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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Easter Hols aibu tired MIL wants to visit

267 replies

Brighteyes27 · 28/03/2017 23:12

Long sorry. FIL died earlier on this year. DH and I are both in the midst of restructures at work, DD has been bullied at school recently and both kids play a lot of sports on a weekend so sick of housework treadmill etc. I would love week away abroad or anywhere really. But we darent book anything as worried about our job uncertainty but we could all really do with a break and some down time. I work PT and I had booked some days off either side of the Easter weekend incase we had some good news and could manage a couple of nights away somewhere in this country. Or failing that just have some chill out time together and maybe a day or two out. Anyway tonight MIL phones to say she has decided she wants to visit us Easter weekend as apparently her DD my SIL is off on holiday abroad for a long weekend with her BF and her DS my BIL and his family are off on holiday abroad for a fortnight at Easter. So obviously we are last choice. She wants to visit Thurs afternoon to Tues when DH is off work. We have had her to visit us for a full week last month and DH is seeing her for a weekend next month. What we can do is extremely limited with MIL here as we won't all fit in one car, our house isn't massive so one of the kids has to sleep on the couch and we can't go many places as she is eldetly. She stays up until midnight even though much of that time she is asleep on the sofa (so we get no time together at night) and she doesn't get up until well after 10am. I do really feel for her but her visits are too long and quiet draining. If she visited the week before Easter or the week after it wouldn't be quite so bad but she is insisting on visiting Easter weekend. AIBU to be totally fed up and cancel my annual leave and let her come when she wants to visit and feel resentful or should we say either the first week or the second week when the kids are off or visit another time? Or should I lie and say I had booked a couple of days away for us as a surprise before we knew of job situation (tomorrow night)? She knows the situation with DH'swork and asked him on the phone tonight if we were going away at Easter.

OP posts:
Brighteyes27 · 01/04/2017 21:59

Sorry meant to say she's coming Sat to prob Tues/Wed rather than the Thurs before to Tues/Wed.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 01/04/2017 22:08

Good result Brighteyes, sounds like it will be more pleasant for everyone post having a couple of days family chill time Smile

rookiemere · 02/04/2017 09:07

Fingers crossed that the trip is starting on the Saturday then. It will be such a positive message for all of you- your DH learns that he can support both his DW and his DM and hopefully your MIL will learn that her relationship with you requires consideration on both sides.

Specialagentblond · 02/04/2017 09:15

As far as I can, I would carry on with what you are planning and see how she fits in. Then let her see you making the accommodations so she understands the upheaval.

So tell her, we will have to go to bed early as we have promised the children that we are going out tomorrow, see how you feel about coming, if. It you can have quality time with DH while I go. Let us know what you fancy doing in the morning. Then go to bed and see what happens.

I used to bend over backwards to accommodate DM but now she turns up, pitches in or slinks off ( don't blame her), we arrange a few outings with her to make her special and keep it at that.

I agree, DH should take on the lions share of babysitting her.

Friday999 · 02/04/2017 10:23

That's good news OP -sounds like a very reasonable compromise

Rachel0Greep · 02/04/2017 22:19

Sounds like a much better idea, OP. Hope it works out well. I would be making sure that DH is very much aware of being there, and helping out. They are both bereaved, and grieving, and maybe it will be helpful for them to spend time together.

As much as possible, I would keep to your normal routines, as regards bedtimes, getting up, hoovering etc. Any comments about you taking a rest, cultivate a smile and nod...

Take care, and make sure that YOU get some downtime . Lots of Brew.

TheLibrarian2014 · 11/04/2017 20:15

I read this whole thread originally and was relieved for you that it seemed to have been resolved ok. But just saw your update on another thread that MIL actually then decided to book train tickets to come for ten days instead!
What a nightmare op, I would be livid in your shoes! What did DH say?

2beesornot2beesthatisthehoney · 11/04/2017 20:35

I saw that too , mistake was "stay as long as you like that week" whoops! But DH said not you right? Grin
That said I am pretty sure you can change even advance rail tickets for an admin fee? Worth enquiringly?

WhatchaMaCalllit · 12/04/2017 10:22

I just saw your update on another thread Brighteyes - she has changed her plans to stay for 10 days now???? That's utter madness...
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2900896-To-not-be-grateful-for-this-so-called-free-holiday-offer-from-MIL?msgid=68257437

Book yourself and your kids somewhere else to stay while she is there. Book lots of things. Do not make yourself available. It's clear that it is her son (your DH) that she wants to see for that length of time so leave him to it!

Or else put your foot down and say to your DH that she can stay for X number of days only or else you're packing up and moving out for however long she does decide to visit for. Use the analogy of house guests and fish going off after three days, even if it is family visiting. Three days MAX.

Wishing you strength to get through this.

Friday999 · 12/04/2017 10:46

whatcha have you linked the correct thread?

BiddyPop · 12/04/2017 10:55

She has Friday - it comes in way down the discussion....(I spent too much time on MN some days...)

Friday999 · 12/04/2017 11:06

Thank you Biddy (and apols for speed reading .......)

LaContessaDiPlump · 12/04/2017 11:14

Oh Brighteyes, she is pissing all over you!

Make her visit as uncomfortable as possible!! Fuck sake, I am cross with her on your behalf Angry

Friday999 · 12/04/2017 11:37

You can usually amend rail tickets. Your MIL may think she's "won" this time OP, but in reality she's just shot herself in the foot, because I doubt you'll have any sympathy for her in the future. Being bereaved is no excuse for poor manners and bullying.

Chloe84 · 12/04/2017 11:49

Brighteyes can't believe she booked her ticket for 10 days Shock

You need to go on complete strike during her visit - no meals, no cups of tea, nothing.

Please don't reward her behaviour.

WhatchaMaCalllit · 18/04/2017 10:18

Is your MIL still 'visiting' you OP? Hope you're doing ok....

Friday999 · 18/04/2017 11:06

Can you update us, OP?

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