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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

How do I broach this without upsetting my mum?

90 replies

OoohMasala · 09/08/2019 05:32

I'm living back at my mum's as I left my ex due to domestic abuse. I have a 9 month old who is now thriving in a warm and loving environment.

My mum likes to help me out, but gives me advice, every day. She talks to me about my routine, gives my son food without asking, baths him without telling me she's going to, spends a tonne of time googling things which drives me mad. She is so kind, and she's trying to help and take the strain off me. For some reason though I find it irritating and like she's almost taken the role of my baby's dad. She gives me advice when I don't ask for it and inadvertantly criticises if she thinks my routine is scatty. She begins her sentences with 'you need to do...' or 'you need to start...' or 'googe says...'

I really need to know if IABU in wanting her to back off, or if I just need to accept this. If IANBU, how do I kindly go about asking her to back off without really upsetting her? She's quite sensitive and nothing she does ever us out of unkindness or malice

OP posts:
31RueCambon · 09/08/2019 08:51

It may well be her lack of observation for your boundaries that put you in line for a relationship with a man who ignored your boundaries as a human being. BUt totally different situations!! Your mum just doesn't get that help isn't always positive. My own mum is the same.

I think you should privately observe the point at which you feel your boundary was ignored. That' ll be helpful to you, it's information for you!

I have had to challenge my mother a few times and point out to her that she didn't respect my boundary but she always put herslef up on the cross, martyr beast. It's her role to be the ''carer'' or at least that's how she sees herself and if I say no no no help thank you that provokes a wound in her.

If you know that there is an end to this situation I would just be aware of your own emotions and learn to listen to them. Use this as a learning curve. Watch clips about responding not reacting and how to be assertive as they will come in useful in the future even when you're not under the same roof as your Mum.

Outnotdown · 09/08/2019 08:59

Good luck op, I have a wonderful mother too, who drives me nuts! Their kindness can sometimes make you feel like a child, when you are a parent yourself.

Perfectly understandable that you feel the way you do. Hope you find something that works for you Flowers

31RueCambon · 09/08/2019 09:02

ps, I WAS in this situation a long time ago but I agree that ''moving out'' even if it were affordable might just create a whole new set of problems. Not having enough money, not having childcare.

It is better to learn, bit by bit, how to deal with your boundaries being infringed upon.

Upthread some posters having given some paragraph long suggestions about what to say. But I think it's not ''what you say'' that you need help with. It's learning to sit with that excruciatingly awkward feeling you get when you know your mum is upset with you because you have ignored her advice.

So rather than going in with a paragraph long manifesto ''please respect my boundaries etc i need to find my own way etc'' all your mum will hear is criticism and she'll think you're an ungrateful little madam and it will all end in hurt feelings and a bad atmosphere! what I recommend is that you hear one of her suggestions presented in terms of ''do this'' and quietly without offering up any reasoning or explanation or justification just do something else. Don't do it for the sake of it. Just wait until the moment comes, that moment where she is suggesting x but you want to do y. Do y. Don't prepare her for the fact that you have done y. Don't present ''a case'' for why you did Y. As that only perpetuates her belief that you need her approval to do y. And in you, it reinforces that uncomfortable feeling you have if she disapproves of your choice if it's not hers''.

So the next time she says ''do x'' and you ''do y'', do it with AS LITTLE EXPLANATION as possible. This is key. Do NOT explain it. If she asks for your reasoning or justification, as tempted as you will be to defend the rationale behind your decision making, do NOT give it. Just shrug and do Y.

You disentangle that enmeshment so that you can do what you want to do without feeling the need to explain yourself to her.

How she reacts to that is not a part of your process. Her martyred reaction may make you feel extremely uncomfortable but do not race to appease her. Just quitely bare it without discussion and it will get easier.

I can promise you that much. Use this as a learning curve.

Do you get an uncomfortable feeling if you ignore her advice?? Learn to ''sit with the discomfort'' without explaining yourself, as that is what sets you (both) on the path to disentanglement.

I never felt the need to explain every small decision to my brother so I used to say in my head '''if this were *brother, would I still be talking?'' and if the answer was no, I'd shut up.

Over time the dynamic has changed. My mother no longer expect me to do what she tells me to do, make the choices she is pushing on me.

PeoniesarePink · 09/08/2019 09:26

I'd say she's trying to desperately help you in the only way she can.

Saying something will break her heart.

Make the most of having some help - it will be very very different when you move out.

HollowTalk · 09/08/2019 09:32

The first few responses show a great reason not to post in AIBU, OP.

Perhaps ask MNHQ to repost this in Parenting?

Pinkout · 09/08/2019 09:34

I think this is just what Mum’s do tbh. I have twice as many children as my Mum did and she still likes to give me advice. I never follow any of it (giving rusks to a three month old anyone Hmm). Just learn to shrug it off and tell her you’re fine as you are.

