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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Birthday/Christmas upset

211 replies

holidayponderings · 26/12/2016 22:43

A few months ago dh fell out with his parents who were visiting our home...as mil was yelling at him about not liking our house rules, i intervened and said you need to abide by them or leave - so she called to fil and they both left. We have been clear they cannot visit our home any longer but we will meet somewhere in our town so they can see the dc eg softplay, park, cafe they can choose.
Since then things have been very strained but i have taken the dc to their house an hours drive away to see them for an afternoon.
We have had limited phone contact....mostly fil and myself.....mil has been ignoring calls and yelling at dh when she has answered.
Obviously christmas is here, we also have a dc birthday.
We invited them to dc1 christmas concert which they attended.....dc gave xmas gifts and cards etc....they said they had left theirs at home 😕.
We got a text asking what day we were visiting for xmas and dh phoned back to say we have a new baby we will not be visiting anyone at present...but we were happy for them to meet with the dc. They said they'd come to our home, we said no but would facilitate a meeting in our town....they said no. We said fine.
We then received a text saying seen your nieces today and have a big bag of birthday and xmas gifts to pass onto you.....what day can you come to our home to collect them 😯. ( we havent told anyone whats happened so as not to involve the family etc)
I'm so upset.....i've tried to keep the peace for months and now my pil have a bag of gifts for my dc that i cannot get. Its my dc birthday and not only has she not got a gift from her gp, but her aunties gifts are now being kept from her.....i've had my baby 2 weeks...i cannot get on the car and drive an hour to pick them up and they bloody well know it!
(I have 5 dc its hard work and dh and i just need to be home with the kiddies right now).
Aibu....what can i say to make them understand or am i flogging a dead donkey?

OP posts:
Forecastisgrey · 27/12/2016 00:20

hookliedandsinkedher - yep.

OP - Wine and sympathies. Not sure how to advise you on this situation, the GPs sound very selfish/ self-absorbed and unlikely to change. Your kids needs come first - silly b keeping your kids hanging, crying and unable to get to them while gossiping outside Angry You are amazing. Adopting 5 children is no mean feat, plus disabilities - polish your Halo, you fing earned it. Take care of yourselves and ignore the crocs here who just don't get it.

bumsexatthebingo · 27/12/2016 00:21

Another yabu here. It doesn't sound as if your dh told mil that the dc were very upset - just that they were waiting. If he had said something like 'sorry to disturb your chat but the dc are really upset - could you pop in and say hi?' mil may have felt less like she was being told what to do and it could have prevented the situation from escalating.
And rather than talking about obeying house rules I'd just say it's better if you visit them for a while as the dc get really upset when they can see you from the window for a long time before you come in. Then mil has the choice to either leave it at a quick hi/park further up the street or something or have visits at her house. If it was still an issue then you could insist on meeting elsewhere but there are less dictatorial ways of doing it such as 'it would be better if we meet at yours/x venue as the kids are still having a really hard time with waiting when you arrive - maybe we can do visits at our house again when they're a bit older'. Going nc over this seems really unfair to your dc.
Do you mind me asking what disabilities your dc have? Is the difficulty with waiting related to their disabilities or to their age? Are you/your dh never able to take them out?

hookliedandsinkedher · 27/12/2016 00:21

No, it's absolutely crucial to parent adopted children differently. And it's very hard that the world does not understand that.

Crucial.

Foxysoxy01 · 27/12/2016 00:22

" Why are you allowing them to sit in the window screaming in tears because if it? Surely they could be distracted with something, especially when there are 3 adults in the house with your DFIL also being there "

^this!
Adopted or not why is the situation being allowed to escalate to this point?

GTS · 27/12/2016 00:24

I have very little to add to the matter other than I just wanted to say well done you for adopting those children, and I'm sorry you're having a difficult time of it. I'm sure there's more of a backstory here, and I agree wholeheartedly that this is probably not the right place for the tea and sympathy that you so obviously need right now.

slkk · 27/12/2016 00:25

No yelling is a very reasonable house rule in a house with traumatised children. It is fairly normal in these circumstances to ask people who may retraumatise the children not to come to the house.
If OP is parenting therapeutically then it is possible the neighbours do not understand and may be a bit judgy. OP is possibly overly aware and maybe sensitive of this. Does MIL not agree with other things you do to protect your kids, OP? I suspect there is more to this than talking to the neighbour, and yes, a few weeks in with a new adopted baby would normally mean that there were no visitors anyway.
However, OP, please think really carefully about NC. Your children have already suffered so much loss and if there is a way to salvage this and slowly bring your inlaws back into your home it might be better for the dc.

ghostspirit · 27/12/2016 00:27

I think people may feel quite bad for the replys op got. But there was not any information people could only go by what was given. I really do hope op can get good advice and guidance from the adoption boards though.

Guavaf1sh · 27/12/2016 00:28

YABU

JustCallMeKate · 27/12/2016 00:37

No, it's absolutely crucial to parent adopted children differently. And it's very hard that the world does not understand that.

