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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to not give my sisters children Christmas and birthday gifts

65 replies

Glamdring · 03/11/2018 13:18

I think I am but my husband disagrees!

So his reasoning is that my sister and her partner never (hardly ever - there have been a few times) given our children (DD1 DS1 and DS2) presents despite asking me every year what to get nothing is ever given. My husband feels disappointed as every year on FB there are pictures of their children surrounded by piles of presents - more than we would buy for our own - yet can't manage to give ours a £1 colouring book for example. She doesn't ever remember the children's birthdays either not even to send them a card - I don't post them on FB so I don't think she even knows when they are.

So there is a massive backstory and I'll try to be brief. My sister is a low income family, her partner is on long term sick because of depression (we are talking nearly 10 years) and my sister is in a low income job so they live in a quite grotty and small rented flat. Over the years my sisters partners (MSP from now on) children from previous relationships (currently DD1 age 25 with baby, DS1 23 and DD2 19) have also come to live in this 2 bed place which is obviously really cramped. They used to both smoke heavily indoors and children's clothes reeked. When my sister did work full time her DD2 suffered form Vit D deficiency and problems walking as she was never taken out (also developed asthma). There are many things here that upset me and over the years I have advised and things have improved in their home - particularly the smoking! But this may be another thread. MSP also smokes weed often despite my sister asking my dad weekly for cash for food (they have also used the food bank many times).

So moving on, over the few years I have encouraged my sister to come away on holiday with her children (MSP never comes and neither does my DH) to help get them into a different environment as well as spending time with my nieces. She will pay half the holiday rental and half food as we go self catering - so really she is paying just to feed hart family. I pay for fuel and extras such as fish and chips, ice cream, outings alcohol. I do this because I care for my family and want them to experience and enjoy some of the things they cannot have and get them out to see new places and do new things. Because their home life isn't ideal I really want to give them some childhood experiences they would have otherwise not have had. Problem is last few holidays I've ended up paying for the food in addition to the other costs and my sister is a loud and constant shouter and even my DD1 has found it tough when they join us for the week. So I've reached the point where I don't want to go away with them any more and my husband is adamant my sister is taking advantage of me one example is that she's has not payed me back for food from out last trip this summer.

FWIW DH and I are not hugely wealthy. Although I am a graduate and have a professional job now we also live in a small house but our hard work has meant this is well set up for our family and we can afford a few trips/holidays a year. Because we are financially okish I feel that it is important to help my sister and her children who are in a much more difficult position but my husband says I should stop because I am being taken advantage of.

My husband wanted to add a few other things - we haven't been able to develop a relationship with MSP as he always goes out or stays in his room when we visit. There is a feeling in the family that his depression is an excuse to not work and claim benefits. He has an expensive mountain bike (bought by his parents also low income family) and is often is out with mates on that leaving my sister to run the home and look after the children as well as work. He has recently just bought a car despite having no need for this - my sister doesn't drive, her work and school are within 10 mins walk from home and good public transport to see friends/family (MSP refused to use this). Somehow they plan to afford to get married next year too. 

So the AIBU is should I do as my husband says and not get the children presents for Christmas/birthdays or should I do what I feel is right - not give gifts but take them on outings and do activities instead as I think not giving anything would ultimately just punish them.

And a medal for getting to the end 

OP posts:
Dotty1970 · 03/11/2018 15:20

Why don't you take the children out and buy them a little something for Christmas and this way you spend time with them too and it might make it more special tooSmile

shouldwestayorshouldwego · 03/11/2018 15:27

If you are concerned about her taking out loans then I would say to not do any gifts as probably better if she doesn't spend more money they don't have. As a pp has said have the two younger ones for a sleepover and maybe ice skating between Christmas and New year. Having a stable adult in the background can be really helpful. If they have phones then make sure they have your number and can ring you whenever they like for a chat.

junebirthdaygirl · 03/11/2018 15:30

I would continue to give and l think the experience present is a good one. Its not the dcs fault their dps have difficulties so its best to support them as much as possible.

shockthemonkey · 03/11/2018 15:33

"My husband johns as you do sweetiedarling"

                     what does that mean? 

"I have forgotten them especially as I have given revenue year"

                          and this?
Sarahjconnor · 03/11/2018 15:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Rudgie47 · 03/11/2018 15:41

Your sister is obviously really struggling and probably cant afford even the presents for her own children What I would do is just get your nieces a token gift each and that's it. No buying for him and his adult children, they are nothing to do with you.
Like the others say, I'd take your nieces and your sister on some days out instead and knock that holiday on the head. i'd also ask if the kids need anything like a coat or a new pair of shoes once a year or so. I'd buy them those but not give money ever.
I'd also say to your sister that you are always there for her. The boyfriend sounds a right waste of space, she needs to get rid of him really.

CantSleepClownsWillEatMe · 03/11/2018 15:51

While your sisters family life all sounds a bit chaotic and unfortunate, I don't think any of that background stuff really has anything to do with whether you buy birthday/Christmas gifts for their dc.

It does all seem to be one way traffic but I think you need to separate the gift decision from your concern about their lifestyle. The children are not missing out or being "punished" if you don't send them a gift and tbh I always think it's a bit odd to continue when the other side of the family clearly can't or don't want to do the buying for DNs thing.

On the other hand if giving gifts to these dc is important to you then carry on but don't then allow that to be another thing to have negative feelings about - "I bought for her dc but she didn't buy for mine".

