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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My husband wants to start sending our 15 year old son, to stay with his mum on a Friday night.

136 replies

Anonymous170822 · 17/08/2022 23:15

Hello all, I need a sounding board and that, would normally be my husband, however, this involves him and his mum.

My husband and I, have been married for 19 years and we share 3 children together they are 18,15 and almost 3 years old.

My husband, wants us to send our middle child, over to his mother's house, on Friday evening like we used to do. Before our 18 year old moved out of our family home, (in October 2019).

Our 18 year old, has totally rebelled, and my husband's mum, took our son's side, things got really ugly so much so, that my mother in law, said to my husband, to treat her, as if she was dead, (that was in February this year), by the way my husband is my mother in law's, only child.

The thing is, there has been more downs, than ups, when it comes to my mother in law. She doesn't realise boundaries and thinks it's fine to be interfering in my marriage to her son.

It all started 18 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child, I walked into, my mother in law's house, she and my husband were having a conversation regarding what religion our child, was going to be baptized and she said, that, if our child was going to be baptized a different religion than to what, my husband's family was, then my mother in law, wanted nothing to do with our child. She was, going to be God mother however, after that conversation, I said no.

The truth is my mother in law, lives on her own and is always emotionally guilt tripping my husband, regarding her loneliness and that nobody cares about her, but that is not true. Over the years, I've worked very hard to forgive and forget and to reach out and include her in our family and inviting her to our, family events such as birthdays, Christmases, Easters, school plays, family days, out her answer would always be sure you wouldn't want me there. We also invited and made her part of our last two children baptisms, were she was asked by my husband and I to be God mother to our last two children. I've put my feelings to one side, and to bite my tongue, on more than one occasion, for my husband's sake. But his mum still insists that she doesn't feel welcome in our home and she doesn't participate or involve herself as grandmother role with our 3rd child.

Things over the years were amicable, to begin with, for example she gave us furniture and kitchen appliances, for our first home and for our third home, she gave us some money to which I acknowledge and very appreciated of, but wouldn't any parent do the same, to help their child and their child's family if they could. But because of this, my husband, thinks that we should forget, all about the water that have gone, under the bridge.

You see, it's not as simple, as that, it has came out, in the wash, that over the years, my mother in law has been speaking badly about my husband and I, this happened before our eldest child moved out of home, (both children were going over to their Nanny's home on a regular basis, on a Friday evening).

Our middle child informed my husband and I, that his mother had been casting up old arguments and making belittling comments, about us, each time that the children went over. I mentioned this to my husband and he said, sure that's mum she's always been like that. I said, to him that your mum, isn't taken any responsibility, for contributing to the downfall, of our family unit, I said, she thinks that she hasn't done anything wrong. And my husband agreed. And said, she doesn't take responsibility for anything, that she's done wrong because in her eyes she hasn't.

However, last night my husband, took his mother, to see a consultant privately, regarding her health and because of what the consultant said, they are making out, as if she's on deaths door, even though no tests were done.

My mother in law, can be nice but when she's bad, she's one of the worst, and my husband would also have taken my mother in law's side, until lately, when he saw, what way his mother was yet again, interfering with us and our eldest child, (who she thinks is the golden child), rather than taken her own son's side.

And now because of this latest news, about her health and the fact that our eldest child, moved out of her home in March of this year, who has very little to do, with her now. My husband wants to ease his conscience, by sending our middle child over, even though she refused to go to our child's 15th birthday in late July to which she was invited to.

So, am I being unreasonable here, by preventing our child from going over?

OP posts:
Anonymous170822 · 18/08/2022 00:33

Changechangychange · 18/08/2022 00:23

I never said that she was instrumental on regards to my 18 year old moving out, she basically informed the child that once he turns 18 he doesn't have to live here

So where was your 18yr old living between 2019 and March 2022? With her? How did that come about? Are you saying you now think it was because she had been dripping poison in his ear for years during those friday teas?

Apologies,
I've just realised that I meant to put the eldest child moved into MIL's in October 2021- March 2022

But yes she was putting toxic comments into the children when she saw them when we were not present.

OP posts:
Nyfluff · 18/08/2022 00:41

So she's toxic and creates a toxic environment for your child, and your husband agrees but wants to send them weekly? Your husband sounds problematic. Do what is best for your children. Why are you 'sending' a 15 year old away on a weekly basis? I'd think they have friends and other things they want to fit in around this upcoming school year.

Sounds like my Asian family who think children are objects to manipulate however they wish, and my narcissist family who pick and choose who to favour. It's awful.

Your comma button is broken.

Anonymous170822 · 18/08/2022 00:41

LuckyLass22 · 18/08/2022 00:32

Why doesn't your husband go and stay there each Friday night?

😂He can only handle her in small doses.

OP posts:
deeperthanallroses · 18/08/2022 00:41

negative comments about me to my children while they are over there? Nope, not visiting and not sending them, and not happy with my husband, in your shoes. He can move in with her and they can both come visit his children while you are there.

