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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

MIL always asking me if I have sorted the kids out for school

79 replies

bengal38 · 10/02/2013 22:38

My son is 12 and my daughter is 9. Every night my MIL phones to ask if I have sorted them out for school. I ask her why and she says just asking.

OP posts:
Original poster
bengal38 · 10/02/2013 22:39

I do end up getting upset by this. How should I respond next time?

OP posts:
Ponderingonaquandry · 10/02/2013 22:39

My mum does this. Drives me mad

Not sure why you've posted this in aibu though

HollyBerryBush · 10/02/2013 22:40

Conversation opener?

RubyGates · 10/02/2013 22:40

Pre-emt her, ring her up and ask her if she's got FIL sorted out for work.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 10/02/2013 22:40

what does your husband think about his mum upsetting you?

GregBishopsBottomBitch · 10/02/2013 22:41

That would annoy me too, its like she doesnt trust you or think your responsible enough, or she can just be bloody nosy.

mablemurple · 10/02/2013 22:41

what would she say if you replied "no"?

quoteunquote · 10/02/2013 22:42

hand the phone to the children, "Grandma wants to discuss your organisational skills"

use her to nag the children.

FrothyDragon · 10/02/2013 22:43

My DM does this as a conversation opener. Maybe next time you can beat her to it. "Kids are all set for school tomorrow", just when you think it's coming up.

SanityClause · 10/02/2013 22:43

Every night? Wow!

My MIL always asks me about my cleaner, every time she comes to stay, but that's only about twice a year.

defineme · 10/02/2013 22:43

Can't you just say 'yes thanks'?-is it not just her conversaional equivalent of 'How are you?'
Or is this the tip of the iceberg and she's very critical?

Jinsei · 10/02/2013 22:44

Wow, that would drive me mad!!

I'd ask her what she's going to do about it if I haven't got them sorted. And then politely point out that they are old enough to sort out themselves!

oopslateagain · 10/02/2013 22:44

How weird. Does she have any other conversation or does she just ring to ask the one question?

anywinewilldo · 10/02/2013 22:45

Don't answer the phone?

HeathRobinson · 10/02/2013 22:46

Say no.

TomArchersSausage · 10/02/2013 22:46

Blimey that'd drive me bonkers. She'd have to leave a message, I couldn't have the same convo every night.

Sounds like she's got into the habit of ringing and just says it for something to say.

TanteRose · 10/02/2013 22:46

Don't answer the phone

Or just tell her "You know, MIL, there is no need to call every night - I've got it sorted, thanks"

Snazzynewyear · 10/02/2013 22:47

Agree, don't answer the phone or get your DH to answer it and field the question.

snice · 10/02/2013 22:48

just shout 'Oh God! I knew there was something....' and slam the phone back down

SPBInDisguise · 10/02/2013 22:49

Mil collects ds from school once a week. If he has a letter in his bag she leaves it on the side, fine. She then rings to tell me what it says "ds needs a pound for charity and own clothes on Friday"
A) I read the letter
B) you handed ds over to your son, his father. Why are you telling me rather than him?

MammaTJ · 10/02/2013 22:49

I would have to ask exactly what she thinks needs sorting.

magimedi · 10/02/2013 22:49

I do end up getting upset by this. How should I respond next time?

If you are feeling bold tell her to fuck off & that it is none of her business.

If not ask her why it bothers her every day.

Or get your DH/DP to answer the phone.

Or don't pick up the phone.

DontEvenThinkAboutIt · 10/02/2013 22:49

That sounds very odd..... Is there more history to this.....?

SPBInDisguise · 10/02/2013 22:49

"Add message | Report | Message poster mablemurple Sun 10-Feb-13 22:41:45
what would she say if you replied "no"?

Or even better, "who?"

Floggingmolly · 10/02/2013 22:51

Is it her way of checking if you're too busy to talk?