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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I feel really awkward and uncomfortable.

299 replies

MissingTheMountain · 31/08/2021 12:27

DH's parents have decided in the last few months that if they disagree with something, they'll do it anyway and then say they didn't have a choice as we might have said no.

So far, the most annoying one has been turning up while we're working and sitting a foot away from us looking fed up. They aren't the type to entertain themselves. I have no idea why they're doing it unless it's to prove a point that they won't listen to us.

MIL is desperate to have a sort of baby shower for her friends. I'm not invited and don't mind her having one... but she wants to post about it on Facebook. We haven't announced on Facebook, for a multitude of reasons that she knows about. Family & friends know, but Facebook doesn't. They call weekly to complain about it. This morning they've called to say we are ruining their fun, and they'll announce it on Facebook for us if we haven't done it by Wednesday.

My big worry right now is that they disagree with everything we want to do. They don't want me to breastfeed, us to use slings, us to go to parenting groups. They did all of those things, but they feel that "with reflection" it would stop them from being able to have a good relationship with the baby. They keep talking about visiting daily and taking the baby out to lunch.

Usually, DH gets annoyed eventually, spells it out to them, they back off and it heals. But they're ignoring him this time, and just making veiled comments about how they don't know if he's going to be "mean" so they just don't ask him.

FIL also said on the phone this morning that he's got high blood pressure again, and it's worried DH that they are getting old, and he doesn't want to upset them. He's also concerned that his Dad has two other children that he cut off for some reason decades ago, and has never met their children. He talks often about how they shouldn't be told when he dies, and they're not in his will, etc.

I don't want to put DH in the middle, but the more they push, the less I feel comfortable around them. They did the same batshit stuff around our wedding. In the end, FIL told us not to tell them any details until a few days before to stop MIL from getting so upset and phoning up to change things...

I don't have family, I've very pleased our baby will have, and we used to get along really well. I feel like I go out of my way to make them feel involved, update them after every appointment, usually two phone calls and at least one meeting a week. I see them more than I see my friends. I've tried really hard to include them... But honestly, I feel like an incubator right now, I've started to dread the baby coming and them going mad. I quite like the idea of not telling them right now, but that'd be a horrendous position for DH to be in...

He says we're a team and he'll talk to them, but they seem to "forget" the next day now, and I'm worried about my mental health and my marriage if they keep this up.

OP posts:
Cherrysoup · 31/08/2021 13:35

I would stop the frequent updates re appointments etc. They clearly feel very involved. You do not need to tell them everything, you know.

TheyWentToSeaInASieve · 31/08/2021 13:36

It never gets better unless you stand your ground. One year, ours turned up at 8.00 am for Christmas lunch (instead of 2pm). We only realised they were sitting in the car an hour later when we looked out of the window and had to invite them in.

When the children arrived, it got worse in some ways. They became old and forgetful and never did anything we asked (such as please take shoes off where babies are crawling) leading to many unpleasant arguments. Then they lost interest in the children altogether. It's needy, self-centred behaviour.

I have no real advice, but know it is very annoying.

KnottyKnitting · 31/08/2021 13:36

Stunned at this batshit behaviour. I'm sure you must know that this is not normal and I would establish very clear boundaries right now and don't be blackmailed into backing down with sob stories.

I think I would seriously be inclined to give them a very stern ultimatum. If they want any sort of relationship with their grandchild then it is on your terms.

Greystray · 31/08/2021 13:36

It sounds like they want your baby! A baby shower you're not invited to (so they can kit out a nursery?), no breastfeeding, not even carrying the baby in a sling because he/she will be too close with you. Wow. I wouldn't be surprised if your MIL is trying to source some lactation drugs online...

Your DH doesn't want to upset them in case he gets cut out of the will basically. But what's the cost in human terms? They only have power in that it's implied they might cut you off. If you don't badly need the money (though it could all go on elder care anyway) start putting your foot down. No FB announcement. And whatever you do, do not agree to a formal visitation agreement by text/email or they could use it against you to try to obtain visits if you do fall out.

Chikapu · 31/08/2021 13:36

It's time to get really fucking angry with them. You aren't having a baby for their benefit and they get no say in what you do. Jesus, how have you not lost it with them already? Coming to your place of work is batshit.