Anonymous170822 · 18/08/2022 00:45

Nyfluff · 18/08/2022 00:41

So she's toxic and creates a toxic environment for your child, and your husband agrees but wants to send them weekly? Your husband sounds problematic. Do what is best for your children. Why are you 'sending' a 15 year old away on a weekly basis? I'd think they have friends and other things they want to fit in around this upcoming school year.

Sounds like my Asian family who think children are objects to manipulate however they wish, and my narcissist family who pick and choose who to favour. It's awful.

Your comma button is broken.

Thank you for your reply, yes I lost my glasses and couldn't see if I had enough commons in.

But the children were going over weekly because they enjoyed it.

They do have friends and 3 extra activities outside of our home on weekly basis also.

OP posts:
ThirtyThreeTrees · 18/08/2022 00:47

If he's not prepared to stay with her one night a week, then it's completely wrong to expect his son to.

That and she speaks horribly to your children about you both.

Anonymous170822 · 18/08/2022 00:48

deeperthanallroses · 18/08/2022 00:41

negative comments about me to my children while they are over there? Nope, not visiting and not sending them, and not happy with my husband, in your shoes. He can move in with her and they can both come visit his children while you are there.

Thank you.
I know it's hard because I want to try and accommodate everyone but not at the expense of my kids.

OP posts:
MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 00:49

If he's not prepared to stay with her one night a week, then it's completely wrong to expect his son to.

But, in contrast to her husband, her 15yo wants to go.

WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 00:49

Anonymous170822 · 18/08/2022 00:41

😂He can only handle her in small doses.

So your husband doesn't want to spend much time with her - but will send his child to her overnight to keep her off his own back? He wants his child to do what he would not be prepared to do?

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 18/08/2022 00:50

I can’t make head nor tail of this. Your 18-year old was free to live wherever he chose.

You can decide where your 15-year old lives.

Gifts and presents? Totally lost.

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 00:51

WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 00:49

So your husband doesn't want to spend much time with her - but will send his child to her overnight to keep her off his own back? He wants his child to do what he would not be prepared to do?

No, he wants his son to be allowed to do what he wants. And the son wants to go to his grandmothers.

Anonymous170822 · 18/08/2022 00:51

ThirtyThreeTrees · 18/08/2022 00:47

If he's not prepared to stay with her one night a week, then it's completely wrong to expect his son to.

That and she speaks horribly to your children about you both.

I know but he doesn't get it, but my child said he wants to go, I've said no and my husband told his mum that tonight and he wont go against me considering I am the child's mother, but he's not happy with me right now.

OP posts:
WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 00:51

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 00:49

If he's not prepared to stay with her one night a week, then it's completely wrong to expect his son to.

But, in contrast to her husband, her 15yo wants to go.

15 year olds want to be on their XBox 24/7, doesn't mean I'd allow them to. It's the parents' job to protect their children, whether or not the child perceives an activity as harmful to them in the long run or not.

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 00:53

WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 00:51

15 year olds want to be on their XBox 24/7, doesn't mean I'd allow them to. It's the parents' job to protect their children, whether or not the child perceives an activity as harmful to them in the long run or not.

But that's not what you said. You said that because the father didn't want to go there, the son shouldn't be made to. I'm saying the son isn't being made to do anything. He wants to go.

teaandtoastplease · 18/08/2022 01:01

My eldest is 12 and has always had a very close relationship with my mil and fil, but she rarely wants to stay at their house anymore. She used to be there one night in the week and again at the weekend. Now she wants to spend her time with her friends. I would never force her to stay there or at my parents house, even though they all comment on how much they miss her company. I definitely would not force any of my children to go into a toxic environment. I would expect DH to handle any issues with his mum just like I handle any issues with my parents.

If your son wants to go there then that should be his decision in my opinion. Is he aware of what has happened over the years?

WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 01:08

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 00:53

But that's not what you said. You said that because the father didn't want to go there, the son shouldn't be made to. I'm saying the son isn't being made to do anything. He wants to go.

No, that's not what I said. I asked questions for clarification from the OP. What I posted was :

So your husband doesn't want to spend much time with her - but will send his child to her overnight to keep her off his own back? He wants his child to do what he would not be prepared to do?

Logically, her husband must have 'reasons' why he doesn't want to spend much time with his mother. For most people, those 'reasons' would extend to their children too - but not to her husband. Why not? OP mentioned MIL guilts her husband. Why would she not also guilt the children?

Just because a 15 year old says they want to do something doesn't mean they should be allowed to do it, if the parents judge that it is detrimental to the child. In this case, the father's judgement may be clouded.

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 01:10

Is he aware of what has happened over the years?

He knows his grandmother has been stirring.

Our middle child informed my husband and I, that his mother had been casting up old arguments and making belittling comments, about us, each time that the children went over.

But he still wants go.

Pixiedust1234 · 18/08/2022 01:10

If your 15yr old wants to go, and his father is okay with it, then let him go. If you prevent him having this relationship with his grandparent he will resent you. You want that?

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 01:22

WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 01:08

No, that's not what I said. I asked questions for clarification from the OP. What I posted was :

So your husband doesn't want to spend much time with her - but will send his child to her overnight to keep her off his own back? He wants his child to do what he would not be prepared to do?

