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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not continue to buy my exH's family presents?

254 replies

GlummyMcGlummerson · 05/05/2020 20:06

ExH and I have been split up for nearly a year. We’re leading separate lives in separate cities whilst trying to co-parent our 7yo and 3yo.

When we were together I did ALL the “life admin”, even in regard to his family - bought all presents, RSVPd to weddings and organised hotels, outfits etc, sorted us going to family parties, everything. I did it begrudgingly because I always loved (most of) his family and otherwise nothing would get done.

The kids came back from a week at his on Sunday, the same day as their cousin’s (exSIL’s son) 7th birthday. I commented on her Facebook post saying happy birthday Harry, but I didn’t check if the kids had spoken to him as, by then time they got home at 5.30pm, it had gone from my mind. May or may not be relevant - “Harry” is very spoilt and indulged, to a ridiculous degree, Ex and I used to refer to him between ourselves as Little Lord Fauntleroy. There would be an expectation from everyone to make a big deal about his birthday.

Yesterday I got a text from exSIL saying that Harry is very upset as he feels his cousins forgot his birthday - they didn’t get a call, a card or a present, and she “expected better of me” Hmm. She knows they came home in the evening and Harry was expecting a call when they got back. Now since Ex and I split up, I’ve maintained a good relationship with his family - mainly because I always got on with them, especially his mum and dad, and there really was no need for any animosity. But his siblings were always hard work and I wasn’t sorry to see the back of them. So I simply replied “speak to your brother” and thanked my lucky stars I didn’t have to please her any more.

Anyway today I got a text fro exMIL - who BTW I adore and she’s been amazingly supportive since the split. She said exSIL is obviously upset because Harry’s birthday was a bit naff in isolation and that was compounded by no contact from his favourite cousins - which she acknowledges is exH’s fault entirely. However she’s basically gone on to ask if I could carry on getting presents for their family members - on behalf on the DC and/or me rather than from ex - as she feels that otherwise there’s gonna be no presents at all and a lot of upset.

My first thought was “no fucking way”. Aside from the fact that I don’t want to continue to facilitate exH’s goal of being the biggest manchild in existence, I’m a single mum now and this could cost a fortune! His family is huge and even if I spent just £10 each on cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents, for Xmas and birthdays that would be £400 a year!

However, she’s right about one thing - if I said no, there’d be no presents for them ever again. ExH has the unfortunate affliction of being lazy, selfish and tight fisted all at the same time. He’s not hapless or forgetful - but buying presents means taking more than 4 seconds to do something for someone else, whilst parting with his money, and he won’t do it. And he wouldn’t be ashamed about it either (you can see why he’s an Ex). His mum and dad especially deserve better than that. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ll be amazed if DD gets anything from him for her birthday in a couple of weeks. So if I do say no, then my in laws will get nothing and my DC will be in the horrible position of being the only grandkids not to buy granny, grandad etc presents at Christmas - something they scarcely notice now but will do before long.

Good people of MN - what should I do?!

OP posts:
NightCzar · 06/05/2020 02:50

Ask exMIL to buy presents from your DC. Then other ILS get gifts from them and harmony is restored.

R2G · 06/05/2020 02:56

I'd buy for gran and grandad and any children. From your children. Wouldn't worry about the adults brothers sisters etc not your problem, maybe send an aunty or uncle card from kids. Yep extra expense but nice for the kids, which is the only reason to do it.

frazzledasarock · 06/05/2020 03:35

I’d send pictures of dc as greetings cards whilst they’re young to their grandparents but no way would I buy gifts for ex in laws after a divorce if I couldn’t afford it.

Tell your MIL honestly that you can’t afford it but you will make sure they receive cards or a text or a face time or whatever from your dc if they’re at yours on their special occasions. But it won’t be possible when they’re at their feckless dads, then it’s all on him.

You divorce the manchild, you’ve divorced the wifework too.

Laserbird16 · 06/05/2020 03:38

Even when married it isn't your responsibility to buy your OH's family presents etc.

The joy of gift giving and receiving is something children learn from their family. It should be joyful too, not another duty done to shut up over entitled relatives at detrimental expense.

