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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Another MIL one aaargh

39 replies

DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:24

Currently staying with MIL for 2 nights without dh. It's a bungalow.

13yo ds wants to watch tv as he can't sleep. He's not disturbing either of us and we have no plans tomorrow. He has the tv on low volume and has shut the living room door leaving a tiny crack open as we do normally have an open door policy at home. He is a sensible and well-behaved boy and it's the school holidays.

MIL just called out to me from the next bedroom "I don't want him watching TV, I'm going to tell him to turn it off" I got up and explained that I had just said that he could watch and she got a bit lot huffy.

Wibu???

OP posts:
MrsBertBibby · 14/04/2017 00:26

Yes! It's gone midnight! Teach him better sleep technique.

Jazzywazzydodah · 14/04/2017 00:27

Open door policy at 13?

Fevertree · 14/04/2017 00:28

Yes you are! He's only 13 and it's very late. Especially and you're not even in your own house.

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:28

Open door policy with regards to tv/gaming. Is that weird?

OP posts:
BernieKosar · 14/04/2017 00:29

Yabu.

Chippednailvarnishing · 14/04/2017 00:29

He's 13, maybe if you cut the screen time he wouldn't be awake now.

fuzzywuzzy · 14/04/2017 00:30

What's on tv that's suitable or a 13 year old at midnight?

Tv won't make him sleepy, a warm drink and read a book maybe might work better.

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:30

Teach him better sleep technique.

It's a one off as he slept a lot on the train up here, should have said in OP.

OP posts:
EffinElle · 14/04/2017 00:31

Yabu, it's Mil's home so her rules surely.

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:32

He's watching a nature documentary on sky plus and generally doesn't watch a lot hence I let him, oh dear Confused

OP posts:
Pancakeflipper · 14/04/2017 00:32

Has he a book to read instead think I sound all 1980's.

changename7 · 14/04/2017 00:32

If you were in your own house, I don't see the big deal but if she's getting moody and wants him to just go to bed, she should be able to tell him to while you're there.

Coastalcommand · 14/04/2017 00:33

That does sound quite rude OP. YABU.

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:35

Thanks for the replies, I think she's gone to bed now anyway. Perhaps I was a bit defensive because of the way she called out. I'll apologise in the morning Smile

OP posts:
ScarlettFreestone · 14/04/2017 00:36

Hmm.

I don't think you are completely unreasonable in the circumstances although watching TV will make him more awake than ever (a book would be better).

However when staying in someone else's home it's polite to follow their rules. If he's disturbing your MIL, it should go off.

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:44

She's asleep, he's only watching 10 more mins and I'm being kept awake by the neighbour's dog. Brilliant start to the long weekend Grin

OP posts:
kerryob · 14/04/2017 00:46

Use a tablet or phone next time

PyongyangKipperbang · 14/04/2017 00:50

Open door policy with teenagers is the only sensible thing.
Cant sleep so watch blue light? Not going to help
He slept on the train? Why? If he is used to staying up until the small hours and catching up then that isnt good for school etc.
Your son, your rulz hun? Yep
Her house, her rulz hun? Also yep and her rulz trump yours.

He should have sucked it up, you should have been more respectful of her home. However, I can see why you thought it wouldnt hurt, so apologise tomorrow and dont do it again :)

Glossolalia · 14/04/2017 00:51

I'm going against the PP's. I think YANBU.

It's a one-off what's the big deal?! Confused

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 00:54

Definitely a one-off hence why I didn't give it much thought. It was a long train journey in the evening and we both fell asleep Blush

I agree re school 100%... I'm a teacher lol

OP posts:
Insomnibrat · 14/04/2017 00:58

Ooh this is going to be a long weekend for you OP! ;)

PyongyangKipperbang · 14/04/2017 00:59

Forgot to say that a lone MIL sleep over needs gin and good luck :o

Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 01:01

Grin yep I agree. She likes him to eat on demand like clockwork so mealtimes are always fun fun fun.

I suppose I am lenient on him during holidays because I see the stress that he's under in term time along with all the other kids and he does work hard.

Food for thought on this thread

OP posts:
Original poster
DontGiveAFlying · 14/04/2017 01:05

Actually yes to gin (which my phone keeps changing to gun!)

Dh hopefully arrives tomorrow or if not then Saturday, he owes me a bottle for not coming tonight!!

OP posts:
PyongyangKipperbang · 14/04/2017 01:15

Gin/Gun.... what court would convict you for a spelling mistake? :o