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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should DH ask SIL to stop relying on elderly parents?

9 replies

AmICrazyorWhat2 · 25/07/2018 01:50

Hi,

Long time lurker - MNs have some great insights so I'd really appreciate your advice on this tricky family dynamic.

I've known DH's family (his parents and 4 adult children) for 20 years and have always thought their close bonds were lovely - they're all v. different personalities and scattered around geographically, but they make a big effort to stay in touch. My PIL have always been helpful in practical ways, e.g. if they visit, they'll fix things around the house. They've done this for everyone, but nowadays, DSIL2 is the main beneficiary as she lives the closest (a 90-mile drive away). In recent years, They're at her house a lot, either fixing things or looking after her pets if she's away. She refuses to use kennels or a pet sitter.

Anyway, here's the AIBU question: PIL are in their late 70s and take care of themselves, but some health issues have cropped up and MIL started having severe back pain a couple of months ago. She's having therapy but DSIL1 (who I'm close to) visited recently and said it's pretty bad. MIL is on strong painkillers just to move around. She often can't lie down to sleep. Sad

DH rings his parents every weekend and was shocked to discover they'd just got back from DSIL2's house on Sunday (a 180-mile round trip) as they'd been checking that a new appliance was properly installed.
MIL's back was bad that day...what a surprise, after 3 hours in the car over the weekend. Shock

I was appalled, tbh and think DH needs to say something to DSIL2. It could be diplomatic, like we all need to recognize that PILs are getting older and we need to take care of them. My family is v. different, though, the younger generation are expected to do more for the older folks and we don't mind a good row if we disagree on something. DH's family never argue or interfere in each others' lives - that's why they all get on. Smile

OP posts:
agnurse · 25/07/2018 02:53

Not your affair. Your ILs need to decide for themselves how much they're willing to do. They can feel free to say no. If they want to do it and they're able to make their own decisions, they have the right to do as they see fit.

MrsTerryPratchett · 25/07/2018 03:05

They're not children. Allow them the respect of their own boundaries.

AmICrazyorWhat2 · 25/07/2018 03:08

I know, I should keep my nose out, I'm just worried about them. DMIL was crying with pain the week before...

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 25/07/2018 03:10

We call it 'solutioning' in my house. Just because there is a problem, does not mean it's your job to solve it. Stop solving.

CaledonianQueen · 25/07/2018 03:11

Are you absolutely sure that your DSIL2 is deliberately asking your inlaws to help? I had similar with my DB who accused me of putting my DM in hospital by constantly asking for her help and support. The truth was that DM was lonely and adored our little boy (and dd who at that point was snug in my womb), she loved my company and loved feeling useful! In fact I did all the cooking and cleaning and she got way more rest at my house, than at home, where she had to run after dF and my two dB! I was incredibly upset at the time so please ensure that you have your facts right.

Your dp may just love your ds and want to be around her and her dc. They could even be making up different reasons to go see them! Or you may be right and your ds is taking advantage!

SpringSnowdrop · 25/07/2018 03:15

to me it seems probably just lovely they like helping but you will understand the people involved etc and have a better feel of it than I can!
One of my best friends has back pain after a serious accident and driving is hard for her but she hates anyone telling her not to do stuff and I have learnt just to support her and not get involved- even though I do worry.

AmICrazyorWhat2 · 25/07/2018 03:42

Good points, CaledonianQueen and Springsnowdrop they do like helping out. I do know for a fact that DSIL2 asks them to help out at least sometimes, but I'm sure they offer as well.

DSIL2 does seem to have turned into the child/sibling who the family (incl. her siblings) worries about (it never used to be that way) and I do think there's a bit of dependency going on.

I can see it's not my place to say anything though!

OP posts:
AmICrazyorWhat2 · 25/07/2018 03:44

She does bugger all for them, they even bring food to her house!

OP posts:
AjasLipstick · 25/07/2018 03:46

I have a sil like this OP. She's 48, has never left home and lives in her Dad's house with her toddler son. She's taken over FIL's life and bosses him about and MIL babysites 3 days a week whilst SIL works despite MIL being 72 and still working part time herself.

MIL looks worn down and FIL is visibly nervous of her.

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