WinnieFosterTether · 03/11/2018 15:53

Buy the presents! tbh your DCs don't need more presents so I don't understand why your DH is being so resentful.
Your DSIS is struggling financially. You could sit in judgement or you could be kind/caring and help. It feels as though you favour the latter but your DH is erring towards the former. Do what feels right. You can make your DSIS and her DCs' lives a little brighter without much effort.

BakedBeans47 · 03/11/2018 15:57

I’m with your husband. Your sister is a grasping leech and taking you for a mug.

BakedBeans47 · 03/11/2018 15:58

More specifically the partner is a grasping leech. I find it really hard to believe he can’t be capable of working at all

DistanceCall · 03/11/2018 15:59

It's not the children's fault that their parents are arseholes. And they are your nieces/nephews.

I would certainly take them out for a day, and give them a little present too. God knows their lives are hard enough already. Your sister may be a leech, but I would be kind to the children.

DistanceCall · 03/11/2018 16:00

Oh, and certainly no gifts for the adult children (the ones you are not related to)!

Glamdring · 03/11/2018 16:01

Oops!

"My husband thinks"

and "every" instead of "revenue" - don't you just love auto correct 

OP posts:
missyB1 · 03/11/2018 16:07

Whether presents are reciprocated or not is irrelevant, your kids don’t need anything from your sister. Her kids however do need your support, instead of holidays could you just have them to stay at your house and do days out? Their lives sound very sad tbh.

Maelstrop · 03/11/2018 16:22

Your niece had a deficiency from never going out? How many dc, grown up or otherwise, live in a 2 bed flat? It sounds horrific.

TwoBlueFish · 03/11/2018 16:24

I buy my nieces and nephews birthday and Christmas presents every year. Sometimes my kids get something back but usually not (especially birthdays). I still kept sending them because I love them and I like to get them something. I get pleasure out of giving the gift, sometimes I get a bit miffed when not even a birthday card arrives but that isn’t the kids fault.

A day out for them sounds a really nice idea.

Birdsgottafly · 03/11/2018 16:47

Tbh I'd report them for overcrowding, life must be awful for your DNs.

There is a level of mismanaging money, but she won't have control of all the money coming in. A lot will be in his name and whilst he may contribute to the Christmas presents, he might not contribute to the holidays.

Sometimes you honestly intend to pay people back and then just don't have the spare funds.

Perhaps your DH should watch rich house/poor house.

My DD used to be short of money, but went out for meals, the children had presents etc because that's what her P would spend his money on.

She might think that giving the children a 'good', Christmas is all she can do.

People on here snear at the WC Christmas of lots of presents, but fail to see how life is, overall. They need these events to look forward to.

OP, I would keep sending presents and do your best to keep the relationship going with your Sis and Nieces.

Glamdring · 03/11/2018 17:31

Thanks for all the comments

There have been a lot of great ideas and suggestions here. I do think they are struggling financially - I mentioned briefly asking to borrow money from my dad. My sister regularly calls him and asks to borrow money for food. So I do wonder why they spend so much at Christmas - but as some have said it may be because they think that's what they should do/making up for other shortfalls?

In reply to a poster who asked about the inclusion of the backstory, I have mentioned this as it is a big part of Mine and DH's arguments about whether to buy presents or not.

My feeling at the moment that doing outing and actives would be a good option and perhaps get them small gifts while out is a good idea. I'd really like to continue the relationship with them.

I'm also really not worried about my children missing or on gifts as TBH I'm trying to tone down Christmas and number of gifts as sometimes it just seems like the children are getting too much!

OP posts:
sharoncolidge · 04/11/2018 00:39

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

GreenTulips · 04/11/2018 00:57

low income but spend loads on Christians

Damn Christian's!

Like the festive treat idea - maybe look at pants tickets.

You have to stop feeling sorry for your sister - she does have choices.

It appears she gets so much support that there is little incentive to change.

She's rude to your children but you are right to take the higher moral ground and treat them at Christmas m

AllTakenSoRubbishUsername · 04/11/2018 01:26

Sounds like life is pretty difficult for them. Do we give to expect to receive? If so and if that is a condition for you then don't buy them anything but I think I would because they are struggling and probably don't get a lot otherwise. It's not the kids' fault.

AllTakenSoRubbishUsername · 04/11/2018 01:27

sharoncolidge hard to take someone seriously when they can't agree on the spelling of their own name in one irrelevant paragraph.

AllTakenSoRubbishUsername · 04/11/2018 01:31

Love the idea of the outings as gifts though, didn't see that bit - I think that is a great idea.

springydaff · 04/11/2018 01:42

When my sister did work full time her DD2 suffered form Vit D deficiency and problems walking as she was never taken out (also developed asthma)

omfg!! Sad Sad Angry

This should have been reported. yy it's tough when it's your own sister. But the horror that is those kids' lives means it has to be done.

Absolutely horrifying to read this [cry]

AiryFairyUnicornRainbow · 04/11/2018 01:44

OP, you could not sound more judgey if you tried

I think you should give your self the medal or martyrdom you clearly feel you deserve

Of course you should not cold shoulder kids, because your sister is not buying your kids a quid colouring book for fucks sakes, she sounds like shes really struggling , her OH has been off long term sick with a condition you clearly do not understand...and her sibling obvs thinks shes a dick parent

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