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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Pissed off at lack of support on family holiday

509 replies

Belleende · 26/07/2019 07:14

Some background. I am the youngest of 4 siblings. We are currently on a family holiday with my parents. I have 2 kids, 4 yo and 20 month old. The rest of the kids are all 10 and older.

Myself and DP have zero family support around, so very rarely go out, and as our 2 are vv early risers never get a lie in. This holiday has been particularly bad with neither of them sleeping well. I have been getting 2 to 4 hours sleep a night, with 2 totally sleepless nights. I have been on my knees.

In the time we have been here my siblings have offered only once to mind the kids so me and DP could go out and even then only after we had put them to bed. We have not been invited to any group activities. No one has even come to the beach with us.

Before my own kids came along I babysat regularly for both my sisters, have supported them unstintingly, dug my eldest sister out of numerous holes (including collecting her kids from the airport this trip just hours after we had arrived).

The final straw came last night when I discovered that everyone has booked a day trip today that is totally not suitable for my two, and it is our last day here.

AIBU to let rip and put a dampener on the last day of the holiday, or do I just quietly withdraw?

OP posts:
contrary13 · 26/07/2019 08:46

When my daughter was 4 or 5, she and I went on holiday with my oldest brother and his wife for a week. I barely got a look-in with my own child, because my brother was thoroughly enjoying being her uncle and helping her explore where we were. I and my SIL lay by the pool, and meandered along the beach by ourselves. My daughter had a whale of a time with her doting uncle, and got to do a lot more fun things as a result. They didn't have any children at that point, but even if they had, I suspect he would have done his utmost to give me a break from being a single-parent (with my ex, but might just as well not have been as he was still into the life of a single lad...), regardless.

Fast-forward a good few years to when my ex and I had split for the last time, my daughter was 13 and my son was 5. We went to Spain with my parents. First time either of my children had flown - both were nervous about it (and my daughter to the point of a panic attack). I dealt with all of this alone, whilst my parents pretended not to know us. I remember thinking at the airport, that the holiday could only get better from that point on...

We got to Spain, only to discover that my parents refused to do anything out of their routine... and we were expected to fit in. I did all of the donkey-work of two children completely out of their comfort zones, one still young enough to expect his own routines of bedtime, etc., to be observed - and who was missing his Dad, due to the recent split, and the other argumentative and hormonal. My son stopped sleeping. But, actually, as there was no bed for him to sleep in when we arrived, that's hardly unexpected. My parents expected me to sleep in a twin-sized bed... with two children, both of whom slept in their own rooms, in their own beds. Nope. Not happening. My children like to move in their sleep! So my son was on the sofa cushions on the floor... which he thought was very exciting, and promptly stopped sleeping. My father moaned that he couldn't "nap" on the sofa in the evenings, whilst listening to the TV (ie, completely dominating the room, as he snores whilst he "naps"). There were, incidentally, armchairs - or his bed, in his room. But nope. He wanted the sofa, because he lies on the sofa in his den at home (my mother has a separate space for herself to sit in during the evenings, at home). My mother was bitchy about having to share a single living space with four other people in an evening. My daughter and I were very "WTAF?!" about that situation. Did they expect us to sit in our bedroom, by ourselves, every evening?! Whilst my son pretended to go to sleep on his bed of sofa cushions directly next to our bed?!

It was hot. My parents expected us to walk for miles every day between the town their villa was in, and the next one over, purely so that they could buy cigarettes (I don't smoke and didn't appreciate clouds of it wafting around my children). We had to eat in the English ex-pat restaurants, which disappointed my daughter who had been hoping to eat Spanish food, not greasily fried egg and chips every day. I tried to order a coffee, once, in one of them, only for my mother to over-ride me and say "she'll have a coke like the children" (when she knew that they drank water or juice at home...). But I didn't want to start a row, knowing from experience that my mother would turn it into a vendetta of agonising silent treatment - and I wanted to protect my children from that awkwardness and/or her doing the same to them. So I drank a coke through gritted teeth. Whenever I tried to suggest the children and I did something alone (even if just to go to the beach which we could see from their villa), nope; my parents kicked off. We had to stay with them. 24/7. We didn't get to set foot on the beach even once. My son was bitterly disappointed, but every time I said we were off to the beach... there was an argument, and guilt-trips from my mother.

So I bit my tongue until the last day, when I was ratty from exhaustion - and I demanded to know why the fuck they'd invited us, and made it sound like it was going to be a fantastic break for all of us. Why they'd promised my children a trip to the nearby zoo (never materialised), and bragged about the beach we could literally see from the villa windows in a way which made it seem like we'd be spending at least part of one single day there. "Well, we thought you'd like it!", they said. Like it? Nope. I had spent a small fortune on our tickets, which as a single mother, I actually could have found better things to spend the money on... for exhausted, bad-tempered, bored children with belly upsets from all the greasily fried foods my parents ordered for all of us without asking us if we wanted to eat it, and then insisting that we had to, rather than waste the food!!! And then, the kicker:

"We thought you could do with the break!!!"

