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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to tell my mother she can't visit on her own

60 replies

photographerlady · 31/12/2012 18:41

AIBU to tell my mother she can not visit alone this summer when I'm expecting my first child. My mother and I do not get along, I grew up mostly with my dad and when they were together it was a violent and scary place to live. My mother would change mood at the drop of a hat. She would grab for plates and knives, bust windows and scream at the police. I never knew of child services as a kid, my brother and I would cry as my mom would go from telling the police to arrest my father to driving drunk with us in the car to find him. Sometimes leave me in the house for days on own at eight cause she left with my brother and my dad had no idea I was there (police said for him to stay away from the house he had no idea I was there).

As an adult I am struggling to have a relationship with her. They live in another country but we make it about three days til she turns on a dime screaming at me telling me she hopes I live with regret that we aren't close. Couple of months ago my mother called the entire family she overdosed on pills and they rushed her to the hospital, thankfully she was lying but did take quite a few adivan (spelling) a medication she has been abusing for over ten years. My dad is such a buffer in all this, her relationship and mine.

She told me she's coming a month before the baby arrives and coming alone and my dad can come later. I have tried talking to her that I be more comfortable that she come with my father. I am trying to suggest that things will be hard with a newborn, post hospital and breast feeding but she continues to tell me she's coming. Part of me wants to tell her "no you are not coming alone".

OP posts:
MrsFlibble · 31/12/2012 18:44

Then tell her that, tbh after that, i struggle to understand why you speak to her at all.

SoldeInvierno · 31/12/2012 18:45

Well, just tell her. Say something along the lines of " I don't want any visitors for the first few months, as I will be trying to bond with my baby. I'll let you know when I am ready"

SantasHoHoHo · 31/12/2012 18:47

You have to straight with her and tell her directly that it doesn't fit in with arrangements you have in place already. Explain that you're appreciative of her offer to come and help but that you'll be happy to see both her and your father at a later date, one that suits you too.

photographerlady · 31/12/2012 18:48

My mother is the centre of attention in my family. For a long time I didn't speak to her and I wasn't allowed then to father, grandparents or anyone. They simply said it was too difficult if my mom found out. I really think my dad just tries to keep the peace but is so unhappy.

OP posts:
BacardiNCoke · 31/12/2012 18:50

Why on earth do you speak to her at all? Xmas Shock She is a horrible, abusive woman who is now planning to come when you will be at your most vulnerable! You need to tell her no, she can't come. And id she insists, don't let her in the house. Regardless of the fact she's come from abroad. You need to look after yourself, especially when you'll have a newborn.

diddl · 31/12/2012 18:51

Of course yanbu.

As a pp said-why do you even see her??!!

That said-she´s coming to visit you-& if she´s expecting to stay with you, then the visit happens when you want it to!!

If she decides to just turn up-show her the nearest B&B.

It´s not compulsory to answer your door & let her in even then!

peaceandlovebunny · 31/12/2012 18:54

be very clear.

'no, mother, you cannot come to stay with me. not now, not when i have the baby, not ever. we can meet sometimes in public places, but not when i have a newborn, only when i am ready.'

you have started your own family. leave your natal family to sort itself out, and focus your love and attention on your own child. do whatever you have to do to protect yourself and the baby.

photographerlady · 31/12/2012 19:02

Thank you for your opinions. I know with these sort of things you always word in the author's favour.. The thing is I have nowhere to plead my case. My DH is trying to support my fears but my in-laws and everyone else is saying I'm being selfish to keep her from her grandchild and being at the birth. That I being selfish. i wish i had a mother daughter relationship but I dont. Honestly I can never talk to my inlaws about my childhood. No one want to tell someone they have issues and drama in thier family they love me as a daughter in law and maybe I don't want to taint that.

I do feel like it would be more harm than good.

OP posts:
WeAreEternal · 31/12/2012 19:06

Just tell her no she can not come as it is not convenient.
And keep repeating it until she listens. If she becomes dramatic or argumentative hang up.

peaceandlovebunny · 31/12/2012 19:06

stop feeling guilty and go ahead with the actions that best suit you, your dh and your baby. you are not being selfish.