Xiaoxiong · 31/08/2021 13:37

Ugh my mum tried a slightly less nightmarish version of this when DS1 was born - mainly around breastfeeding, she was cross because she said that she "wouldn't get a chance to bond with DS1" unless she could feed him a bottle. Then she tried guilt tripping me about not letting my dad bond with him because - no bottles. Then whenever there was an issue it would always be blamed on me being selfish for EBF - oh well of course you're tired/overweight/sick/have PND, if you gave the baby a bottle he would sleep/I could take him overnight for you/anyone could look after him for you.

I had to grey rock every single thing she said, for years. "Oh well, that's just the way we're doing it. Funny weather we're having, what about that bomb at the airport in Kabul" etc etc.

She also told me to get an MBA while I was on maternity leave - I have to just laugh at this now, as it's so completely batshit.

WanderleyWagon · 31/08/2021 13:37

Like PPs, I think this sounds batshit. Could there conceivably be a mental health issue? Could you raise it with them? i.e., "this is very odd behaviour, MIL and PIL; are you feeling OK? Should you be seeing a medical professional?"

starfishmummy · 31/08/2021 13:37

Practice saying "This is mine and DHs baby, we will do what we feel is best"

PinkiOcelot · 31/08/2021 13:38

There’s only 3 words that will suffice here - FUCK RIGHT OFF!!

They’re saying you can’t breastfeed, wear a sling etc. OP you need to stand your ground now! Your MIL will end up in the delivery room at this rate!

Dogoodfeelgood · 31/08/2021 13:38

This is insane! I couldn’t imagine my in laws even coming close to doing anything like this. Even my own mother who is OTT in the extreme wouldn’t do any of the things you have listed! Shock

Daydrambeliever · 31/08/2021 13:41

Do you want your child to grow up being controlled in the same way as your husband and yourself are?

NapoleonOzmolysis · 31/08/2021 13:41

You are on a one way ticket to PND unless you change your behaviour. Start telling them nothing. Reduce visits. Change your FB settings so they can't tag you in anything - if you can't face blocking them quite yet. Ban them from your work. Start standing up to them otherwise they will ruin the first few months of your child's life before you blow up. Blow up now and get rid. You will never be able to appease someone who wants to hold a baby shower for your baby without you being there - so why try.

justanoldhack · 31/08/2021 13:41

This is truly one of the craziest things I've read on here. You poor thing, this must be so tough to live with. I can understand why you've not wanted to rock the boat, but you both need to tell them no.

Turning up at your work and watching you and wanting to throw a 'grandmother shower' is utterly deranged tbh. I would feel very nervous about my baby having any prolonged contact with people like this.

Notaroadrunner · 31/08/2021 13:42

Tell your Dh that if they don't back the fuck off you'll be leaving and nobody will be seeing baby. Stop pandering to them. Walk away as soon as they start whinging about stuff. Do not let them into your house unless pre arranged and agreed by you. You need to set massive boundaries now and if your Dh is not on your side you need to rethink your relationship.

Window1 · 31/08/2021 13:43

I really hope you are successful at breastfeed as that will be the perfect get out clause for you to take baby away for a feed. I know in reality you could feed there and then but having the option to get a breather just you and baby in another room is not a bad idea.

PyjamaFan · 31/08/2021 13:43

Just reading about your in laws is raising my anxiety levels so I dread to think about the effect it's having on you.

This needs dealing with pronto before your mental health is affected.

longtompot · 31/08/2021 13:45

I wonder if the two kids your dhs dad cut ties with were because they didn't go along with his way of life?

I have never heard of a baby shower without the mum. She does not give you an ultimatum about announcing your pregnancy on fb. That is up to you. I would probably be inclined to remove her from your friends.

They should not being coming to your work and just sitting there, watching you. That is beyond creepy. Tell reception they are not allowed up at all. If they somehow come in, tell them firmly you are working and they have to go.

When your baby is here you feed, care and do what you feel happy to do. They don't get to tell you how you bring up your baby! They can give suggestions but it's up to you if you decide to listen. It just sounds they want to take over bringing the baby up.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 31/08/2021 13:46

What you are experiencing is the Thin End of the Wedge and if you don't get it sorted it will get even more bonkers when the baby arrives. Giving you a deadline to annouce it? Absolutely not.
I agree that your DH is not being firm enough at all and just because they claim high blood pressure doesn't mean they get to order you around like this.
Not breastfeeding ( so that the baby is not "tied" to you) no slings ( same reason) no parenting groups ( they want to be the ones to set the rules and don't want any alternate opinions on the scene)
Not listening to you when you say no. ( like the other PP, I've also had Xmas guests invited for 2.00pm turn up at 8.00 am when we were all in PJs - expect stuff like this if you don't get it in hand now)
You have to keep saying it, for your sanity. Eventually if you say it often enough it will sink in.
Also, you said that you didn't want to be the DIL from hell standing up for yourself and your little family in the face of this controlling behaviour doesn't make you that.

