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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My mother's incessant hoarding on my son's behalf. Aibu

185 replies

HarleyQuinn33 · 06/12/2020 04:26

Background;. Growing up I lived in old clothes, clothes from bags that people donated to us, boys clothes, my middle aged aunts old clothes, shoes 3 sizes too big with cotton wool stuffed in the end. Home made hair cuts. Etc. My mother had a good job but she had a problem with spending any money on us. As an adult, I have no problem with second hand things but do like to like to have choice now and for the things I have to be quality. My in-laws and friends have given my baby nice quality things so I am lucky and well stocked as a new mum.

Current issue: When I became pregnant my mother started asking me if I wanted my cousin's old baby clothes. I said no, she would sit and try and persuade me, I said no again. She would then ask if I wanted her other friends old baby gym, clothes, baby plates etc and everything else, I said maybe just the gym. She continues to talk and try to persuade me to take everything despite me saying I don't need it all. I eventually keep saying I don't need it all and she says ok. I find out a few weeks later she has asked her friend to drop the baby clothes off at the house despite me saying no to them. I got a bit cross at this point because she just didn't listen and I ask her to please respect my wishes and no more things for the baby thank you we already have enough. A few weeks later my father tells me she went to buy a second hand buggy, bag of clothes and mattress from people from gumtree. I was fuming at this point because she apparently has ignored my wishes. The buggy is dirty and old and my mother tries to insist she will just hose off all the grime.

Fast forward, my child is newborn, she presents a bag of girls clothes to me and insists my son wear the items and that it's all ok. I say no but she protests. Later my father slips up and tells me my mother has a garage and shed full of stuff for my son. I am picturing more baby stuff, but he says there are bikes in there, baby walkers, chairs and tables etc. All piled up that she has asked friends to donate for my son. She gets cross because apparently this was a secret between my father and her.

Am I being unreasonable to be fuming right now? I don't know what to do anymore she just won't listen. When I try to say no to anything she twists it and tells me I am not environmentally friendly, she came from a poor family and had nothing, etc. Etc.

OP posts:
ArnoJambonsBike · 11/12/2020 09:19

Just ignore the fuckers. Your MH is more important than theirs. You've got a little one to worry about.

Twisique · 11/12/2020 09:47

I would gradually phase then out/ reduce contact gentry (no drama), then move further away. They are not good for you.

Flowers
Yohoheaveho · 11/12/2020 09:53

Start with grey rock and then proceed to stonewall
this pair of bastards are determined to dominate and control you, you will have to stand firm against them
they don't care about your well-being they will only ever promote their own agenda and well-being and expect you to defer to them and serve them

Ddot · 11/12/2020 10:53

Oh dear it's all gone to sh*t hadn't it. Because of what happened you need to write a letter. State because of covid you will only be communicating via WhatsApp Skype. Tell them you understand that it will be upsetting but feel you must keep ALL your loved ones safe. When this terrible time is over you look forward to having a huge family get together. End by saying I know you will respect my wishes as we are all intelligent people and must understand that people react to stress in different ways. End with lots of love

It wont be forever but will give you some breathing room xxx

Yohoheaveho · 11/12/2020 11:00

Because of covid you will only be communicating via WhatsApp Skype
That's way too generous, offer them email only, don't communicate with these bastards and real-time all they want to do is mess with your head
give them a little opportunity to get to you as possible
OP, your father only has a 'good relationship' with you if you are a obedient, the minute you refuse to subordinate yourself to his wishes he starts being abusive and trying to dominate you.

Thehop · 11/12/2020 11:07

Jesus cut them out. Or cut back massively

Ddot · 11/12/2020 12:14

I know what your saying but cutting them out just before Christmas will cause a blow up. Reverse psychology then pull away. Peace!

HappyWinter · 11/12/2020 12:55

I know what your saying but cutting them out just before Christmas will cause a blow up. Reverse psychology then pull away. Peace!

That's true, it will be more obvious with Christmas. Get Christmas over with then reduce contact. They sound like a nightmare. Focus on yourself and your baby and don't let them ruin it for you.

SewingWarriorQueen76 · 11/12/2020 13:31

It's all about control over you and trying to belittle you. Go for less and less contact. You don't have to answer the phone or a message, just mute them. Never give them a key and set your boundaries as a new parent now. You don't have to move, they would be the same if you did, you need to stick to a plan and no wobbling. They might then respect you. And BTW, no one has a right to see your child, it's up to you.
I suspect they also enjoy the drama, so don't feed it.

Merryhobnobs · 11/12/2020 13:37

Pull back from them both. Don't give them extra information about your life. Don't let them have your baby on your own. My Mum has no backbone (for various reasons) and I've grown up trying to make her happy, even though she rarely is and is huffy etc. After having my own children I've realised that my relationship with her had to change because I need to do best by my child. I'm at an advantage as I live 200 miles away so it is easier. I too like second hand and have had a few things from friends but there is a line and your mum clearly has issues and until you firmly draw a line you will have many more problems over the years.

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