I'd have had more of a break if we'd stayed at home. My daughter would have been able to go out with her mates, and my son wouldn't have been out of the routines which all small children may not revel in... but actually need. I also would have been able to find little pockets of time where I could have sat on a sofa in an evening, had coffee to drink as/when needed, and slept... without being kicked by a gangly 13 year old, unused to sharing a bed with her mother, circumnavigating it in her sleep (yes; I ended up with her foot in my face at several points during that holiday - and was black and blue from being kicked!), recharged my own introvert batteries.

Never again will I go on a family holiday. I won't even holiday with my daughter anymore. She goes off alone, or with friends - and I wonder how much of that is because she remembers the miserable time we all had in Spain.

The lesson I learned, though? My brother is 14 years older than I am, and spent his teen/young adult years pretty much raising me whilst our mother and my father suited themselves. My parents... have always put their needs, their wants before mine, let alone their grandchildren's. Sad And that's why there's such a marked contrast between the holidays...

Don't bite your tongue. But be prepared for their responses to be unsympathetic to your own emotions/feelings/confusion. They've undoubtedly had a great time - and will have presumed that your family will have experienced the same. Good luck.

Nanny0gg · 26/07/2019 08:50

I'd just ask why they bothered inviting you.

Madlove · 26/07/2019 08:53

Yes completely agree to the novelty having worn off the older you get! Been there, done that, not going back.

starfishmummy · 26/07/2019 08:55

I certainly wouldn't expect any of the others to babysit for me, or to watch the kids so I got a lie in - they're on holiday too!! And as someone else has said if you are having bad nights because of your kids then they're probably getting disturbed too.

As for not spending time together with you in the day...did you actually ask them to do things with you, have you arranged for the group to do anything together? Because it does sound rather like you've left the organising of things to other people.

thedayofthethreeMagnums · 26/07/2019 08:56

I think you are massively BU.

It's understandable, you are tired, but you are still BU.
There's 2 of you for 2 children, that's more than enough. It's your family holiday too, why should they have to babysit and take care of little ones?

I completely disagree that a holiday with babies, toddlers and children is not a holiday, it very much is for some of us! But you have to be realistic and accept it can't be the same as an adult holiday and if you try to recreate it, you will be disappointed.

You didn't get invited? Were you deliberately excluded or could you just have joined in?
Organising family outings without telling you is not nice, up to you if you want to join in or not.

I think you were BU if you expected babysitters.

floribunda18 · 26/07/2019 09:01

We used to go away in big family groups when DDs were little. We got one night where we could go out as a couple (which was wonderful), and we got to relax more by the pool as we took it in turns to supervise them in the water. I think that's all you can expect really, as everyone wants to relax on their holidays as much as possible. We were all staying in separate apartments as well rather than on top of each other in a villa and would agree to meet up at certain times so people could go off and do their own thing.

BertrandRussell · 26/07/2019 09:01

I can’t get my head round people thinking it unreasonable to expect a bit of help from your parents, your brothers and sisters and your grown up nephews and nieces. People who love you and care about you- not a group of random strangers! There are at least 8 adults on this holiday apart from the OP. Of course they should have helped a bit.

moobar · 26/07/2019 09:04

I understand op, and I would say something.

Sort of in the same position here. Big family, lots of nieces and nephews, youngest is ten. We have been married nearly twenty years, never managed to have a baby. DD came along last year as a complete miracle.

I have spent years babysitting, day trips, soft play, parties, you name it. They stay with me for four weeks every Easter.

DD is nine months old and not one person has taken her even for five minutes. I'm on my knees some days, awful sleeper. I'm torn between exploding and just accepting that they are not fucking interested.

This weekend is our summer show. One just sent a message asking if DD was coming or if I was going to be in the beer tent with them.........I've pushed prams for them for twenty years. I'm going to leave the chat.

Enjoy your last day and your babies. Thanks

EdtheBear · 26/07/2019 09:08

Contrary13 that sounds like a nightmare of a holiday.

We have only done two short breaks with family but my experience of 8 adults and a baby and toddler with completely different
routines in one accommodation will never be repeated. PIL had a wonderful vision of the adults sitting chilling after kids were in bed. The 3yo was completely out of routine and bedtime was a nightmare.

A different break with two caravans, was a much more successful trip. Mainly because we weren't in each other's pockets.

MartiniDry · 26/07/2019 09:08

There's nothing stopping you from going on the trip. Your husband could look after the children.

I am of the belief that if we do a kindness for someone else we do it willingly and without expectation of reward. That you babysat your siblings children when you were young and single is no reason why you should expect to be paid back and is a completely different situation to babysitting small children when you are on holiday and you have your own older DC having been there and done that with little kids.

You would be massively unreasonable and rather entitled if you let rip.

ChicCroissant · 26/07/2019 09:10

Even if you do think the family should help (and upthread I have already said I don't think that should be the expectation) there is no point on raising it on the last day. There is no time to change anything then and it's really just a complaint. If you want things to change, raise it earlier.

cardamoncoffee · 26/07/2019 09:11

What sort of help are you expecting? You have a partner, your family babysat to allow you one childfree night. I honestly don't get it. YABVU to think your neice/nephew is going to give up time on holiday to look after them.