DameFanny · 31/08/2021 13:48

@DameFanny

Move to Scotland. If you're in Scotland already, move to Wales or Cornwall. Never have a spare room.
Seriously, there's nothing in any of your posts to suggest that they'll ever respect any boundaries you try to impose. Every agreement you think you've made they ignore later on. They're upping the ante to batshit levels now - do you really want to be giving them this much headspace, trying to manage their behaviour - when you're getting to know your newborn and learning how to be the parents you want to be?

Give that one too your DH as a thought experiment, and then you can both get straight onto Rightmove.

LagunaBubbles · 31/08/2021 13:48

I have no idea how you have put up with this madness for so long! What reason do they give for sitting staring at you at work?

Bogofftosomewherehot · 31/08/2021 13:48

You really need to set some boundaries before the baby arrives.

Turning up at your work space, watching you work - this is not sane behaviour.
Every CONTROL measure they're trying to put into place about how YOU parent is so they can do what they want. Please do not entertain this in any way shape or form.
Tell then bluntly that if they post anything on FB you 100% will NOT be sharing anything with them in the future as clearly do not respect your personal boundaries.
A baby shower to which he mother isn't invited - really!!!

Your husband needs to grow a pair and deal with his parents and you need to make it PERFECTLY clear that this will not be tolerated moving forward.

After all, what is more important, having your lives controlled and you being desperately unhappy or setting some boundaries now? I would stop being so open with what I share.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 31/08/2021 13:49

was going to add that it sounds like your FIL has form for treating people like crap and constant reference to punishing his other children by disinheriting them and not letting them be told if he dies, sounds vindictive and he's using that as an indirect threat to your DH of what will happen to him if he doesn't obey FIL's whims. Why should either of you let this man try to control you both.

MrsOvertonsWindow · 31/08/2021 13:50

Hopefully they don't have keys to your house MissingTheMountain ?
If they do, you need to get your locks changed (no explanations) and ensure that your DH doesn't give them a set.
It's all part of establishing boundaries - boundaries that will keep you and your child safe. Hopefully the horror expressed by other posters on here have given you an insight into just how unacceptable their behaviour is. Sometimes being close up makes it hard to appreciate how disordered someone's behaviour is.
The fact that they're already estranged from two other children should tell you that they are the problem. Get those boundaries established now and make sure DH stays firmly on your side of them.
Good luck.

Mybobowler · 31/08/2021 13:55

Oh my christ this is the most insane In-Law thread I have ever read.

Obviously you need to put your foot down - hard - and then seriously look at moving away. My own mum and MIL are pretty normal but they both got a bit intense and overbearing when my first daughter was born - your PILs are going to be off the scale.

Run for the hills!

(And, if you don't run, you really need to have a very serious discussion with your husband about how to manage them when the baby arrives. I'm also pregnant and I feel stressed out just thinking about how I would cope with that!)

billy1966 · 31/08/2021 13:55

@MeanyJoany

I would say "Put in on social media if you like, call when we are working and you know we can't talk if you like but DO NOT sit around and wonder and pretend to upset when you get no photos of our baby, you aren't allowed to take photos of our baby, we don't answer the door to you, invite you to things, allow you time alone with our baby or give you any information - because that is what is going to happen from now on, so the choice is yours, do it your way if you like, but I doubt you will like the consequences." And stick to it all. Stop opening the door!
This.

OP,
I mean this very kindly but you are at MASSIVE risk of PND having such truly awful people in your lives.

This is only going to get worse.
You need to revisit moving without discussing it further with them.

They sound utterly batshit and it will be your marriage, your new family unit, your MH, which will be hugely damaged by having people who clearly only think of themselves all over your life.

This is NOT normal.

It is batshit.

You will BITTERLY regret not taking action to stomp this out, go low or no contact, or moving away.

Do not allow your understandable desire for an extended family allow your newly imminent family unit to be bullied, harassed and manipulated by these awful people.

The threat to announce on FB would be enough to block them indefinitely IMO.

Please protect yourself and your MH.
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