How do I survive MIL’s hellish visit?

[spontaneouscombustionawaits]

Help me get through this week. Please. I’m begging you. My MIL is staying with us. I have a week left. I’m broken. She is the most despicable woman. Truly. Madly. Deeply. Awful. I don’t want to go into details. Just want some sisterly support and tips on how to get through it without going on a brutal murderous spree. Or spontaneously combusting. Though the latter would end my misery so not the worst outcome.

Just go out and leave her to it

Move out

I would leave the house. Book cinema trips, bowling trips, go on walks, borrow a dog or a child, do anything to be physically away from her.

Is it necessary for her to stay a whole week? Next Christmas book a holiday.

I had the same recently and can only agree with previous- get out of the house as much as you can!

Wheres your OH in this? Take a step back and leave it to them - thier mother thier job.

I’m doing my best but she refuses to be separated from my DC and I refuse to leave him alone with her given I don’t trust her (for good reason) so am stuck.

She’s been here three weeks. I’m going to die...

Keep yourself busy, hairdresser, nails, spa, swimming, coffee shop with a good book, urgent crisis with your family. Anything you need to do. Some will say YABU, but having a MIL who I cannot stand and who hasn't seen my children in three years (her choice) I would be making any excuse to be out of the house and leave it all to your OH if he arranged it for the week.

Get out and about as much as you can. Have errands to run on your own, friends to visit or meet for coffee.

Gin

Three weeks poor you

Ah just seen you won't leave DC children- same here. Can you arrange some quality days just you and the kids and say you need some one on one with them before they head back to school/nursery? Take them to soft play. It's hell on earth but at least it will keep you too busy from talking to her

Where's DH?

Did you get a knighthood in the New Years Honours list at least? Three weeks is madness.

Can you arrange a playdate somewhere hell on earth like soft play? Maybe she'll be so traumatised, refuse to go then every day you could lie and say your taking your son back to soft play for a few hours, in reality go somewhere you'll enjoy

Get out of the house every day. Get up early. Then you'll need a nap in the afternoon. Early to bed as you're tired.

Can you invent a party at a friend's for DC? or do you have a nice friend who'll take you and DC in for a few hours peace?

Also, if she's truly horrid, spontaneously combusting might not be a bad thing to say your bit. I did this (the result is no visit in three years so I take that as a massive win).

Why has she parked herself for three weeks? Surely three days would have been more than sufficient?

Keep future visits much shorter. Better still, cancel them completely.

Three weeks!! Why did you agree to having her for so long?
When my DM visited it was also very difficult.
I used countdown the days and was massively relieved when DH came home from work.
However, my MIL is a dream and as she is DH's mother he was always around to entertain her.
Your DH needs to do the same...it's his mother !

You deserve a purple heart.

Are there activities you can do with DC that she'll hate? Or not have suitable equipment for?

Go swimming, ice skating and hiking.
Oh and wait til it starts throwing it down with rain then insist it's the best time for everyone to get their wellies on and go and feed the ducks.

You have my sympathy, don’t let her stay ever again.
Take her out, it’s easier in cafes, museums. Nothing too expensive, so you don’t begrudge the cost. Invite a friend along with their children. 😀
It will be easier out of the house

Doesn’t DC “need” to run off some energy at softplay/a trampoline park/somewhere else she absolutely won’t want to accompany you to?

Ah cross post with the one above...get out of the house 😀