Keep directing any any enquiries about presents back to the ex.

Wallywobbles · 06/05/2020 05:23

To exsil you could say something along the line of - if your brother was dead that might be an appropriate request. He's not take it up with him.

With MIL I'd just sorry it's not appropriate or affordable any more. I love you (all) and I'm happy to hear from and see you (all), but you need to ask him to step up.

BoomBoomsCousin · 06/05/2020 05:35

You like your exMIL but she is a bit of a piece of work. She brought up the son who won't give her the time of day and the daughter who has spoilt her own son and was rude and demanding to you. And then she acts all nice and understanding but what she has asked of you is actually outrageous and she has done it to continue to spoil her badly behaved children.

Your DH won't even buy his own son a birthday present but you are supposed to take on expense and effort to pretend that he is giving his nieces and nephews gifts. That is a pretty outrageous request isn't it?

EdwinaMay · 06/05/2020 05:54

That's a ridiculous number of presents.
Personally I don't want loads of small gifts, as I don't need them, and then I have the stress of finding an inexpensive bit of something for others, that they actually need or want.
IME kids have toys coming out their ears these days. Just thinking of something is a stress. It all sounds a nightmare to me.

ColdCottage · 06/05/2020 06:38

No. Don't do it. Maybe make cards with them for the grandparents and any special people you like too. That is his job now and his parents can take over if they add worried about it. Not your job.

KC225 · 06/05/2020 06:58

I think your decision to continue to buy for your likeable and supportive in-laws is a good one. Your SIL was out of order with her message and your initial response was the correct one. I suspect your MIL was trying to keep the peace and appealing to your kind nature, but the request was unreasonable. It is not your responsibility to provide gifts for his family. Remind them you have the children 12 out of 14 days. A few posters have said 'don't mention the money' but I think you should. It is a huge factor and like you have said '£400 is your car insurance' There is no need to get bitter or angry (although it seems you have every reason) in your response to MIL but seeing the facts written down should make her realise how unfair her request was.

My children have videos from a single parent friend. Her young children dress up and sing happy birthday to mine. It's always a great hit. This could be a way forward if you want to acknowledge any cousins birthdays etc.

My DH is a rubbish gift giver and I do it all - I am determined our children will be different. From a very young age, we would give them a fiver to choose a gift for each other and one for the sole grandparent on each side. It was mostly done in Tiger and a huge hit as they had to think about what that person likes, their hobbies etc. At the age of 12 they enjoy choosing and giving gifts and I am hoping to have stamped out the 'wilted garage flowers and night before Asda panic dash'

Good luck OP

AdriannaP · 06/05/2020 07:10

No way. Not your job or problem.
Like others said, I would encourage the kids to make nice cards for grandma and grandad and for relatives at Christmas. Time for your X to grow up.

bigcatlittlecatcardboardbox · 06/05/2020 07:26

OP this might be of little comfort right now, but your ExH sounds exactly like my DF. He left my DM when I was 3, and for my whole life she never said a bad word about him, even though he never did anything with us or paid a penny towards our (fabulous) upbringing. DM did all family admin, we never had presents from him etc etc.

I'm now nearly 30 and have my eyes wide open to what a shit he is and how amazing my mum is. We are really close, and I speak to my dad maybe once a year to check he's alive.

ErrmWTAF · 06/05/2020 07:29

peperecat beat me to it with "not your circus, not your monkeys" Grin ##

It occurs to me, though, that his whole family seems to think "wifework" is the norm. That particular apple didn't fall far from the tree, did it. ##.

I'd buy your exMIL one more gift: Lundy Bancroft's book.

TheSmelliestHouse · 06/05/2020 07:39

I agree with other posters, don't cover for X. When the kids ask questions just say "you'll have to ask daddy about that".
I'd send cards and make birthday calls from DC to their family, as its nice for them to maintain their family relationships. I'd only buy presents for the family members you want to buy for. Some of them will stay your family. You may find in the future years some of them are close to you and the children but have dropped the ex.

Penners99 · 06/05/2020 07:51

Not your circus, not your problem.

