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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To refuse to take DC to see PIL for xmas

130 replies

oytugyhyguu · 09/12/2019 05:02

A long back story but will try to be brief.

SIL has mental health issues (anxiety and depression) and lives with PILs. After DH and I got married SIL has always ended up causing some sort of issue every time I am around. We would see them around twice a year as they live 9 hour drive away. I completely get SIL is unwell so i would ignore things she said or did ( throwing objects at me (this happened once), leaving the room when I would enter, saying nasty things about me loudly so I would hear to extend family members, being rude etc). Not once have I every said anything back to SIL just so I wouldn’t antagonise her and make her illness worse.

Things came to a head two years ago when she physically attacked me because she got upset (She asked me how long I was visiting for and I said 5 days) and wanted me to leave PILs house immediately however it was past midnight and my 1 year old DC was sleeping and I refused to leave DC. During this outburst she was begging DH to “divorce that bitch” and blamed me for her metal health issues, her unemployment and for the reason she does not have a partner or children. She said that her family was destroyed the day we got married.

I have not seen or heard from my in-laws since this incident 2 years ago (DH has visited on his own). I will admit I have not contacted them either however, this was because they told DH SIL did not attack me and implied I was lying. I had planned to go for dinner earlier this year however on the day in laws told DH not to bring me as they didn’t know how my SIL would react to me being pregnant.

We have now had DC2 four months ago. PIL have not come to see the baby (or spoke to me) but want DH to bring both kids to them for xmas. DC2 is breastfed so I would have to go along too. I have also found out SIL was sectioned for 2 months and was released from hospital a month ago.

AIBU to not let my kids be around SIL when she clearly has so much hatred towards me? PIL clearly don’t give a fuck about me either so why should I bother taking the kids to them for Christmas?

I suggested to DH they come to us for Christmas ( I even invited SIL) but PIL says it’s too cold where we stay (central Scotland not the bloody artic).

OP posts:
Greenglassteacup · 09/12/2019 09:24

Mental health problems is not a get out of jail free card for physically assaulting people left right and centre.

REignbow · 09/12/2019 09:26

So your in-laws think it reasonable to invite your DH and DC but exclude you?

Your DH thinks it okay to separate a breastfed new born from its mother and also for her to miss their babies first Xmas..?

Nope. No way in hell would l even contemplate it. I would also be telling DH, that I would never visit them again and your DC will not go either.

Greenglassteacup · 09/12/2019 09:26

The parents and the daughter sound so enmeshed, they are a huge part of the problem. Huge.

Greenglassteacup · 09/12/2019 09:27

They as in the parents

Chamomileteaplease · 09/12/2019 09:29

I would advise against seeing any of this family.

But if you do, why does it have to be at Christmas?? Don't let them fuck up your Christmas.

And please don't ever let SIL near the children.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 09/12/2019 09:30

If my sil attacked me my dh would go NC

Star81 · 09/12/2019 09:30

I wouldn’t go somewhere you wouldn’t feel safe. The mental health problems do not cause people to be rude and violent. It’s not an excuse for her behaviour.

If your husband thinks you going there is a possibility you need to have a serious talk with him

frumpety · 09/12/2019 09:31

YANBU A nine hour drive in Winter with a baby to stay with people who don't like you, don't want you there and have previously physically attacked you ? Big fat hairy no !

Iamdobby63 · 09/12/2019 09:31

So nobody has witnessed her treatment towards you? Surely the people she was running you down to must have?

I’m not entirely sure her behaviour is down to suffering with anxiety and depression.

I think your DH should back you and defend you to his parents and no, I would not allow my children to visit. If you have said there was some other mental illness then I would probably have more sympathy... and yes, I have plenty of experience of anxiety and depression.

contrary13 · 09/12/2019 09:32

"They are her carers and you can't just go away when it suits. Very often, in the case of Parent and Adult child, they aren't viewed and don't view themselves as carers. They are in a nightmare position, because they can't cure or abandon their mentally ill Daughter."

^ This. With bells on. Your SIL is obviously very unwell - her fixation on you, her constant refrain that you have caused her to be single/unemployed and broken her family apart (rather than, actually, adding to it with your own two children), her aggressive and violent behaviour towards you... Her parents are stuck. They can't^ run the risk of either leaving their adult child alone, or aggravating her illness/risking physical harm to their DIL (ie, you) and their grandchildren.

My own adult child has severe MH issues, and... every time her illness peaks, it's me who is left to pick up the pieces. Although, I do agree, having watched my daughter go from physically assaulting me to simply being verbally aggressive towards everyone who doesn't fall in with her view of the world, that it is a choice. Somewhere, through or perhaps despite the illness, they know what they're choosing to do. Sectioning, however, is nigh on impossible where we live, so I do suspect that your SIL is more unwell than you're actually aware - after all, why would you when you chose to ignore your PIL for 2 years, because they made the choice to try to cling to their version of reality where their daughter isn't mentally unwell? Your PIL need support, and, sadly, it's lacking for those of us who are unpaid carers for our unwell adult children. My daughter's 23 years old, and I can see the future stretching forwards - and it's one of constant anxiety that she's not attacked someone (verbally, emotionally, physically), that she's not going to try to harm herself when others choose not to fall into line with the rigid way her brain works, and that she's generally okay. I'm very fortunate in that I have a close network of friends who bolster my resources and keep an eye on her outbursts online, but I also know that I am one of the lucky few in this regard. Your PIL sound as though they have their heads in the sand, somewhat, still, and that's probably because... at the end of the day, they're possibly reeling in shock that their baby is so unwell.