Has anyone explained this to the MIL though? I'd say that equally as crucial to enable her to understand.

The OP sounds like hard work tbh, I wonder if she's actually taken herself out of her adoptive bubble to bother to explain to the MIL? From her replies on this thread it certainly doesn't come across that she has. From what the OP has posted MIL has been banned from their family home for merely talking to a neighbour. I really doubt MIL would have done that if she'd have understood the implications of her speaking to a neighbour.

However, as usual on here many are all too ready to berate MIL's 🙄

bumsexatthebingo · 27/12/2016 00:39

I can see why yelling would be a bad idea depending on the history of the dc but the op doesn't seem as concerned about that as the chatting with her neighbour? She is still prepared to meet with mil at mil's home and elsewhere (where she could still yell).
I hope the op's opinion that mil chatting with neighbours is 'putting them before the dc' isn't something that the children catch onto because mil is really doing nothing wrong - even if the dc find it difficult to deal with If the op spoke to the mil about ho upset the dc were rather than issuing orders the whole thing could probably be resolved. I'm sure having ell-loved relatives removed from their lives is about the lst thing those kids need.

showmetheminstrels · 27/12/2016 00:40

I have experience of adoption, attachment and children with disabilities Hook, am I allowed an opinion? I've also got experience of dysfunctional families and some general, you know, life experience.

Having laid out my extensive and shining credentials...

OP I'm very sorry but you're the one in the wrong here. I can entirely see why you've got to where you are, you've taken on so much and you are desperately trying to do right by these kids but you and your husband are now the ones perpetuating unhealthy controlling behaviours, not your in laws. You might not be able to see that till you've come through this time but they really haven't done anything that bad and your reaction is way disproportionate.

I'm sorry. I hope you can find a way to take a breath and build bridges.

user1471526846 · 27/12/2016 00:46

You my friend are a nut job. Get. A. Grip

WyfOfBathe · 27/12/2016 00:51

The fact that the DC are adopted doesn't change the fact that it's OP who is choosing not to find a way for the presents to get to her DC (whether that's by her going there, asking someone else to go there, asking for them to be posted, or allowing her in laws to drop off the presents)

PaulAnkaTheDog · 27/12/2016 00:52

@user1471526846 rtft before you post unnecessary, twatty comments.

MilkTwoSugarsThanks · 27/12/2016 00:54

Ohhhhhh.... we were supposed to be psychic and know the back story....

I still think YABU OP. OK I appreciate that some children have to be parented differently, but that doesn't give you the right to control the actions of others. I also think that YABU to effectively stop your children from seeing the GPs they have grown to love.

I still don't understand why

a. No-one took the kids out to their GM if they were that upset, and
b. Why one of you can't go and pick up the presents.

kittybiscuits · 27/12/2016 00:55

Plenty of posters were really nasty on this thread.

Castleheights · 27/12/2016 01:06

I think people are being very unkind to the op.
When you don't have a friendship with a ndn (or anyone infact) for whatever reason and then someone else blabs your business it is an intrusion. I get that.
Good on you for adopting. It takes special people to make it work.

ChishandFips33 · 27/12/2016 01:13

Flowers OP hide this thread or ask for it to be deleted and head for the adoption boards where you'll get a more sympathetic response

Hook Flowers well done for giving an insight into parenting vulnerable children - it's truly a minefield where you tread carefully, others try to follow in your footsteps and a few wander randomly and aimlessly and sometimes deliberately setting the explosions off

There is no manual for parenting in general and adoption is on a whole other level

blowmybarnacles · 27/12/2016 01:34

Well, all I can think of here is the five children, some with disabilities and one of them being NEW BABY?

Frankly, I'd be cutting a hell of a lot of slack to the OP.

Bettercallsaul1 · 27/12/2016 01:36

Quite apart from the specific needs that the OP's children have, I would find her MIL's behaviour odd, and unfriendly, in any circumstances. She is not exchanging a friendly "hello" with the neighbour as she walks up the OP's path, she is not even stopping to have a quick chat - she is standing talking for twenty minutes to people who are virtual strangers while her son and his family wait to receive her into their home! To prioritise a long discussion with her son and daughter-in-law's neighbours when her husband has already gone into the house and everyone knows that she's there, but just choosing not to come in, is plain weird (and controlling) behaviour. It is insulting to the whole family to make them wait for a planned visit to start, and it seems to be becoming a habit. I agree that the OP could have put things more diplomatically but it is her MIL,who is essentially at fault here.

38cody · 27/12/2016 02:55

The house rule was no shouting in front of 4dc with disabilities - seems reasonable to me. MIL insisted that she had the right to shout and was asked to leave - I would do the same.
But end it now, Olive branch time. Invite them to come and meet new baby and ask if they would mind popping gifts over.

