a balanced argument and use this as an opportunity to show him there is more than one side to a story and that opinions can often influence the 'truth'. A good life lesson and a good opportunity for him to make up his own mind.

hobnobsaremyfavourite · 18/02/2011 17:36

I agree with the SIL but that's a whole other thread.

PrincessScrumpy · 18/02/2011 17:38

Ooooh I'd be livid. Don't mind dd knowing that some people don't like the monarchy and some do, but she has no write to indoctrinate your child. I would make time to show both arguments. If he's a scout I'm sure he'll be old enough to understand and make his own decision - or be indifferent.

FriggFRIGG · 18/02/2011 17:54

Err,they are a waste of time and money....

BUT

i wouldnt go around telling other people's children this,
you have a 'duty' to your own children.
no one else,
so tell her that.

mrsscoob · 18/02/2011 17:57

PMSL she bought him a badge!!!!

That did make me laugh!

YANBU She does sound crazy and she shouldn't be lecturing your child.

Still can't believe he came home wearing a badge!!!

Bogeyface · 18/02/2011 17:57

I happen to agree with her POV but would never take it upon myself to "educate" someone elses child about it!

A bollocking quiet word along the lines of "shut the fuck up you mad old bag Please keep your political opinions to yourself in future" is in order!

MavisG · 18/02/2011 18:10

Neither his scout leader nor teacher will give a hoot if he repeats this.

Original poster
MarioandLuigi · 18/02/2011 18:10

I beg to differ!

OP posts:
curlymama · 18/02/2011 18:15

She needs to be told to keep her opinions to herself, and that it is your responsibility/duty to educate your child, not hers.

I would also give your ds some of the facts about how much charity work the royal family do, how much money they bring in for charities, and how much revenue they create for the entire country in tourism. And the fact that they are getting him a day off school to eat wedding cake soon.

Vallhala · 18/02/2011 18:16

What Frigg said. Both parts. :o

Auntie ia entirely correct but nonetheless it's not anyone else's job to give your son moral or political guidance. Opinion, yes, they are entitled to express that but give other people's children guidance, no.

Original poster
MarioandLuigi · 18/02/2011 18:18

The school are giving all the children a coin to commemorate the the Royal wedding - she will flip her lid when she finds out :o

OP posts:
TheProvincialLady · 18/02/2011 18:20

Next time you need to send him wearing a royal wedding t shirt and draped in bunting.

Tolalola · 18/02/2011 18:23

How old is your DS? It won't do him the slightest bit of harm to hear a different political opinion, you know!

FriggFRIGG · 18/02/2011 18:33

ooooohh!! im so ^exited!
my very first^ what Frigg said

Grin
Northernlurker · 18/02/2011 18:36

Why can't his aunt give my her view? As a parent you have every opportunity to give yours. Your ds can get both and choose for himself.

RevoltingPeasant · 18/02/2011 18:38

Bogeyface - 'shut the fuck up you mad old bag' Grin

Of course the aunt is entirely correct...

SauvignonBlanche · 18/02/2011 18:42

Can't see the problem myself.

mmsmum · 18/02/2011 18:47

I'm sorry but I find this quite funny. She's only told him the monarchy are a waste of space. I bet your son has forgotten it already :)

BooyFuckingHoo · 18/02/2011 18:50

i would just tell him "aunt X talks a lot of rubbish, just ignore her"

taintedpaint · 18/02/2011 18:50

Well she's completely right in her views, they are an utter drain on the taxpayer, but the point is she shouldn't be taking it upon herself to tell your child this. Especially not in the borderline indoctrination way.

So YABU and YANBU I guess.

LoveBeingAKnockedUp · 18/02/2011 18:54

How old is he? Agree use it as a point that everyone thinks different things and you need to know all sides to make up your own mind.

KurriKurri · 18/02/2011 18:55

Oh dear - I am that mad old bag aunty - I don't think she's talking rubbish, and she can give me a badge anytime.

However - I don't inflict my views on my many nieces and nephews. Luckily they've all had the good sense to become anti-monarchy on their own Grin

ginmakesitallok · 18/02/2011 18:57

If OP is to give her DS a "balanced view" - what is the other side? I think she's right.

clam · 18/02/2011 18:58

She's not "telling him the truth" though. She's telling him her opinions, a whole diferent ballgame.

ChippingInFanciesCheeseOnToast · 18/02/2011 18:58

He's quite old enough to understand people have different views and quite old enough to be 'exposed' to them and encouraged to make up his own mind - just because he goes to Scouts/CofE school doesn't mean he's not allowed his own opinion.