Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To tell sister her parenting is alienating others

275 replies

OnionsAndLemons · 01/07/2023 06:54

I think my sisters parenting is so extra, that whilst I believe your children should be your top priority, I think her reactions to thinks are out of proportion.

Example: we both think our children should not have to kiss/hug anyone they don’t want to. So I said to her 2 year old after a family meal out, ‘cuddle goodbye?’ Her 2 year old just stood there so I said ‘no?, Ok’ and stood up. My sister pipes in, talking to her daughter ‘we can say no auntie Kate can’t we, tell auntie Kate we can say no’. I was so embarrassed as it was in front of everyone, I said I was not pressuring for a hug. She said oh I know we’re just teaching her she can say no. I agree with the concept but she’d have learnt from the interaction with me alone she can say no.

My mum was doing my sisters 2 year olds nappy. She initially wouldn’t lie down for it and when she did my mum said ‘oh well done, good girl’ or similar. My sister said mum was overdoing it with the praise and asked her to tone it down as girls are taught to be obedient and she doesn’t want that. (Note: my mum treats my son exactly the same, lots of praise when he does as asked). She does this sort of thing with my mum a lot and my mum is feeling constantly criticised and untrusted. My sister told my about the nappy thing, expecting me to agree but I told her you can’t micromanage every interaction.

I have an isofix car seat for my son in my car and bought a cheaper one (but new and from a reputable place) for my mums car for occasional use. My son is the same age as my niece so they both fit in it. However my sister has told my mum her daughter is not to use it as it’s cheap and doesn’t rear face. She doesn’t feel it’s safe. But hasn’t bought one herself. Didn’t share cost with me when I suggested we buy one together they can both use. Has never learnt to remove her own car seat to put in my mums car.

These are a few example but I could go on. Next time she says something similar to me or tell me about something to do with my mum I feel like it’s all going to spill out.

OP posts:
veryfluffyfluff · 01/07/2023 08:03

OnionsAndLemons · 01/07/2023 08:02

@Brightbear i actually do like my sister very much but I’m just very frustrated

Then speak to her

ApplesInTheSunshine · 01/07/2023 08:05

I assumed if it was new and from a car seat company, it would be safe

Please do not assume this. Retailers don’t care about your child’s safety and the law has not caught up. It is not safe to forward face a 2 year old.

The safest thing for your child is to max out their infant carrier (most can stay in theirs until 18 months) and then switch to a 25kg+ ERF Swedish Plus Tested seat. These are the safest seats on the market and will allow your little one to rear face until 6/7.

I’ve attached a photo of these car seats. I know it’s not what your thread is about but it’s really important information that can save your child’s life so think it’s worth passing on.

ApplesInTheSunshine · 01/07/2023 08:05

@AngryGreasedSantaCatcus @veryfluffyfluff Agreed.

leopard22 · 01/07/2023 08:07

It sounds annoying to me OP, like she always has something to say but doesn't accept this would have an impact on those around her. I know you've only given a few examples which are granted low level but that constant level of comments does get frustrating and can build up very quickly.

I know it's hard, especially for your mum because she will still want to see her DGD but she needs to push back a bit, expecting her to stay local or get a bus is ridiculous- is this for regular childcare? She needs to tell her to either buy a car seat, let her use hers or she's not able to have her as she has things to do further afield.

MrsRachelDanvers · 01/07/2023 08:07

Jeez, how did we ever bring up kids in times gone past? Making a song and dance about everything. If I were your mother, I’d just tell her I couldn’t look after her any more as I don’t meet her standards.

MysteryBelle · 01/07/2023 08:08

Your sister’s having too much fun playing the role of mummy thus the over the top act.

From now on, speak to sister in a sing song voice and refer to yourself in the third person as Auntie Kate as you turn the tables, ‘Auntie Kate has no rear facing seat. Auntie Kate very sorry. Auntie Kate waves bye bye from a distance to little niece Freya, Auntie Kate says bye bye Freya’

mindfluff · 01/07/2023 08:10

Testina · 01/07/2023 07:49

Your mum is being ridiculously over sensitive. She doesn’t have to agree with your sister’s approach of avoiding “good girl” messages, but it’s not a personal criticism. Neither of you get it, with your defence that she does the same to your son, that’s not the point. The girl isn’t going to lie there at nappy change thinking, “boys are praised for compliance too” - it’s just going to be another message about being a good girl, and though your mum’s praise for compliant behaviour is spread equally, society’s isn’t. Your sister is trying to redress that. Is she OTT? Maybe. But is it personal against your mum? No.

