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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU - Still buying stuff for daughter at University

424 replies

Virgo28 · 10/03/2020 13:21

I'll try to give all details to save questions so please bear with me. DD and her BF both 1st year students at uni one on south coast and one up north so the only time they see each other is when they are home but still text etc each other. Me and DP have been to see daughter twice, once in November and again end of February and both times I have taken up a bag of goodies for her, stuff like biscuits, sweets, basically stuff that I have seen when shopping that I thought she might like as a treat or maybe an essential that she has mentioned she needs. She works hard, is getting good grades and also has a part time job between her studies as her student maintenance loan only just covers her rent. The girls had been talking and DD mentioned the weekend we visited and told BF the stuff we had done (tourist stuff) and the bits I had taken up to her. BF must of told her mum and the next day BF's mum is knocking on my door basically demanding I stop enabling and spoiling my DD because apparently I should be allowing my DD to be an adult and not interfer as it's not helping her learn "life lessons" I also should not be visiting her as this doesn't help her either. Who is being unreasonable here? It honestly didn't cross my mind, it was just a few bits and a day out exploring where she is because we'd never been there before DD started there. It's about 4 hours each way so we drove up Saturday morning, spent the afternoon and early evening together, stayed at hotel that night, took her to breakfast the following morning and then left lunchtime to come home.

OP posts:
UnitedRoad · 10/03/2020 19:28

My daughters 18 and lives in a big shared flat in the town where we live, just because she wants to. She’s not a student.

Despite her being close, we don’t see that much of her, although we speak to her on the phone a lot. Last month she said she’d run out of money, and could her dad bring her a few slices of bread when he passed( I genuinely think that’s all she was asking for, I know when she’s hinting!) Instead we did a massive top up shop including a big box of washing powder, and fabric conditioner, and lots of treats, and she cried when we gave it to her.

We don’t send her much money, just the occasional tenner or twenty, because she really wants to be self sufficient, but it’s nice to be able to spoil her a bit. When her laptop died, we bought her a new one.

I can remember feeling so alone when I left home, and I don’t want her to feel like that. I’m not spoiling her, but I do actually like her, and get pleasure from treating her.

I’m 48, but when my mum comes round she usually brings me some flowers and a few special offers from the supermarket, and maybe a book or magazine, and perhaps a hand cream or something like that. It’s nice to be nice.

Janice88 · 10/03/2020 19:29

I’d definitely be having a calm chat with my DD about long term issues having this batshit crazy woman as her MIL. What’s the BF’s take on this shit? I’d expect him to be mad at his mum and apologise to you on her behalf.

Janice88 · 10/03/2020 19:32

You are her mum. You will always be. Being 18 doesn’t mean your parents suddenly stop existing or stop loving you. I’m over 40 and my mum STILL does lovely things for me when I visit her. DHs mum sends him goodies from 2000 miles away.
You are a lovely mom. Please never never stop doing these lovely things to your DD.

Alsohuman · 10/03/2020 19:35

You should've slammed the door on her foot! She needs a psychiatrist who enjoys a challenge

Very, very true.

ALbigbump · 10/03/2020 19:38

None of BF’s mum’s business! Your daughter sounds great and works hard and it’s your business if you want to treat her! It’s great that you visit her too. BF’s mum is the unreasonable one not you!

CherryPavlova · 10/03/2020 19:43

Nuts!
We visit daughter and pay for her trips home sometimes too.
She has my online shopping log in details and can do a supermarket shop when she needs; she doesn’t abuse it; she just uses it if she’s having people for supper. I ping her money for things (new jeans yesterday).
Why would you not want to support them as much as you can and maintain good family relationships?

Yarboosucks · 10/03/2020 19:44

My DS is 20 and 2nd year at uni. We see each other once a month, either we go up there or he comes home. His housemates are a bit jealous that he gets visitations (and dinner out!) and so they sometimes join us. Next month for my birthday (53) I am being taken to their favourite club (apparently I am still cool enough!). We are a close family and enjoy seeing each other very much. DS went to boarding school and then we saw him every other weekend during term time and I still buy "tuck" for him! My advice is do what ever make for ALL happy and ignore the advice of outsiders!