Having said that, though, no; I don't think your baby and older child should be around your SIL. As she has assaulted you, revealed herself to hold you solely responsible for the way her life has turned out, and claimed that you've broken "her family" apart... I'd be concerned that she might try to harm one of your children, simply because they're 50% you. Your husband needs to have your back and protect his family (ie, you and your children) - but he may well also have his head in the sand when it comes to your SIL's illness. Living 9 hours away has afforded him the luxury of not seeing her decline on a daily basis.

Flowers, OP, because it's not easy. But you're protecting your children from potentially witnessing vicious, violent behaviour/language/claims. Your PIL may even be grateful if you stand your ground over this.

Newbie1981 · 09/12/2019 09:32

Would love to hear her side of this

Notonthestairs · 09/12/2019 09:36

I imagine whilst your SIL was sectioned her parents visited daily. It won't have been a fixed "she's here for 2 months" arrangement but a rolling discussion between the professionals. Her parents won't have been able to clock off and must have been worried to death. Arrangements should have been made for her to have ongoing support and treatment but the system is under resourced and stretched - and it doesn't sound like your PIL would share that information with you anyway.

Don't go and keep your children at home with you - and get some family help in if you can. I would encourage your husband to visit.

Sallycinammonbangsthedruminthe · 09/12/2019 09:37

Stay away too from me OP. Not worth the hassle .PIL havent invited you either so stay with the kids at home.

ysmaem · 09/12/2019 09:41

YANBU for nat wanting go. I wouldn't bloody go either. Tell your DH to make the 9 hour drive alone. The kids will remain with you.

Drum2018 · 09/12/2019 09:42

Don't go and don't have them to your home. Dh can visit them if and when he wants but you shouldn't have your small children around your SIL when she can be so volatile. It's sad for them but you need to put your kids first, they are too young to comprehend MH issues. It would not be fair to drag them on a 9 hour drive, visit the inlaws and have SIL kick off. If your PIL cannot visit you then so be it. Personally I wouldn't want them in my home given the way they have treated you.

farqwadwhatdoesitmean · 09/12/2019 09:42

I have a similar situation, I don't get attacked but the mentally ill relative would say really inappropriate and disturbing things in front of dc. I basically said that it would be best to meet up in a nice place in public, like a park - my thinking being that dc would be playing and running around and so not paying attention to what was being said between adults in the way they would at home, and I would have an escape plan ready to be used if necessary. The advantage of you taking the dc to them would be you are in control of when you left, and where you go, so yes I probably would take them but not for xmas, go another day, and don't take them to their house, stay in a hotel and meet up somewhere public, a lovely park or somewhere the adults could sit and drink tea while the dc and you played where you could all see each other but not in earshot! And have an escape plan if anyone starts to kick off.

cherryblossomgin · 09/12/2019 09:46

YANBU Keep the kids with you and have a nice Christmas with them, let DH choose where he wants to be. You shouldn't have to spend Christmas without your kids. SIL and PIL doesn't get to control your Christmas.

BlueJava · 09/12/2019 09:47

Exactly as @Drum2018 and @dottycat123 said. YANBU! I don't believe you should go, neither should your children. As things are so volatile why not have a lovley Xmas at home, then DH visits on his own in the NY.

Youseethethingis · 09/12/2019 09:48

HAHAHAHAHAHA
Like fuck would I be entertaining the idea that the people who abused and lied about me should be entitled to take my husband and babies from me at Christmas. What kind of fucked up person would think this was an even vaguely acceptable suggestion? Would your precious DC even be safe there? And why has DH not laughed in their faces on your behalf already?
I think you are a saint and a better woman than me for inviting them to you tbh Flowers

RichTwoTurkeyFriend · 09/12/2019 09:52

Oh HELL to the no!
OP you might be a saint not to have kicked your husband to the kerb for not supporting you more. Have a wonderful Christmas with your husband and kids; no one would judge you for not inviting that kind of drama into your day.

YouSawThePlans · 09/12/2019 09:54

I agree with a PP that your SIL sounds very ill. It sounds as though you want them to take your side over their DD but this isn't about sides or right and wrong. It's about them supporting and caring for their mentally ill daughter.
Saying that, I still don't think the DCs should visit because your SIL has a history of erratic and violent behaviour. I'd invite PILs (without SIL) to meet you halfway for lunch in a public place then they could see DCs without putting them at risk.
Your DH and his DPs may be in denial about how ill SIL is in which case you can't force them to admit the reality to you. But you can have an honest conversation with DH (that he doesn't need to share with his parents) that you think meeting mid way is better for everyone including SIL.

Jellybeansincognito · 09/12/2019 10:02

I think YABU.

You’re only stopping them from going because it’s Christmas- your children shouldn’t be there full stop.
Ever.

It shouldn’t be a Xmas issue- it should be a forever issue.

StoppinBy · 09/12/2019 10:03

Not a chance would I be taking my children near her. Not a chance in hell that I would be allowing my children to be taken there without me.

So that's a big no, that aint happening and you are completely justified in keeping them away from me.

Your husband needs to back you up, I understand that she is his family so it is harder for him but the minute you have kids it is them who you put first not your relatives.

Jellybeansincognito · 09/12/2019 10:03

@YouSawThePlans

They can support their daughter but not take it out on OP at the same time.
They sound disgraceful and enabling.

TheABC · 09/12/2019 10:06

Why on earth would you knowingly expose yourself and/or your children to a hostile situation?

I appreciate SIL is unwell, but that does not mean endangering yourself in order to appease everyone else. Don't go. I would not send young children into that household either: the risk she will hurt them is a real one.

You need to have a very blunt conversation with DH about safeguarding and having your back.

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