So what car seat is she going in, when with your mum?

Not allowing front facing is a valid choice. You were quick enough to say yours wasn’t second hand and was from a reputable place. So it’s OK for you to think safety is OK, but not her? 🧐

Think you're reading this a bit too literally, it's clearly not just about this 1 tiny nappy issue, but is an indication that she micromanages interactions in general.

"Tell Auntie Kate" is also obviously a passive aggressive way of letting OP get the message that no means no, she shouldn't harass children for physical contact etc... Which OP wasn't doing by any means! She accepted that no means no. I'm also a strong believer in bodily autonomy, but would only do a paggro shaming if the person were persistent!

I disagree with LOTS of things people say and do around/to my children, but I don't go nitpicking, criticising or passive aggressively shaming multiple times a day.

I know someone like that. I think she prob has anxiety and self-esteem issues. It feels like she's always trying to (1) announce her and her child's superiority and (2) ironically, reassure herself that she's doing the right thing. The only answer is polite distancing, even if that's a bit tricky for relatives.

smilesup · 01/07/2023 08:11

Car seat fine.
The over zealous type of parenting is awful. Poor kids so tiresome. I agree entirely about the cuddles but she's made it into a much bigger thing than needs be. The nappy thing is ridiculous.

Testina · 01/07/2023 08:11

OnionsAndLemons · 01/07/2023 08:00

@Testina It’s not really for me to bring up. step son doesn’t do it to me as we don’t see him often, other family tell me about it.

Then stop adding it here as ammunition against your sister?

DragonDoor · 01/07/2023 08:11

MysteryBelle · 01/07/2023 08:08

Your sister’s having too much fun playing the role of mummy thus the over the top act.

From now on, speak to sister in a sing song voice and refer to yourself in the third person as Auntie Kate as you turn the tables, ‘Auntie Kate has no rear facing seat. Auntie Kate very sorry. Auntie Kate waves bye bye from a distance to little niece Freya, Auntie Kate says bye bye Freya’

So your suggestion is that OP bullies her sister? 🤔

TravelDazzle · 01/07/2023 08:11

She sounds rather precious and OTT to me. Her lack of self-awareness when dealing with certain issues seems to be the pinching point here. There are many ways she could've dealt with these scenarios without being overly critical and embarrassing family members. The car seat thing I can get, but at the same time, it's a bit rich for her to criticise the car seat you've bought your child but not offer any other solution for her own child - and not knowing how to remove her own car seat and expecting your mum to take the bus, is ridiculous and completely taking the piss.

Agree with other posters it's likely best that you and your mum have a chat with her about the way she's handling situations.

JaukiVexnoydi · 01/07/2023 08:12

I think you need to take a big breath and disengage. Yes your sister is annoying with the performance parenting but its your choice whether you let it get to you. It doesn't have to affect you, you don't need her approval and if she's as extreme as you say then you'll never get it anyway. You are not responsible for mitigating any of the effects of her batshittery when it comes to her and her kids relationships with your mum, just back right out of that can of worms. Relax, breathe, and let the weirdness be water off a duck's back.

TheCheeseTray · 01/07/2023 08:13

LittleBlueBrioTrain · 01/07/2023 06:59

The micro managing sounds like a pain but she's probably right about the rear facing depending on the age of child and brand of seat. There are some shocking and totally inappropriate car seats available from reputable places

This and nothing wrong with affirming her child’s choices are ok - perhaps she felt when asked for a cuddle rather than standing doing nothing that it was ok to model saying no thank you. Rear facing at 2 is advised.

BertieBotts · 01/07/2023 08:14

Don't worry, she'll chill out a bit when she has a second/when her only child gets to about 4. It's PFB syndrome. Everyone is a bit like that to some degree or another. Thinking that every single micro decision has the level of importance of choosing a degree or something.