Bluewater1 · 10/03/2020 19:46

I have not read the whole thread but blimey, BF's mum is batshit!!

krustykittens · 10/03/2020 19:52

She's nuts. I will be treating my kids until I shuffle off this mortal coil. It doesn't stop them being independent because you do something nice for them from time to time! Her BFs mum needs to mind her own business!

Myimaginarycathasfleas · 10/03/2020 19:53

I used to send food and treat parcels to my DS. I could have saved myself the postage and just sent him money but he LOVED them, as did his housemates. It's about making them feel loved and remembered.

She's nuts, you are lovely.

Findumdum1 · 10/03/2020 19:57

My parents never did this for me when I was at university but my housemates' did. I was always very jealous.

Me too. I was basically left to fend for myself at 17, in a different country, with fees paid and no other money. I would have loved what you are doing and fully intend to do it for any of my children who go to university. Ignore her. She's wrong.

winterisstillcoming · 10/03/2020 19:57

Lol. I'd be buying the poor BF some treats as well. Give the poor guy a packet of biscuits!

Your DD is in for a treat if she marries him.

Virgo28 · 10/03/2020 20:01

Just to clarify BF is best friend not boyfriend

OP posts:
Pestopastamad · 10/03/2020 20:06

You sound lovely OP! My Mum has always been like you, and I love it.
But my DP's mum is more like the BF's Mum.
I know my DP wishes his Mum would have been more enthusiastic and present while he was at uni, and even now into his adult life!!

Keep on doing what you're doing, it's none of her business. Maybe she is feeling threatened because her son is questioning why she isn't doing the same (maybe she hasn't got the money?) so she is taking it out on you.
If she does the same again I would calmly explain that you are a loving and giving parent who wants to support their child.

winterisstillcoming · 10/03/2020 20:09

Sorry I missed that. Still give out treats though.

Hopel · 10/03/2020 20:12

BF probably told her mum so that she’d take note and maybe visit and bring her goodies too! It’s sad that she isn’t :(
My parents used to come and take me out to dinner. It was lovely.
Carry on!

Needsawakeupcall · 10/03/2020 20:13

What on earth does it have to do with her how many times you visit & how much you treat your daughter? 2 visits in 7 months is hardly smothering her. I'm 54 & despite my very vocal protestations my mum still treats me or slips me a bit of money as she's scared of me falling on hard times one day, bless her. Can't believe she had the nerve to come round to your house & tell you how to treat your own daughter!

IdblowJonSnow · 10/03/2020 20:20

My mum never came to visit me once in 3 years. My dad came once I think.
I would have loved this.
What a nosey, rude person. It's none of their business but I dont think it's a bad thing.
Possible jealousy but they are way out of line by saying anything.

coppersuits · 10/03/2020 20:29

Yanbu...I think you are showing up BF's mum! First year is tough. Parent's visits, treats from home - a emergency kit, all very welcome and needed! My parents didn't do it but loads of my friends' parents did and they shared the goodies - parents often took a few hungry friends out for dinner. I fully intend to visit my kids and send them food parcels and I don't enable them.

cobwebfew · 10/03/2020 20:36

My aunt used to take meals in Tupperware boxes for my cousin and also used to do a bit on a shop on asda and get it delivered to her at her accommodation. I think it's great that you're supporting your DD. She's in uni not full time employment! Tell the BF's mum to do one, cheeky cow!!!!

MetalRecycling · 10/03/2020 20:38

We always ‘stocked up’ DS when visiting him at uni. He’s our son, why wouldn’t we?
You sound a great parent. Tell BF’s mum to keep her nose out.

flowerycurtain · 10/03/2020 20:39

She's nuts.

I lived with a lovely girl at uni. Her dad was a hotelier and would always leave a "little something" in the kitchen when he left. A massive crate of red wine! She had the loveliest dad.

Kiki275 · 10/03/2020 20:40

Carry on as normal but make up a smaller parcel for the BF too. 😈

AngryFeminist · 10/03/2020 20:42

This is mental! You're her mum, of course you want to treat her! And she's earning a part time job wage as a student, hardly rolling in it - why wouldn't you help her out? Not like you're fuelling a nascent addiction is it?!

myidentitymycrisis · 10/03/2020 20:46

I visited once in the 3 years, apart from graduation.
we stayed over the night and DS cooked a meal at his house in 2nd year.