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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

MIL wanting a say.

34 replies

maryannex · 09/07/2022 12:09

MIL constantly wants to have a say over how many kids DP and I have and it's starting to really annoy me. I don't know how to nicely say it's none of her concern when and how many kids my partner and i decide to have.

We have a DS that turns 6 months soon, and often discuss in about a year having another as not looking to have too much of an age gap between the children. I've plenty times said i've always wanted four kids, whilst DP wants 2 so mentioned previously 3 is middle ground. However she always says "you want another?" and "if you're going to have another then just have two. three is too much" and other throwaway comments like "don't have three kids" and "leave it at two" but not in the jokey way, almost as though we should be listening to what she's saying and i'm absurd for wanting three.

She also seems to mention a lot "don't have one yet, DS needs your full attention now, you've got time." which we're not planning on having another right away, but if we did, it's our decision.

I don't know how to address this because it's starting to annoy me that she constantly has something to say about things that don't concern her.

OP posts:
alphapie · 09/07/2022 20:52

I'd she is the type to be easily embarrassed or prude I'd be tempted to reply with a reply of 'well I can't make any promises, DH just loves to fuck me without protection'

Unfortunately most of my family would just laugh at that but for some it might work to shut them up. They try to separate discussing baby making with their child having sex Grin

LittleRedYoshi · 09/07/2022 21:13

ElBandito · 09/07/2022 13:21

Every time she mentions it reply and increase the number of kids you want by one. See how high you get before she catches on and stops.

😂This!

ancientgran · 09/07/2022 21:15

Oh this reminds me of my late MIL. Told her I was expecting my 4th, her son's 2nd child and she walked into the kitchen and started smashing dishes. We just laughed at her.

rookiemere · 09/07/2022 21:25

Is she doing any childcare?

LyndaSnellsSniff · 09/07/2022 21:45

How many did she have @maryannex ?

My MIL made similar comments which I think stemmed from her feeling pushed out as the family matriarch when I had my DCs. DH is one of 3 but is the only one to have had any DCs. MIL reacted oddly when we told her I was having DS1 and after DS2 was at pains to tell us we didn't need a third!

maryannex · 09/07/2022 23:23

MIL only had DP, he's got 4 other siblings from dads side- which she often says is "too much" but from her, just him!!

OP posts:
maryannex · 09/07/2022 23:23

rookiemere · 09/07/2022 21:25

Is she doing any childcare?

no, we see her once a week, and she pretty much insists on feeding, changing him, but not more than a typical grandmother wanting to spend time with GS. she does no childcare

OP posts:
PickAChew · 09/07/2022 23:24

You need to not discuss it with her.

AdoraBell · 09/07/2022 23:27

My late MIL said we will have 4 children, DH said “what” so I said “she said we’ll have 10 children”

She pulled a face and never mentioned it again.

Tell your DH to tell her to mind her own business.

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