IamtheOA · 09/08/2019 09:36

" thank you mum, I'm still figuring this mum stuff out, I would like to try it like this"

BlooperReel · 09/08/2019 09:40

Some of the replies here are unkind and without any empathy.

OP you have got out of a shitty situation, first of all, well done, it take immense courage to do what you have done.

Your mum obviously means well, her extra fussing and 'help' is probably borne out of worry, is she aware of the full extent of the abuse from your ex? It may stem from misplaced 'guilt' that she didn't know/couldn't help sooner or something along those lines.

I would catch her when she is sitting with a cup of tea etc, thank her for letting you come home, explain how much her help has meant to you, and gently say that you are a mum now, and know what is best for your baby, tell her that whilst you know she is trying to be kind and helpful, you are finding it a bit overwhelming and would like to find your feet and establish yourself as a parent now you are out of harms way and can think clearly without overhanging fear or threats.

user1486131602 · 09/08/2019 10:00

After you’ve been in an abusive partnership it’s hard to accept help.
Your mum can see how tired and unsure you are. She’s doing everything she can to help you and your child.
Just be kind and honest, why not say something like this: mum all of this this has been so hard and I appreciate your help with everything, but I really need to do this for myself, my way, for my confidence and to build a happy way forward for my and dc. I love that you take the burden from me but I want to find my own way. Thanks xx

I’m sure you’ll find a way she and you sound like fantastic people.
Good luck

OMGshefoundmeout · 09/08/2019 10:08

She sounds lovely but I understand that you want to be mum.

As @BlooperReel has said above can you talk to her tactfully? Pick a quiet time when DC is asleep. Try doing it in the form of a ‘feedback sandwich’ so good things. Something to improve on, thenanother positive thing . So start with something positive and that’s easy here, you are genuinely so grateful and appreciative of all her love and support so tell her so. Then go on to saying that you are trying very hard to create a new life and routine for you and DS and would be very grateful if she could step back a bit and let you establish that, that while her help has been fantastic you really need to start practicing being a single mum even though that might mean making some mistakes. Then finish up with another positive whatever that might be and it could include how much you are looking forward to being able to return her love by making a fuss of her when she visits you in your new home, or how much fun you and DS have living with her. Think about it carefully beforehand and I’m sure you’ll find the right words.

doodleygirl · 09/08/2019 10:08

Well one OP for leaving an abusive relationship, it must have taken a lot of courage.

To all of the shitty posters telling OP to just leave, crawl back under your rocks, nasty people.

Justaboy · 09/08/2019 10:16

Whats can't be cured must be endured ..

.. well for now but hope for bettee to come:?.

saraclara · 09/08/2019 10:19

The bathing and feeding without asking you is the big thing here. I'd address that, and put up with the advice.

Simply say that you really appreciate her help, but feel you're losing the routine and control here, and need to find your own feet again. So can she not feed or bathe him without checking with you first.

saraclara · 09/08/2019 10:23

You have to laugh at MN. Just the other day, even hoping to hold a baby when the mother would rather you didn't, was selfish entitlement that went on for pages.
Now a relative bathing and feeding a baby without permission is all fine and the the baby's mother should just suck it up.

BertieBotts · 09/08/2019 10:24

I think I'd try saying something like mum - I love your experience and care for DC and so so appreciate your love and support - but at the same time I need to learn how to be a mum by myself. I'm not always going to do it the same way as you, and I've got to make my own mistakes and learn by myself. If you see me doing something that puts DC in danger then please say but otherwise, could you give me some space and I'll ask for advice if I want it?

But - I would agree with all the other posters' points about boundaries and say be careful of this "sensitive" thing - my mum is sensitive too. For a really long time I thought that meant she was extremely kind and gentle, and I do still think that in a way. She hasn't got a drop of malice in her, she can never see bad in people and she has an extremely sweet nature in this way, but the flip side of "sensitive" tends to mean "everyone has to tiptoe around my feelings which are extra sensitive and not like other people's", which is not the same as being kind, which tends to be more self sacrificing. This was something I read on mumsnet several years ago and it was a bit of a revelation TBH. I also find it tricky to set boundaries with my mum - she says that she prefers honesty and upfrontness, but then it often feels too harsh for her to cope with and so I end up staying quiet, squashing my idea of the boundary down or simply avoiding a topic because setting a boundary feels like conflict which I'm very acutely aware is difficult/painful to her. Even though that's not my problem, it's just so ingrained it's hard to change that thinking.