Are your dc particularly difficult? Maybe that's why they don't want to spend time with you? I'd be pretty fed up too if they were only sleeping 2-4 hours a night. Not being goady btw, my dsis panders terribly to her dc and they are extremely tantrummy and spoiled. We are from a very good extended family but even then no one particularly looks forward to spending time with them.

pumpkinpie01 · 26/07/2019 09:14

So over the years you have babysat both your sisters kids and they couldn't help you out for few hours here and there to make your holiday more enjoyable!? Some people have very short memories. I would say something but in a calm way, just point out how much you did for them years ago when you were child free.

LucheroTena · 26/07/2019 09:17

Blimey some selfish pricks have popped up on this thread.

I’d like to think I’d notice someone was struggling and offer my help. Plus surely when you’re all living together you muck in and parent whichever kids need it. Otherwise you might as well have booked separate accommodation.

I wouldn’t kick off but I would: 1. Never go away with them again 2. Not put yourself out helping them so much in future.

Fairenuff · 26/07/2019 09:17

Unless it was discussed and agreed before you went I don't think you can expect the others to take time out of their holiday to look after your children or to limit their trips to ones that would suit your children.

I've been on holiday with tired, grumpy children and can see how they would enjoy a day away from them. As their parents you don't get that luxury yet.

If this was dh and I, we would take turns to amuse the kids whilst the other one caught up on some much needed sleep. Also, the children could rest too which would also make them happier. Two adults with two children is not really a difficult ratio to manage.

diddl · 26/07/2019 09:18

I don't understand the "not invited to group activities".

Doesn't whoever want to go just go?

Hopefully you're on/going on the day out & the kids are being looked after by their father.

If you're so tired, hasn't he looked after them in the day so you can sleep?

Jillyhilly · 26/07/2019 09:19

Great post gonewiththepotter.

MrsOnions · 26/07/2019 09:21

I think you either have the kind of family who muck in and help or you don’t and kicking off won’t make any difference. Personally I would want to make my feelings clear but in a calm, considered way and bearing in mind it probably won’t change anything.

I’m sad for you that your family are like that, mine aren’t perfect but we all muck in. Those of us with older children remember how on-your-knees-exhausting it is plus actually want to spend time with our nieces, nephews etc. It’s just part of being a family in my opinion.

I hope you catch up with a bit of sleep when you get home Flowers

FrenchBoule · 26/07/2019 09:23

YANBU OP and I don’t understand why are you getting bashing on here.

So there’s you and your family, 3 of your siblings and your parents.
Why YOU went to collect the teenager from the airport, where was the teenager’s parent(s)?

Your family is selfish to the core, bunch of happy to take but not to give.

On the other hand- sometimes the only way to tackle the problem is to be blunt and direct when people “don’t see” (or don’t want to see) the problem and ask.

A bit too late to ask now, I can understand your resentment ( and you’re right to be disappointed) but I would decline any future “family” holidays and explicitly explain why.

Hugs to you OP, small kids are hard work and sleep deprivation is a bastard. 💐💐💐

Madfrogs · 26/07/2019 09:24

It’s very different offering to help as the child free cool aunty or uncle than being the parent with the older children who’s frankly so glad baby and toddlerhood has gone by.

I wouldn't want my children made responsible for looking after a toddler either especially by a pool or the sea.

I’ve done my time living on edge for every little accident that might happen and frankly I’m glad to be out of it. It would have to be a special occasion or emergency for me to want to go back to it by offering off my own back.

Cazziebo · 26/07/2019 09:26

I wouldn't have expected any help, and you did get one night out. That's pretty good going.

The focus for everyone would be keeping their own over 10s entertained and of course to spend time with them. The age gap isn't conducive to doing many activities together.

I think your expectations are high and you don't have grounds to "let rip".

omione · 26/07/2019 09:27

Have you ever thought of asking them to help instead of simmering away ?

Skittlenommer · 26/07/2019 09:27

Helping others does not mean they're obligated to help you. I wouldn't spend a minute of my holiday looking after someone else's children.

SinkGirl · 26/07/2019 09:27

Of course YANBU. No, it’s not anyone else’s responsibility but loved ones help each other out and, more importantly, don’t exclude each other this way.

We have no family support either. Only family member who gives a shit is my sister who lives 3 hours away. She has no kids. She would never visit or come away with us and then not include us and the kids in plans.

Most importantly I would never treat someone this way so I know it’s unreasonable.

I’d wait until you get home and then tell them how upset you were and how hurtful it was.

C0untDucku1a · 26/07/2019 09:28

Dont say anything. What would it achieve?

Have you got slings with you so could go without a pram?

I used to go away twice a year with my parents. Last yead it was just me and my children. So. Much. Easier! Having extra adults just made everything, even very simple tasks, much more difficult as they would contradict me all the time.

Grandparents: Want half a packet of biscuits half an hour before dinner? Of course you can!
Grandparents half an hour later during dinner children are refusing to touch: wow your children are not good eaters are they!
Hmm