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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Does MIL have the right to veto baby name?

340 replies

Justheretoaskaquestion91 · 18/11/2021 08:58

Context:

Relationship with MIL is at an all time high snd we get on well/she’s good with children but there’s a backstory of her missing our wedding on the day as she didn’t approve of me/not speaking to us for months on end over small things and being generally v difficult.

Here’s the issue:
I’m pregnant with #3. Have used all the baby names we like up for boys on the first 2 (typically 😬). There is one name I absolutely adore but it’s the name of DH’s uncle. MIL does not speak to her brother (or any of that side of the family) and has said we can’t use it as it would make her uncomfortable. There’s is another name with the same nickname we can use but it’s nowhere near as nice. To be clear; her brother has not done anything wrong/I’ve met him he’s a nice man. And the family haven’t done anything “wrong” it’s very much a tit for tat situation and a mixture of difficult characters and no one willing to move forward.

DH says he’s not willing to go to the bat on this, but I’m in 2 minds. I don’t want to be a dick snd I don’t want to wage some sort of war over this but equally I feel a bit pissed off as the baby will be known by a nickname anyway this is just for a beautiful formal name, and does she really have the right to do this?! I wouldn’t mind as much if she had always been loving and supportive or even would appreciate what I feel is a bit of a sacrifice but she hasn’t and she won’t!

Would love everyone’s thoughts please and I’m sorry for the length of this post/don’t know what’s reasonable anymore!

OP posts:
Movingsoon21 · 20/11/2021 09:19

This thread is a perfect example of why you should never ever tell people the name before the child is born!! Makes people think they have time to change your mind!

Justheretoaskaquestion91 · 21/11/2021 08:50

@ChristmasPlanning

I did!

I thought it might make everyone laugh to know that DH then told her our choice of name/our thoughts for middle
Names and she actually had the audacity and total lack of irony to ask us why we couldn’t use a meaningful name eg after a family member. I am not even joking. I am now completely finished making any effort!

OP posts:
ChristmasPlanning · 21/11/2021 08:56

She sounds cuckoo!

WellHereWeGoAgain · 21/11/2021 09:04

[quote Justheretoaskaquestion91]@ChristmasPlanning

I did!

I thought it might make everyone laugh to know that DH then told her our choice of name/our thoughts for middle
Names and she actually had the audacity and total lack of irony to ask us why we couldn’t use a meaningful name eg after a family member. I am not even joking. I am now completely finished making any effort![/quote]
Oh my god. She's taking the piss.

Jennalong · 21/11/2021 09:08

It won't be his uncle's name , it will be his name.

user14943608381 · 21/11/2021 19:18

[quote Justheretoaskaquestion91]@ChristmasPlanning

I did!

I thought it might make everyone laugh to know that DH then told her our choice of name/our thoughts for middle
Names and she actually had the audacity and total lack of irony to ask us why we couldn’t use a meaningful name eg after a family member. I am not even joking. I am now completely finished making any effort![/quote]
Why did he tell her? He’s giving her waaaay to much power and control over your lives. This woman sounds tedious.

MyMoneyIsAllSpent · 21/11/2021 21:20

I carried my children, suffered all the indignities and pain of pregnancy and child birth, gave up on my career to bring my children up. No one! NO FUCKER will tell me what I can name my child. Even their father agreed with me though for both children I used a name from his family. At the end of the day it was solely my decision.

whynotwhatknot · 22/11/2021 00:03

i dont kow why you even speak to her after the wedding how did it all get swept under the carpet

DerAlteMann · 22/11/2021 00:11

... and has said we can’t use it as it would make her uncomfortable

And you care why?

jamandmarmalade21 · 22/11/2021 00:42

her opinion is completely irrelevant

Platax · 22/11/2021 00:45

@DerAlteMann

... and has said we can’t use it as it would make her uncomfortable

And you care why?

Presumably because she can't impose the name if he baby's father disagrees.
nonevernotever · 22/11/2021 21:14

Loving your last update @Justheretoaskaquestion91 she really does lack self awareness doesn't she

ThumbWitchesAbroad · 23/11/2021 05:47

Wow, @Justheretoaskaquestion91 - sounds like she's never going to be happy whatever you do so you might as well just get on and use the name you wanted to!

What an utter PITA she seems to be.

Theobservstress · 24/11/2021 15:49

You will appear to be declaring war on your mother-in-law by choosing the one name that will upset her. There are many names in the world to choose from, and if your husband is willing to choose another name you really should think again. Perhaps you are doing this subconsciously as revenge for her not attending your wedding and not initially approving of you.

I would not listen to the opinions of people who are encouraging you to take this hostile action as they may already have many potential babysitters at hand.

They may even be jealous that having a grandmother around with young children is not a privilege that they have.

Starjay · 26/11/2021 06:09

Did you try and understand the reason why it makes her uncomfortable there could be a serious problem with it. TRY and look at it from your mother in laws perspective before making it a drama compassion and understanding is what is needed

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