HaveAtEm · 06/05/2020 07:54

Why are posters asking the OP if the SIL still buys gifts for her DC...as if that should justify the OP still buying gifts for them ffs!! It doesn't 🤦‍♀️ The EX should be buying the gifts...HE is the one related to the SIL, not the OP, she can't afford it and it isn't her responsibility.

If the EX doesn't buy gifts (and it would seem he has never bought into this tradition so isn't going to start now!), then the SIL might (understandably perhaps?) decide that gift giving should stop, as it isn't reciprocated by her lazy arse brother..but this is not a contract between the OP and the SIL to negotiate. It's a family thing 🤷‍♀️

nannytothequeen · 06/05/2020 08:09

I' m wondering if you are me. As my ex shifted his stuff into his new love nest I very clearly said that all present and card responsibilities for his family were now his. First birthday (19 year old nephew) I got a very stroppy email from his sister. I told her that it was not my responsibility anymore and I forwarded him the email. Sister came back to me saying that she didn't see why her children should suffer because of our 'squabbles' and I've not had any communication since. However I do send a simple family present to his parents at Christmas from me and the kids - flowers, a bottle of wine, whatever and a card. He sends nothing so I imagine he gets a festive earful from his mother every year. Good. Don't facilitate the man child. Send the family a Christmas token and card and forget about birthdays unless you kids want to make something for their cousins of course. Gifts should be freely given, not an obligation.

Ilovecats23 · 06/05/2020 08:10

If I’m honest I actually probably would. My relationship with my husbands family is really good and I wouldn’t have a problem getting the grandparents/aunties and uncles a small present and the cousins (assuming they’re children) a nice present. I wouldn’t be doing it for my ExH if he was an asshole, I would do it for my children and their family that aren’t. YADNBU if you want to say no, but I would do it personally!

WeAllHaveWings · 06/05/2020 08:10

Tell you ex-mil/sil that as a newly single parent you will have enough problems explaining to your own children why their dad doesn't bother buying them a birthday present, or doing anything with them during contact without having to take on the burden of their children being upset their uncle doesn't buy for them too!

But I said some bollocks about how daddy wants to spend as much time with them as he can and not just watch them at soft play.

Agree with others, dont cover for him, tell you dd that is a good question but you dont know the answer and she should ask daddy as he will know.

Truthpact · 06/05/2020 08:16

I wouldn't feel sorry for the mil. He turned out a selfish shit because of her parenting. His sister is the same from the sounds of it. It's her problem, she can fix it.

Truthpact · 06/05/2020 08:19

He sends nothing so I imagine he gets a festive earful from his mother every year.

Doubtful, his mum probably just considers the gift you send to be from you both. So you're still picking up after him.

RhymesWithOrange · 06/05/2020 09:07

You sound like you're doing an amazing job OP and your kids will know the truth about their father as they grow up and you can't/don't have to hide it anymore.

Sounds like you have a good relationship with your MIL. Maybe pick up the phone to her and have a really honest conversation with her.

and tell exSIL to fuck off

1forsorrow · 06/05/2020 09:37

I don't understand the whole "it's his responsibility." You've said they have been good to you, supportive, are great with the kids, they are buying you a birthday present. Why would it be your ex's responsibility to show your appreciation for that? If you can't afford to buy them something small from you and the children then make cards or something but if your ex MIL and FIL have a good relationship with you that is your responsibility to show appreciation for. It is on him to sort out his relaitonship with his parents and family but I'd be mortified if I couldn't send something to people who helped me, loved my kids, bought me presents.

AlwaysCheddar · 06/05/2020 09:42

If it is your birthday in a few weeks I’ll probably keep quiet for the moment and see what his family get you, if anything and then if they’re getting nothing then you’ve got even more ammunition to say no you will not be buying presents for his family.

1forsorrow · 06/05/2020 09:45

OP already said her MIL has said she is getting her a birthday present. Obviously doesn't mean the rest of the family are but MIL seems to be doing her best to remain a support/friend to OP. Just because she is the mother of the ex doesn't mean she has to be treated like him.

Actionhasmagic · 06/05/2020 09:57

I have two brothers like this. I wish they were sisters instead

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