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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DM doesn’t seem interested in new GC

133 replies

Bluepolkadots42 · 14/01/2022 09:56

I had my second baby 10 days ago- this is my DM’s 3rd GC. With our first DC (also the first GC) my DM was so hands on- would come over several times a week in evenings to sit with baby so DH and I could get some sleep etc. She was amazing and provided so much support which I was so thankful for and made that clear every time she came over. She also did 2 days a week childcare for DC1 until they got their 30 hours from September and her and my DF have done all drop offs and pick ups since September. Again- we are so lucky and very grateful. We offered petrol money etc which was never taken and also suggested we use breakfast club/after school club instead several says a week which DM said no to as was waste of money. Anyway this is all background to the AIBU.
Since having DC2 DM has been round twice- once the day we left hospital as she and DF picked up DC1 from school for us, and then came round one afternoon when my DSis came to meet new baby and I invited my DF and DM round too for a cuppa.
Aside from this my DM hasn’t messaged or phoned me or made any contact at all with me to ask how I am or how DC2 is doing. She retired last month so has lots of time now. I had a very hard time with my first DC with bfeeding which DM witnessed first hand and saw the impact it had on my MH and she knows DC2 had a terrible tongue tie which we had to pay privately to get sorted ASAP and that this would have impacted on bfeeding. Aibu to feel very hurt and upset at her total lack of interest in me and DC2 and how we are getting on? I do not expect her to be giving any practical help of any kind but I would just have really appreciated a message every few days checking in on how things were going. I don’t know if I’m BU to expect her to do this- but I have friends who are doing it and have also done it for friends after they’ve had babies as I know what an exhausting and emotional time it can be.

YABU- you’re being overly sensitive and it’s fine DM hasn’t initiated any contact to see how you are
YANBU- don’t blame you being upset- it would be nice if DM had made effort to check in with you.

OP posts:
Zombiemum1946 · 14/01/2022 14:04

Why not just let the school/ nursery that you'll be running late for a few days or even weeks? They're usually very understanding and used to mums needing a little extra time. Retirement can hit some people like a brick. Don't message her, phone her. She must be missing the eldest gc. My mum just needed me to sit and listen. My mum and dad fought like cat and dog for the first few months. It got so bad she went out and got another job.

IDontKnow00 · 14/01/2022 15:03

Have you thought about asking her if she's ok?

glittereyelash · 14/01/2022 15:31

I had similar with my mam when I had my son. It was so unbelievably out of character as she was always really hands on with the other grandchildren. It turned out she was terminally ill and was trying to distance herself from me so that I wouldn't be dependant on her help. Don't wait for your mam to get in touch call her and just check that she's ok.

Nanny0gg · 14/01/2022 15:56

@Bluepolkadots42

The only contact that’s happened has been when I’ve initiated it eg messaged to say DSis coming over, would they like to come for a cup of tea and cake too. I’ve sent a few pics of baby on family WhatsApp group - maybe 3 and a brief update from midwife checks re his weight, but haven’t had any response from her to those. Just from DSis. I think my expectations need adjusting- first GC is obviously v exciting but #3 is distinctly less so and elicits less interest. I am obviously super hormonal still and think some of the hurt I’m feeling is also that I feel she hasn’t shown interest in my wellbeing at all. Like I said previously my MH after DC1 wasn’t great so in her shoes I feel like I would be prioritising checking in with my own DD to ensure baby blues wasn’t too overwhelming but again perhaps this is expecting too much and she has her own life to be getting on with.
As a grandmother who is also retired, I think it's odd.

What about your father? Anything from him?

Nanny0gg · 14/01/2022 15:58

@Dillydollydingdong

Two points really. One - is her age. Presumably she's now mid 60's? We do slow down a lot as we get to this age. I know from my own situation. Two - we grandparents bond closely with dgc1. It's a new situation; we know it's all very new for our own DC as a new parent; we have more time to spend with just one baby. By the time dgc2 comes along, all this has changed and we can't commit the same amount of time and hard work.
Speaking personally, still bonded closely with all of them.
Ponoka7 · 14/01/2022 16:20

Phone her, or your Dad, ask how they are. This is out of character and something could be going on. It doesn't matter that it's a third grandchild, it's still an exciting time. Unless you and your DH have major issues and she's been disapproving about the pregnancy, this isn't normal at all. But neither is your lack of communication.

jacks11 · 14/01/2022 17:01

Well, have you called her? It sounds like this is a bit out of character for your mum- yet you don’t seem concerned about her at all? You’ve outlined why you are upset/disappointed/feel let down but doesn’t seem to have crossed your mind that there must be a reason your mum is acting unusually for her. You talk a lot about what you want/expected from her, how you are disappointed she isn’t “checking in” on you and prioritising you. It’s all a bit self-centred- I know that sounds harsh but if my mum suddenly started acting out of character I’d be worried, not put out that I wasn’t getting as much attention as I thought I deserved.