I'd also agree with a PP's point that your mum's sensitive/gentle nature may lead her to be a bit of a people-pleaser (because, again, avoiding conflict to an extreme end) and to value this way of being which probably means she has taught you to see it as very important as well. That means you have possibly learned at her knee to accept abusive treatment because of accepting flaws, seeing the best in and being kind to others. My mum is still facebook friends with my abusive ex because she "sees the good in him" - now probably I could just ask her to unfriend him, and I don't particularly care who she is friends with on facebook but it seems so odd years later when nobody has any contact with him that she would keep that link open.

k1233 · 09/08/2019 10:28

Maybe tell her you love her and appreciate all the help she is giving you. You know she is acting from a place of kindness and love. But sometimes, even though you know she means well, some of the things she says and does make you feel inadequate. You love her support and are so thankful that you can live with her in this really difficult time. It would be great if you could do more for the baby yourself. You're eventually going to live by yourself with your baby, so now's the time to practice and prepare for that transition. With that in mind, you want to start doing the majority of the baby's care. If you need help or a break, she's the first one you'll be asking, but for the time being it would be great if she could step back a little and only jump in if you ask for help. You love hearing about the different things she's read and the different perspectives - there's just so many when it comes to kids and it's a bit trial and error to find what works best.

Whosorrynow · 09/08/2019 10:29

You've both been through a huge amount of trauma, your mum will have been worried sick about you and obviously you have been through an awful lot because of the abusive relationship and being a new single parent.
I think many posters have been overly harsh, but it's important that you get this sorted because you don't want to be triggered into saying something that you might regret.
I think be as tactful as possible and focus on the things that you do find helpful maybe suggest that your mum needs time to herself or needs a break or something like that, maybe focus on her well-being and the fact that she needs to feel cared for too?

Whosorrynow · 09/08/2019 10:32

speaking as a parent myself I know that when my adult children are going through particularly difficult times I'm often triggered into being overprotective and forgetting that they are adults

Mileysmiley · 09/08/2019 10:33

I never give any advice to my daughter unless she asks ... my own mother was controlling and I didn't want to be like her

Wilmalovescake · 09/08/2019 10:37

I think all of that is a really common dynamic between a Mum, an adult daughter and a new baby, even without all the added stress you’re under.

She’s trying to care for you both. I totally get how that must feel to you at times. My advice: get her to do some bits so that you can catch up on sleep etc- see that bit as a gift. And then maybe take baby out and about a bit more just the two of you so you get some time to yourself too.

Try to manage it for your good rather than have a big sit down with her if you can.

Her0utdoors · 09/08/2019 10:44

It must have been a very tough time for all 3 of you, sorry the grumpy brigade thought they should chip in with their crud.
If giving her an altimatum isn't going to work, how about suggesting doing bathing etc together, and gradually taking charge again?

lisbonholiday · 09/08/2019 10:51

She's trying to help in the best way she knows how. Remember that she suddenly has an extra adult and a baby in the house, that can't be easy for her either.

I would just pick up on things when they happen "mum next time can you let me know before feeding baby" "i really enjoy bath time, let me know next time because I'd like to do it"

Not a lot you can do on the the google thing apart from say 'thanks for the advice and doing the research, I'll have a think' or if you are already sure "I appreciate you getting other perspectives, but I am going to do it this way because that's what works for us"

HaileySherman · 09/08/2019 10:54

I think you should just leave it be. Do things your own way as much as possible, and if given the opportunity then speak your opinion. But if you're moving out soon then rather than potentially alienate a critical source of support....just deal with it. She's helping create a warm and loving environment by your own words. You'll be on your own soon enough, longing for the extra help she's provided.

Fabulousinmyforties · 09/08/2019 10:55

I went through similar a few years back - I left my abusive husband, I had no money as he was financially controlling too, and I moved in with my parents, taking my 3 children with me.

My parents were great but also quite overbearing with respect to the children. I sucked it up, but I did vent to my sister and my best friend when it got too much.

I am now in my own house, and I am SO glad I didn't rock the boat with them when I was living in their house, and we have managed to maintain a great relationship. Everything feels very intense living together especially after everything you have been through, but I would actually try to suck it up and enjoy your mums supoort.

It is tough, but you will get through this, and massive congrats for taking this step and salvaging your future. I am happier now as a single mum (and richer than I was with him controlling my money), its the best thing I ever did.

MzHz · 09/08/2019 11:06

Most victims of controlling partners are created by their parents somehow. Conditioned to be told what to do and accept this from others

As “good” as it is for her mum to “take her in” she’s bossing op about and trampling over boundaries

Op. You will need to move as soon as you possibly can. Make that your main focus in life

The sooner you’re standing on your own two feet, the sooner you’ll begin to recover from the abuse you’ve suffered.

You’re doing very well indeed, this is the start of your journey back to you. Take each day and each step one at a time

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