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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

battle of the MILs, help!!!

62 replies

letmeeatcrisps · 23/11/2021 12:18

Ok so I’m 6m pregnant, with a DD2, in a new town, new country, no family around as DPs mum moved to the other side of the country when his dad died, a few months ago. She has visited us max once every 3 weeks but more like every 6 weeks, if she’s in the area, and she’ll arrive without fail at the precise time I ask her not to (ie nap time).
I see my own mum every few months as it’s a flight away, but now I am six months pregnant with HG and vomiting 4 times a day, so my mum has come to stay for 10 days to help us out. It has been HEAVENLY.
MIL has now suddenly decided - after 6 months of (publically) telling DP to “stop moaning and get over it” (his dads death) - that her grief is so overwhelming she has to come and stay with us , right now on my mums last couple of days …. 🙄 🤔
My mum goes home early 2m morning and is enjoying every precious minute with her (only) grandchild, as we dont know when we will see each other next. MIL has decided she is not only staying with us indefinitely now, but she wants to take DD out this afternoon, on my mums last full day here 🤔🤔🤔

AIBU to say she can take her out tomorrow but I want my mum and DD to have one more afternoon together??? Or should I make the effort to encourage my mum to “share” her last day with MIL, even tho they are very different and don’t really get on, esp as MIL is forever commenting quite snarkily on my mums weight, health, hair, job, retirement prospects etc

Just for context, I’ve invited MIL to stay over with us MANY times as I am aware she’s lonely and grieving, and I am desperate for help with toddler - i have no childcare, no car, no friends, and DP working 6 days a week - but she AlWAYS says no (with something of a sneer), and expects us to drive 2 hours to stay with her instead. Since arriving yesterday she has been making snide comments like “oh DGD why are you making that angry frowny face, you look like your mother”, and “my daughter never lets anything go with the housework when she’s sick” (we’ve all had a flu and DP has not lifted a finger in 2 weeks, despite being off work, because man flu is even worse than flu while pregnant and still bf a toddler 😭) etc etc. Saying how lethargic I am, I’m not ~that pregnant etc. She’s been grabbing my stomach to tell me im showing since 6 weeks (I wasn’t). Then after I’ve had 3 months of vomiting every 4 hours saying “you don’t look that sick, you’ve put on a good bit of weight” (I take medication to eat one mega high calorie meal every day and it is a struggle every night to keep it down ).
I feel so bad for her losing her husband (who was a lovely kind gentle soul and the complete opposite of her) but she is utterly draining to be around, and I am too pregnant and exhausted to be polite anymore. My mum just wants to enjoy one more day with her daughter and grand daughter. I have an hour midwife appt later and MIL “offered” to drive me there, and she and DD can “wait in the car” and my mum “have the afternoon off” 🙄There are plenty more unnecessary comments but you get the picture!!!

What should I do mumsnet?
YABU - me, mum, MIL and daughter should have a day of awkwardly hanging out together and “just be grateful” for what little family we do have
YANBU - MIL should be patient and take DD out tomorow and let me, my mum and my daughter spend one last “relaxing” day together

OP posts:
Shasha17 · 23/11/2021 13:32

@AgedVellum

And if she makes any more snarky comments, karate chop her on the windpipe.
GrinGrinGrin
Ineedmysay · 23/11/2021 13:34

No way she would be staying while my mother was there, what a vile woman. You need to try and be more assertive if you have the energy. Bet she’ll high tail it home soon enough after your mother leaves

TrueGrit54 · 23/11/2021 13:35

You are far too nice. Your MIL sounds completely horrible. I think you need to take back control.

Honestly I would say straight to her face, you are unkind MIL, I don’t enjoy your company, I don’t think you are a positive influence on my child/children, off you go, leave now. If she has a key, change the locks. Your house, your rules. It will just get worse if you let her continue.

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

bakingdemon · 23/11/2021 13:36

Prioritise your mum. And get your DH to sort out his mother. She cannot turn up when you don't want her there and she must listen to you. She sounds like a right cow.

ArrrMeHearties · 23/11/2021 13:38

I'd be telling your arse of a mil to leave and not come back then id pack my bags and leave on the same flight as your dm

nocnoc · 23/11/2021 13:41

Is she there already or on her way? What’s the situation? If she hasn’t left yet message now and say “I’m vomiting and have high temp. GP has said I need a PCR as it could be COVID. You cannot come until the PCR comes back. I’ll let you know” then when your mum has left write back and say “test was negative” put her off. Or go home with your mum until the sickness has passed. I’ve had HG. It’s horrific. Do what you have to in order to get through. MIL can F off

HoardingSamphireSaurus · 23/11/2021 13:46

You need your DH to stand up and tell his DM that she has to ystop. Bereaved or not she cannot bulldoze you like that.

Tell her to go home, right now! Be blunt.

BobbieT1999 · 23/11/2021 13:49

I'd tell your mil that she can't come full stop until a) she's invited and b) she starts treating you with respect!

And the only answer to my daughter never lets anything go with the housework when she’s sick is 'shame you son isn't the same!'

Youseethethingis · 23/11/2021 13:54

Well for a start I'd be slapping her hand away every time she went to touch my bump and I would not be gentle about it.
As for the rest, it's time to get tough. Who the fuck does she think she's talking to?
I'd be telling her if I, my family and home were not to her standards she should fuck the fuck off and not worry about visiting you ever again.
That's me being polite.