I’d guess there is either something going on for her- could be mixed feelings/worry or even excitement about being retired or there might be something else going on (health problem, problem with your father’s health, financial problems, close friend unwell but not wanting it known etc etc). Or you or your husband have offended/upset her without realising it. Or perhaps she is avoiding the issue related to childcare/drop off and pick up because she’s worried about how you’ll react (and you intimated that last time it came up you didn’t respond quite the way you meant to).

Or perhaps she is stepping back to give you the space to work things out for yourself- maybe she feels if she does too much you will just keep relying on her and not get to grips with having 2 children for yourself? I’m not saying she’s right, but that might be her feelings or concerns. For example, you did outline earlier that you felt it would be too difficult to get out the house on time- but these are struggles that lots of parents who don’t have families on hand to help just have to find ways around. I can understand it feels overwhelming and it is tough, I know- but perhaps she feels that if she keeps stepping in that you’ll keep needing/wanting her to provide ongoing childcare and support when she doesn’t want to/doesn’t feel able to do it anymore. Or perhaps she genuinely assumes that as a second time mum you’ll need a lot less support than before and expects that if you need something that you’ll ask, and doesn’t want to get in the way whilst you and your husband are settling in to having the two children, working out your own routines etc.

In short, I think you should concentrate less on what your mum hasn’t done for you, and more on WHY your mum has been behaving out of character. I think you should ask her if she is ok (not in a way that makes it about why she hasn’t been doing things/asking after you- genuinely ask if she is ok). If she says she is fine, then perhaps she’s just letting you get on with it and/or is excited about the changes in her own life. If you need her help then ask, don’t wait around for your mum to be a mind reader- ask!

Crankley · 14/01/2022 17:38

Your DM doesn't want to continue to do drop offs and I don't blame her. Consider yourself lucky that she has helped as much as she has in the past. Now she is no longer working, maybe your DM would like to have a few lie ins - she's earned them.

Between you and your DH you should be able to cope with your own children. Your eldest goes to nursery, can't you tell them she will be a bit late arriving or do afternoons for a while until you sort out a routine?

Sceptre86 · 14/01/2022 19:04

You've had a new baby and are bound to be feeling emotional, that's OK, it's allowed. Maybe your mum is worried that she has set a precedent with u our eldest and that you may expect the same with this baby? Couple that with your sister's child and it all might be a bit too much for her. Or it could be that retirement is a big thing in her life, she's entering another phase of her life and might be reassessing her priorities and figuring out what direction she wants her life to take. That is a lot for anyone to deal with. Of course this is just speculation, when you are ready just uave a chat with her.

It isn't fair for people to pile in on you either, you've clearly stated you were grateful for the help with your eldest but definitely didn't expect it.

MmmmIsee · 14/01/2022 19:14

She prob wants to focus on her own life now. I cant get over how much help ppl on mn seem to get from gps. My parents or inlaws have never minded our dcs ever not even for 5 mins. No one in our families help. Maybe that's weird though....

seekinglondonlife · 14/01/2022 19:19

Although I voted YANBU, because yes it would be nice if she has phoned/texted, I also think that second time around people assume that you are in a much better position and don't need as much support. She has seen you twice in 10 days, which is really quite a lot anyway.
They have made it clear to you that they don't want to do daily drop offs for dc1, so your priority should be organizing alternative arrangements. You've had really good support up until now, you've been very lucky.

MmmmIsee · 14/01/2022 19:22

I would try and contact her to meet up socially but reassure her you don't expect any help or childcare. I think after years of work and child rearing she might want to focus on her own life and fair enough. She's provided huge help already, I can't even imagine having had all that help!

seekinglondonlife · 14/01/2022 19:22

Just to add, I said on another thread that over the last few years my DM (young 67, fit, healthy, retired) has taken a big step back and the roles are reversed now with her never contacting me, it's always me that has to check in with her. On the thread people were saying that's quite common, and maybe part of getting older.

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 14/01/2022 19:26

Actually I think YANBU

Just because you've done it twice before doesnt actually mean it's easier this time - you've got two other children to look after as well so you will be more tired for a start.

I'd guess because they've given you so much help with number 1 that they're worried about how much they'll be expected to do now, and with the change now she is retired she wants a break.

However I think, from your mums point of view, 'I'm worried I'll be doing too much and I might be taken advantage of now I'm retired' is a completely separate thing to 'i hope my daughter is ok and I'll check in on her' and she could have made clear she wanted to take a step back on duties at the same time as showing some interest in how you're doing.