She's probably spending too much time on parenting social media (says me, on mumsnet Grin

Just nod and smile.

saraclara · 01/07/2023 08:14

If your mum is doing childcare, then your sister had to recognise that she had to hand over control at that point. And she certainly has to provide all that your mum needs in order to be able to continue her normal life while caring for her grandchild. Providing a car seat is basic. Your mum shouldn't be having her mobility restricted while doing her a favour by caring for the child.

Blossomtoes · 01/07/2023 08:15

Gettingfleeced · 01/07/2023 07:18

Why not share the cost of a car seat since they're both the same size? Seems like an opportunity to prove her superior parenting "@OnionsAndLemons got a cheap car seat, but I care about my child".

OP tried that. Her sister declined.

TheCheeseTray · 01/07/2023 08:16

The nappy thing is a bit OTT by the way - but not for you to get involved with.

Was she forced to behave or do certain things because she was a girl!? My father insisted the girls had long hair and every single time it was cut - he was awful as short hair isn’t nice on women 🙄

Beautiful3 · 01/07/2023 08:16

I think your mum ought to tell her, she's not enjoying having x when she she's being criticised. If she tells your sister, sorry I can't have x because I'm going out in the car, you don't like my car seat. This will force her to do something about it.

sandyhappypeople · 01/07/2023 08:16

I think in the first instance, she was just using it as a teaching tool. We’re teaching my 2 year old to say she’s had ‘enough’ when she’s eating her dinner, rather than push it away or mess around. So I do a similar thing in the moment: ‘we say enough when we don’t want any more’. I see this as a similar thing, rather than her daughter ‘leaving someone hanging’ she trying to teach her to actually say ‘no’ instead, it was a teaching moment, but she should have realised that it may have made you feel a little embarrassed and should have explained a bit more IMO. But some people are just not very self aware!

I think you’re mum should be the one to bring things up when her behaviour makes her feel patronised or micro managed, a lot of people will jump at the chance to let someone else ‘be the bad guy’ on their behalf, if she moans to you again, tell her she needs to say something then! and leave it at that.. she’s got a voice, there’s absolutely no reason for you to be annoyed/frustrated on her behalf, especially if comments aren’t directed at you.

buy a rear facing car seat.

Bluepolkadots42 · 01/07/2023 08:16

Some of it does sound extra but she's doing what she feels is best for her child.
Also she's absolutely right that extended rear facing is safer- 4 or 5 times safer I believe, so I can't blame her at all for not wanting her 2yo to FF in the car. If you read the stats I'm sure you'd feel similarly tbh. She needs to get an ERF seat for your mum's car and learn how to install it etc though if this is how she wants her DC to travel.

wherearethewindows · 01/07/2023 08:17

@mindfluff I can't understand why you would think it's "obviously passive aggressive" - to me it's her teaching her daughter to be able to confidently verbalise how she feels about her own body autonomy?

Testina · 01/07/2023 08:17

MrsRachelDanvers · 01/07/2023 08:07

Jeez, how did we ever bring up kids in times gone past? Making a song and dance about everything. If I were your mother, I’d just tell her I couldn’t look after her any more as I don’t meet her standards.

You know my parents were given to the, “how did we ever up kids” line, sometimes in response to being told that no, we didn’t want 3 grandchildren under 10 squeezed into the boot of their estate car, just like they did in the 70s.

Every new generation will have changes to parenting styles.

Some of it will be fashion and meaningless - I mean I loved BLW, but long term it means fuck all vs purées.

But some of it will be an improvement. Like the car seats. Personally, I think agency and bodily autonomy will be in the improvement rather than fashion category.

If I am a grandparent one day, I hope I’ll listen to my child and have intelligent debate with them about the latest fashions and improvements. Not just trot out the “however did you survive” sarcasm 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thehop · 01/07/2023 08:18

Of course she's right not to forward face a 2 year old it's WAY too young

MysteryBelle · 01/07/2023 08:18

DragonDoor · 01/07/2023 08:11

So your suggestion is that OP bullies her sister? 🤔

No, I don’t bully anyone and I despise bullies. The sister herself refers to op as Auntie Kate.

You’ve got problems.

Blossomtoes · 01/07/2023 08:20

Thehop · 01/07/2023 08:18

Of course she's right not to forward face a 2 year old it's WAY too young

Then she should supply a seat she deems appropriate, shouldn’t she?