Clearoutre · 27/12/2016 03:58

Totally agree Bettercallsaul! Wow, TWENTY minutes chatting to your neighbours when she knows you don't talk to them?! Is she trying to rub it in?? She doesn't sound like a 'grown woman'...sensitivity and manners of a brick springs to mind. Nothing wrong with a civil hello but if a friend/family member said they'd stopped talking to a neighbour I'd absolutely give them the benefit of the doubt and basically keep out of it - not plonk myself in the middle by chatting with them over the fence and then go in and expect to be hosted after keeping them waiting, just wow.

Out2pasture · 27/12/2016 04:14

well call be bat shit crazy but I chat to my daughters neighbors even when she doesn't. i'm smart enough to show some common sense, topics about garbage pick up, parking on the street, nearby improvements or road work etc are just polite.
having a polite relationship with a neighbor is rather basic, no matter what your children's circumstances are (if anything them having a challenging start to life I would think being friendly with the neighbors would be a huge benefit. more eyes and ears to keep them safe and acting with kindness).
op you sound difficult sorry but your house rules seem very odd.

Ditsy4 · 27/12/2016 05:25

I was thinking , until I read Bettercalls post, does no-one find it rude of MIL to stand talking to neighbours when everyone waiting inside. I think it really rude of her, especially when asked not to and why. A quick nod and hello is all that is needed surely.
I think a lot of people have been very harsh to you OP. I think they fail to understand adopted children and those with disabilities needs and understanding are different to other children.

Meeting in a public place was a god idea as less likely for MIL to shout in a public place. I can understand that in a house where children may have been traumatised previously or autistic children who can't cope with a certain pitch of sound.
An hour each way with four children and a two week old baby is unreasonable. Perhaps DH doesn't drive! They could at the very least meet you half way. Would it be possible to meet them for lunch? Would the children be able to cope with that?
I think MIL is making it difficult and likes to do things her way. You had previously asked her to come straight in and FIL who seems to have more sense has obliged. She upset everyone by her actions and then shouted in your house and I think there will be more background here.
However perhaps she has learnt her lesson. Could you try again considering it is Christmas? Perhaps if DH speaks to his father about the children's difficulties. If not could FIL come by himself as he doesn't seem to have done anything wrong?

angelofmylifetime · 27/12/2016 05:41

I am also an adoptive mother of 4 children , 3 with disabilities (now adult). I also foster 3 children on a permenant basis. I have been doing this for almost 30 years now.

I do agree that sometimes my children have had to be parented somewhat differently than "the norm".

Not knowing your children were adopted I read your thread totally aghast at the situation of your own making. I found myself getting quite angry that you have created a situation that you are now blaming others for. You honestly have come across almost deranged and certainly a complete control freak. I think you behaved very badly towards your MIL.Though of course I am only going by words on a screen that I maybe interpreting incorrectly.

Then I read of your children being adopted, and I am even more aghast. I find it so amazing that you would make it difficult for your children to see the grandparents they love, and who love them. So many adoptive parents long for their extended families to love their children too, and to play a part in their lives. How many adoptive parents would long for their new aunts and uncles to buy them Christmas presents? Long for their own parents to be loving grandparents to their children? The fact is no matter what past your children may have, and no matter what their disabilities are, they have (obviously) lost their birth families. Now you are making it difficult for them to be with the new grandparents they love. Having the children welcome the grandparents (or other relatives) to their new home, showing off their things, bedrooms, by having the grandparents come to them is much more important than a day out somewhere. I am sure you must know this already through, it is part of the bonding process, and very important. So doing what you are doing is, in my opinion and from my own experience, quite cruel to your children and depending upon the age of the children potentially causing them much emotional stress. They have lost one family and it is so important for adopted children to have regular access to their extended adopted families, showing them the grandparents are here to stay. I am shocked you are making the grandparent/child meetings to be more awkward, less frequent, and making rules for what seems the most minor of "rule breaking". It is so important for the children to see their new extended families in their new home. And if they became so distressed at having to wait while grandma chatted to the neighbours (a thing my parents and ILs have also done) then it it YOUR JOB to reduce that distress. You are their mother, you know their past history and details of their disabiities, and you are therefore the one that needs to help them to understand, grandma having a chat before she enters is acceptable and quite normal. It isn't grandma's job, it is yours. Part of the package of us adopted parents, especially those with children with disabiities, is to help the children to fit into a world they sometimes find difficult. We can't change the world for them, we can't change other people's actions, but we can help the children through things they find difficult, such as waiting for grandma. After all when attending school they will need to learn to wait a little.

I am also wondering what the social workers who you may still have in your children's lives (if you have a new baby) would think too. Of course we have to protect the children maybe a little more than the norm, but why are you depriving them of new loving grandparents for little reason? I am sorry OP, unless there is far more to this story, I find your actions not only unreasonable, but also very cruel to both children and grandparents.

However, despite my strong feelings I hope you manage to find a away through that is acceptable to everyone, and can once again welcome your children's grandparents into their/your home. Honestly it is really important for adopted children to be able to do that, show off their toys and bedrooms and so on. Good luck!