MmmmIsee · 14/01/2022 19:28

I would definitly not bring it up with her again re drop offs, it puts her on the spot and she already said she doesn't want to do it. Lots of ppl have to manage. I had 3 under 5, terrible sleepers , bf all night etc and no one bar me or dh has ever done drop offs and pick ups. My dcs have never even been in a car with my parents/inlaws, i had to get paid help when i went into labour. This the reality for lots of parents..

Reallycantbesarsed · 14/01/2022 19:51

Congratulations 💐As a grandma I would most definitely be checking in regularly to see how you all are . It’s not a big deal to call or text daily and also as a Grandma I would want to know that you and family were all ok for my own peace of mind. YANBU and my advice would be to call and check everything is ok with your parents.

OnceuponaRainbow18 · 14/01/2022 20:02

I always feel sorry for the grandparents in playgrounds in the bitter cold with 2-3 year olds. Most look warm out and stressed!

Ponoka7 · 14/01/2022 22:53

@OnceuponaRainbow18
"I always feel sorry for the grandparents in playgrounds in the bitter cold with 2-3 year olds. Most look warm out and stressed!"

Grandchildren keep you going and keep you in touch with how the world is changing. Those close generational connections are important. Most of us look worn out and knackered because our sleep patterns have gone to shit and our bodies are knackered. Sitting at home wouldn't do us any good, though.

AllThePogs · 15/01/2022 00:07

I don't know anyone elderly whose sleep patterns have gone to shit unless they are kept awake by pain.
I agree sitting at home is not good for anyone. But it is about what is realistic for someone to manage at their age and health.
All my parents grandchildren are teenagers. But if we had all had our kids older, they couldn't manage babysitting for very long. My mum especially gets very tired easily.

Roosk · 15/01/2022 00:17

@OnceuponaRainbow18

I always feel sorry for the grandparents in playgrounds in the bitter cold with 2-3 year olds. Most look warm out and stressed!
Yeah, like the parents of two and three year olds in cold playgrounds.
Kitkat151 · 15/01/2022 01:49

@MmmmIsee

She prob wants to focus on her own life now. I cant get over how much help ppl on mn seem to get from gps. My parents or inlaws have never minded our dcs ever not even for 5 mins. No one in our families help. Maybe that's weird though....
It’s not weird but very unusual where I live.....I pick up 2 of my GC from nursery / school twice a week.....I take my eldest GD to dance once a week and my youngest to gymnastics once a week....they all stay over at least once a month ( separately or the 2 sisters) and I baby sit when I’m asked ( maybe twice a month).....many of my friends do far more than this.....we all still work....are In our 50s.... this is the norm in my social circle.... i mean we all like to focus on our own lives....but my kids and my GC are my life, to a certain extent
immersivereader · 15/01/2022 02:00

If it's the third grandchild she's probably ready to just take a step back. Small children are very hard work and if she's just retired she's probably exhausted enough as it is?

SallyGoLucky · 15/01/2022 02:34

Please do check in with her. She's going through quite a big stage of her life atm, and may be understandably overwhelmed by it.

Also, it's possible she is taking a step back as she does feel able to give you what she feels is perhaps expected, whether by you or by her own standards previously. She's retired now, so is perhaps nervous you may expect her to look after Grandchild 1 more, or even the 2 of them, and just doesn't feel up to it.

I do think it must be a lot for grandparents to have to do. Children are tiring, and for someone 65+, even more so. The idea of helping with 2 young children may just not appeal at the moment.

It sounds like they're very polite and want to help, and their willingness to say yes has perhaps put them in a situation they don't want to be in! Personally, I wouldn't ask, I'd go ahead and sort breakfast club etc. Then the time my parents spend with the kids is in their own time, when they want to, with no added pressure and not because they have to.

WoodenReindeer · 15/01/2022 03:09

If shes just retired there's no way on earth she should have to be getting up to do school runs! She's got to the point where she should be getting up in her own time.

How on earth was she working and doing both your school runs for you, and for so long!?

It sounds like your mum is lovely and has gone above and beyond, but now needs to step back and you need to support her in that. You had so much help, qay more than most, and perhaps need to readjust expectations!

GiltEdges · 15/01/2022 03:29

@WoodenReindeer

If shes just retired there's no way on earth she should have to be getting up to do school runs! She's got to the point where she should be getting up in her own time.

How on earth was she working and doing both your school runs for you, and for so long!?

It sounds like your mum is lovely and has gone above and beyond, but now needs to step back and you need to support her in that. You had so much help, qay more than most, and perhaps need to readjust expectations!

Couldn't agree more with this.