Logically, her husband must have 'reasons' why he doesn't want to spend much time with his mother. For most people, those 'reasons' would extend to their children too - but not to her husband. Why not? OP mentioned MIL guilts her husband. Why would she not also guilt the children?

Just because a 15 year old says they want to do something doesn't mean they should be allowed to do it, if the parents judge that it is detrimental to the child. In this case, the father's judgement may be clouded.

So your husband doesn't want to spend much time with her - but will send his child to her overnight to keep her off his own back?

But he's not sending him anywhere. The sons,wants to go to his grandmother's.

He wants his child to do what he would not be prepared to do?

It's not what he wants, it's what is 15yo son wants. He enjoys going.

Logically, her husband must have 'reasons' why he doesn't want to spend much time with his mother.

Maybe the father is expected to have long convos with his mother and the GC just have a fun time with grandma.

For most people, those 'reasons' would extend to their children too - but not to her husband.

Well, they don't extend to the the grandson because he wants to go. Why do people on a family have to gave the same feelings towards other family members?

Just because a 15 year old says they want to do something doesn't mean they should be allowed to do it, if the parents judge that it is detrimental to the child.

All that might be true but that's not what you said in your post that I responded to.

In this case, the father's judgement may be clouded.

It might be. Or he might see that his son wants to go and he's going to be 16 very soon and then he can go if he wants and if they stop him, he can even move out. We don't know what the father's thinking.

DaughterofDawn · 18/08/2022 01:33

cexuwaleozbu · 17/08/2022 23:30

I'm afraid that this doesn't make much sense. Is perhaps English not your first language?

Your mil certainly sounds difficult, but is consistently and reliably so. You now know what she's like and you need to make a decision of how much she is in your life, and stick to that.

You can't be accepting gifts on the one hand and also refusing contact.

Why is there always one comment questioning their english skills? Her grammar and spelling was fine. Is it just that you don’t like OP so you’re trying to passive aggressively patronize her? Because that’s certainly how it is coming off. You do realize that the UK is not the only english speaking country right?

mathanxiety · 18/08/2022 01:43

Don't let your child go.

Tell your husband that the children you have together are not consolation prizes he can give to his mother just because she is missing her own only child. It doesn't matter that she might have health problems. Children are not toys that can be wrapped up and given to others to keep their mind off things.

If she is lonely she can go to bingo or join a senior exercise class or scrabble group.

user478965227857 · 18/08/2022 01:54

The commas are really hurting my head.

You say you didn't accept the gifts and that you are independent but you say for example she gave us furniture and kitchen appliances, for our first home and for our third home, she gave us some money to which I acknowledge and very appreciated of, but wouldn't any parent do the same, to help their child and their child's family if they could.

It's not really making sense.

If 15yo wants to go then let him go.

WhereYouLeftIt · 18/08/2022 01:57

MarshaMelrose · 18/08/2022 01:22

So your husband doesn't want to spend much time with her - but will send his child to her overnight to keep her off his own back?

But he's not sending him anywhere. The sons,wants to go to his grandmother's.

He wants his child to do what he would not be prepared to do?

It's not what he wants, it's what is 15yo son wants. He enjoys going.

Logically, her husband must have 'reasons' why he doesn't want to spend much time with his mother.

Maybe the father is expected to have long convos with his mother and the GC just have a fun time with grandma.

For most people, those 'reasons' would extend to their children too - but not to her husband.

Well, they don't extend to the the grandson because he wants to go. Why do people on a family have to gave the same feelings towards other family members?

Just because a 15 year old says they want to do something doesn't mean they should be allowed to do it, if the parents judge that it is detrimental to the child.

All that might be true but that's not what you said in your post that I responded to.

In this case, the father's judgement may be clouded.

It might be. Or he might see that his son wants to go and he's going to be 16 very soon and then he can go if he wants and if they stop him, he can even move out. We don't know what the father's thinking.

A question for you, @MarshaMelrose.

You seem very fixed on the idea that if a 15 year old wants to do something the parents should not ever prevent them.

If your son wanted to stay overnight at, say, an uncles, and you knew the uncle encouraged your son to sit and watch porn and smoke weed with them - would you allow it? Your son wants to go ...

So why would you allow your son to stay overnight at gran's, knowing that gran will drip poison into their ear about you and your husband? It's as much a headfuck to a 15 year old as the porn and weed would be.

SheSaidHummingbird · 18/08/2022 02:00

Comma-gain?

unkownone · 18/08/2022 02:03

My MIL Is a bit similar ...but thankfully her and FIL just moved a long long way so it solved our issues. I ended up letting mine stay over on the rare occasion. I had to pull right back after MIL kept telling my 16year old she can leave school if she wanted to. She also would make up stuff about DH silly things to try and paint him in a bad way..and she just hated me for what ever reason. When the kids were older and would tell me because they were older we were able to explain the MIL said a lot of rubbish and to ignore most of it. But if she was the one that talked your eldest into moving in with her..then no way.

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