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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Is it me or my parents? Huge row.

464 replies

Sequinscheermeup · 23/12/2014 14:42

Will try to keep this short. I went out at the weekend for the second time this year. I go out once or twice a year. This is because I am a lone parent and have no childcare. Its fine, I am used to it. So last weekend I asked my parents to look after my children so that I could go out. We went and stayed at their house. They are not the easiest people in the world but I make the effort and they do seem to love the children. I have two dc. My parents have probably looked after them about seven times in their lives, my eldest is 11.

Anyway I drank too much, far far too much Blush and the next day I was simply not capable to drive. Every other time they have had them I am always back by 10 am the next morning, I have never been late. I cannot tell you how ill I was, I don't even know if it was just hang over because we ate out too and I am wondering if there was food poisoning involved too as it is not like me to be so ill. As I couldn't stand up without being sick my sister (who I had gone out with) called my parents and said can you hang onto the kids for a bit "Sequins" is really ill and she can't drive like that. She said my Mum was clearly annoyed. So I slept for a bit longer then phoned her and explained that I couldn't drive. She was clearly angry.

In the end I managed to get home in the evening, I probably still shouldn't have been driving. My parents were kept informed throughout. On arrival they were absolutely furious and started shouting and yelling at me about this. I am afraid I refused to accept the bollocking as I felt it was undeserved and pointed out to them how much free childcare they had had from me for my siblings over the years (big age gap and from the age of about 11 I babysat constantly, ALL childcare during school holidays etc) different times back then I suppose. I also pointed out that I had done this many times at night until the early hours etc. In fact they have never had to pay for a babysitter for their youngest children because I did it all and quite often their friends children too. I also pointed out to my Dad who was ranting about me being too drunk to drive that I had witnessed repeated incidents of him being drunk and hung over and how it had impacted on our family as we grew up. He then tried to throw me out, relented and let me stay because my children were in bed and told me to "get out first thing tomorrow and that is it between us, we are finished". They have form for falling out with people for years and years. The following morning I left after a few cross words with my Mum, who still thought they were totally in the right.

Anyway if you have got through all that, I am feeling terrible about it all today, just so sad, its Christmas and my dc heard some of it and it was made clear what an imposition it was to have been looking after them. I don't know whether it should be me extending the olive branch or not, not that I feel much like it right now. Thanks for reading Smile

OP posts:
TheRealAmandaClarke · 24/12/2014 18:44

Nurturing even. Xmas Grin

Sequinscheermeup · 24/12/2014 18:53

I didn't attempt to plan extra childcare because I didn't know this was going to happen surely that's clear enough?

I can see that I am not going to get a straight answer as to why all my childcare for them over many years might not be worth some consideration when they were deciding to give me no lee way whatsoever in a completely one off situation. So I take this as conformation that it actually is worth consideration.

I still don't think I behaved badly. I think I was unlucky and possibly after nearly a year of no drinking didn't realise that my tolerance levels had lowered. I also believe I probably had a minor bug that was aggravated by alcohol intake. I do think this is possible and anyone who doesn't and firmly believes this could have been avoided no matter what is a bit clueless imo or just looking to put the boot in on some random on the internet.

I'm leaving this thread now. I've said enough. I feel better having talked it through and have this thread very informative. It's useful to know that there are quite a few others like my parents out there, shows it's not just me suffering this kind of behaviour. It's helpful to know there's others in the same boat. If you didn't you might start thinking it was ALL you just I did through many years of being miserable as a child and teenager.

Merry Christmas all Smile.

OP posts:
SuperFlyHigh · 24/12/2014 18:53

OP i read this yesterday and didn't post but wanted to say you were sick and it wasn't like you do this every week, month etc. It's once in a blue moon you're out and I think it's disgraceful of your parents to turn this into a row especially with the free child care you've supplied. I hope this gets sorted out. And merry Christmas! Xmas Smile

SuperFlyHigh · 24/12/2014 19:00

And to those who are piling on op I think you should all be ashamed of yourselves as you all have either excellent child care, planning abilities etc and can abstain from drink, enjoyment Etc at all times. Maybe you could offer some child help to OP?! Seriously??

SuperFlyHigh · 24/12/2014 19:00

Care help should be.

Takingthemickey · 24/12/2014 19:08

OP please stop explaining yourself and go have a merry Xmas. Most on the thread agree that YWNBU.

Wishing all the perfect parents a merry Xmas too.

dustarr73 · 24/12/2014 19:16

And have a WineXmas Grin

sunshineandshowers · 24/12/2014 19:32

Your parents are horrible. If you were my daughter I'd have come to get you, put you in a bed and fed you paracetamol and peppermint tea.

What's wrong with the world? Why is everyone so petty?

You know what it sounds like you need to go out more! Not less. Life is hard, especially so as a sp. merry Christmas xxx

Roussette · 24/12/2014 19:53

Sequin take no notice of the perfect posters on here. We can only dream to reach their dizzy heights.

I've rescued my DC from a horrible hangover and a complete tits up situation and they know I am there for them, without being a complete pushover. That's what motherhood is about.

You have yourself a lovely Christmas and I do hope this thread doesn't weigh on your mind.

Blondebiker4685 · 24/12/2014 20:16

If you were my DD id really support you in your time of need. I hope you feel better soon and manage something to eat tomorrow

livingzuid · 24/12/2014 20:27

The problem is with parents like yours OP they won't ever listen, they won't ever acknowledge or accept they did anything wrong in the past and therefore it is impossible to demonstrate their deficiencies as parents. You end up with them accusing you of being a petulant teenager and the like. I think you are better off accepting they are who they are and they will sadly never be the support that so many others have in their lives (my parents are the same). Build your life around people who will be there for you and who are deserving of your attention and love :)

And ignore those perfect people who have seemingly never ever put a foot wrong in their lives or upset anyone ever. They need to take a long hard look in the mirror before being so sanctimonious and judgmental.

Glad to hear your children are feeling better for Christmas. Have a great day tomorrow.

GothMummy · 24/12/2014 20:32

Oh, I think your babysitting duties are worthy of consideration! But I would expect your parents to look after you all regardless of that!

MinginInTheRain · 24/12/2014 20:45

Sorry you've got crappy parents. Not your fault. Flowers

Your years of babysitting count for a lot and they know it. Selfish people.

Try and enjoy your Christmas with your DC. Shame they had to hear it but they should know what their grandparents are like and what you have to endure. They might even think you are a better parent for not repeating their behaviour.

ssd · 25/12/2014 10:54

merry christmas op! and I hope the kids are feeling better Thanks

and judging by the amount of sanctimonious/holier than thou posters on this thread, AIBU will be still in use in many years time with the children of these perfect people....and the stately homes threads too...

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