Disfordarkchocolate · 23/11/2021 14:07

If there was a 'tell her to fuck off' option I would have voted for that one.

Blinkingbatshit · 23/11/2021 14:09

Oh please tell me you’ve told your mil that she can have her time tomorrow?! You are obviously far too nice and need to stand up for what is sensible….and if mil & dh don’t like it get on that plane with your dm!!

coconutpie · 23/11/2021 14:10

You need to tell her to leave. Why are you putting up with this crap?

GrumpyLivesInMyHouseNow · 23/11/2021 14:16

Why doesn't your mil drive you to the hospital and you leave dc with your Mum. That way your mum gets some quality time with her dgc before she goes home.

As for your mil, be blunt and suit yourself, your baby, your pregnancy and your home

GrumpyLivesInMyHouseNow · 23/11/2021 14:18

Are you saying I'm fat

If you think I've let things go whilst I'm ill feel free to tidy up

Don't touch my stomach

No you're not taking dc out this afternoon, my mother is, you're welcome to join us

Why are you being so rude

SudokuWillNotSaveYou · 23/11/2021 14:23

Whoever said to pack some bags and go home with your mum was spot on. And take your DD with you. The fact you say it’s been “HEAVENLY” just seems so sad. That DH has, intentionally or not, left you so isolated and pregnant and sick in another country. Leave him on his own with his horrible mother.

Thehop · 23/11/2021 14:24

Are you alone with MIL once your mum goes?

Imagine how much fun it would be to mess with her a bit?

Like when she says something nasty just say quietly whilst looking her in the eye “fuck off” or grabs your belly “you’re a cunt”

“You look like mummy when you scowl”
“I only scowl when you’re around you bitch” and then smile “shall I make tea?!”

Really quietly then when she gasps “I beg your pardon what did you say?”

Smile sweetly “nothing! Are you okay? You look shocked!”

If she says to your dh “oh my goodness I would never!”

Just act like you haven’t said it. Man that would be fun.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 23/11/2021 14:26

Prioritise yourself and unborn baby, your toddler and your Mum. Your Mil is not being kind to you, she's just suiting her self and her behaviour is childish and unpleasant. She doesn't get to grab your stomach again!!!
Take very good care of yourself and be kind to yourself whilst you are ill. Can you go home with your mum for a few days ?

letmeeatcrisps · 23/11/2021 14:29

Thank you!!! You have all made me laugh with your brutal honesty and I’m feeling assertive today - she must have seen it in my eyes as she has been hiding in my office all day (where she decided she wanted to sleep … for some reason). Bit awkward round the house but enjoying my time with mum and DD. She has turned into a bit of a meek mouse today and went for a walk by herself. Cheers for the support mumsntters! X

OP posts:
Onemorebaby · 23/11/2021 14:32

Don't have your mum lose out. That's not fair and it's up to you to manage that. Mil had her chance and she doesn't get to take your mum's turn, that's bullying. Just say you're already made plans with your mum but she will have plenty of time with dd as she's staying with you.
Maybe say the midwife said you're doing too much and recommended you get some help... its so useful that's she's come to stay... see how that goes. Otherwise a few days with your mum like pp said is a great idea. Best to set some expectations before baby comes

Aquamarine1029 · 23/11/2021 14:33

FFS, why are you such a doormat? It's as though you have no agency in your own bloody home. Tell the witch she can't come until your mother is gone, or better yet, tell her she's not welcome at all.

NowEvenBetter · 23/11/2021 14:33

Get your boyfriend to sort it, neither of you should ever have ever allowed the woman to speak to you like that. Your boyfriend also sounds utterly useless, does he have a point?

Tototipple · 23/11/2021 14:35

Good update

Please consider however what your boundaries are, she sounds difficult but it doesn’t sound as if you’ve got any with her. It’s lovely to be ‘nice’ and considerate of others, but I’ve found you can only play nice with people who are nice back.

Make sure your DH is onboard. You’ve enough on your plate to not need people around who are making life more difficult rather than adding to it.

miltonj · 23/11/2021 14:35

Your husband needs to step up and your mil just needs to leave.

Honestly, just get rid of the two of them and go and live with your mum... she sounds lovely!

REP22 · 23/11/2021 14:39

@letmeeatcrisps

Thank you!!! You have all made me laugh with your brutal honesty and I’m feeling assertive today - she must have seen it in my eyes as she has been hiding in my office all day (where she decided she wanted to sleep … for some reason). Bit awkward round the house but enjoying my time with mum and DD. She has turned into a bit of a meek mouse today and went for a walk by herself. Cheers for the support mumsntters! X
Good for you sweetie. xx

Your MIL sounds toxic. Her comment to your DH regarding the loss of his dad was enough for me, before all the other nonsense. "stop moaning and get over it" indeed. It's grief, not a bl**dy sprint race. Sending love and support to you and your DH - it's four years since my dad suddenly died and I still miss him very much. And that's not something I'm ashamed of. The tummy-grabbing and snippy asides are also completely unacceptable. I really hope she won't be disturbing your home and peace indefinitely.

Sending you hugs, and every good wish. Stay strong. xx Flowers

Eastridingclub · 23/11/2021 14:44

She is awful!!

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