Tabliope · 31/12/2012 19:07

Tell her flat out she's not coming. Sod what your DH and in-laws think. If they say anything just say you have your reasons. They should know you're not an unreasonable person. You're all facilitating her. Your dad included. You're an adult now with a separate life. You can do what YOU want to do. Your dad has chosen to stay with her and put up with it. That's HIS choice. You no longer have to.

FestiveElement · 31/12/2012 19:09

If you allow her to spoil those first precious days with your newborn, you will regret it for the rest of your life. Really, you will. It is such a special time and you never get back your first days with your first child.

TheMonster · 31/12/2012 19:09

I wouldn't want anyone around to stay during late pregnancy and then post-birth, let alone someone who could be so difficult.

TheMonster · 31/12/2012 19:10

Festive is right - you will regret it.

waltermittymistletoe · 31/12/2012 19:10

Your inlaws will be a lot more understanding and supportive if they know your reasons.

YOU have nothing to be ashamed of and you are beyond justified in keeping that awful abuser out of your life!

Hesterton · 31/12/2012 19:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DPotter · 31/12/2012 19:14

I agree with other posters - you need to be really clear with her - hints, suggestions will not work. "mother you are not welcome and will not be staying at mine". if others think you're being selfish, well it's none of their business - just say 'there's bad history and it's my choice'. Don't feel guilty at all. say all this now so that you can stop worrying and enjoy being pregnant. very best wishes to you for 2013!

mamij · 31/12/2012 19:15

Tell her no! From the sound of your relationship, you'll be stressed and unhappy. Tell her you want the first few months to bond with your bond. On your own!

SantasENormaSnob · 31/12/2012 19:17

I wouldn't have her anywhere near me.

Ever.

Whiteshoes · 31/12/2012 19:18

You are not being selfish. I get on brilliantly with my lovely mum and if she invited herself to stay one night when baby was due I would have torn her head off. And she certainly was not invited for the birth. That was an event for me and my husband and not for spectators.

You are much much more entitled to put your foot down.

Cheesemonkey · 31/12/2012 19:19

Is she intending to stay with you? If she is, definitely not and don't make any arrangements for after the baby is born either. My own MIL can be a nightmare ( though doesn't sound nearly as bad as your DM though she also has to be centre of attention) and she and FIL came to stay for a few days after DS2 was born. It was during winter and I'd precooked a load of stews and casseroles before they came. Whilst serving up dinner on the first night she announced she was vegetarian (I've known her 15y and 6 months later when we took her out for lunch she happily tucked into lamb) refused to sleep in same room as FIL even though we're tight on space, and generally made a nuisance of herself. Fortunately we only had her for 2 nights before palming her off to BIL. I wouldn't have coped another night and MIL and I don't have the emotional baggage that you and your mum have. Give yourself time with your LO before you make any commitment to spend any prolonged tome with your parents, you will have your hands full looking after a newborn without the added anxiety your mother will bring.

neontetra · 31/12/2012 19:19

She wants to be at the birth too? Oh my god no. My dm wasn't at the birth of my dd, wouldn't have dreamt of it, and we have a great relationship. You poor thing, it is obviously hard with wider family pressure, but you have to tell her no, or you will regret it forever. Can your dh speak to her, or go through your df, if you are (understandably) scared of the confrontation? You do not need this stress right now.

Chottie · 31/12/2012 19:19

Please don't feel guilty. It's your baby, your family and you should do what you feel is right.

If your ILs keep on, perhaps your mother can stay with them :) for a couple of weeks.

Seriously please do what you want. My DD is expecting a child in 2013 and I will be guided by her and will not do anything that could possibly upset my DD and her DP. It's a very special time the first few weeks together as a family, so just enjoy being a family and getting to know your baby.

hippoCritt · 31/12/2012 19:20

You will dread her arrival, please don't do it. There is a great book called toxic parents worth a read

SayMama · 31/12/2012 19:23

No no no! Is this your first child? After delivery can be a very vulnerable time for a new mum. Please don't expose yourself to this stress at what should be the happiest time of your life. If you can't bring yourself to be direct could you write her or even your father a letter? Being very clear about what you want. Or even get your DH to speak to her!

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