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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My mother is literally refusing to help full stop!

1000 replies

Mymotherdontdoalot · 17/09/2023 17:30

OK so there is a lot of back story here which I won't go into as it is just so long and winding, but the general gist is that my mother will literally do as little as possible to make life easier, to the point where I received a text the other day saying that it's not to her benefit to help me out!

Anyway the aibu is I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my 5th baby and am due a csection in 6 weeks time, and am getting incredibly stressed out about the general procedure and stress that comes with of being in hospital as I always seem to have complications! Dh is also stresssed aswell! So I have broached my mother who I thought might have been a little bit more supportive of my situation (god knows why she never has been before, usually couldnt give a shit about mine or my families wellbing in general,) being that it's my 4th csection so unsure of how it will pan out, from how long my stay in hospital will be to general health after etc! I stressed the situation to my mum and basically said, when I go in hospital can you come up and look after children obviously so dh is with me during csection and then if all goes well I'll hopefully be out next day, so can you come up and look after kids next day so dh can come and get me and baby in taxi and bring me back home to save dragging 4 extra dcs down the hospital and more added stress (taxis cancelling all the time where I am so a pain especially with 4 extra dc in tow not to mention, size of taxis no guarantee etc!)
I also added that if and it's a big IF I'm in hospital for one extra day after csection could she come then and stay with kids, so dh can come and see that his newborn and me are all OK, bring me things I may need/forgotten, general give me a break from being on a ward with every other person, on little or no sleep, so I can go for a wee in piece have a wash, you know the drill! Well that's when she went batshit stating, she's 60yrs old she not doing all that running around she's going to be tired, all that driving nope she's not doing it what about her husband and the dog (who she can actually leave at home perfectly fine) she's just not doing it, point blank i need to her actual words "get over it"and also why can't I leave my dc5 in the hands of there siblings 14,11,10 (we all know how much 5 year olds don't listen to siblings and decide to get mischievous once no responsible adults are around) when dh comes to pick me up with the baby at discharge, we all know discharge in hospitals can take bloody hours! At this point I did mention her staying over in the spare room to accommodate for driving etc, just for reference she lives 60 miles away but it takes her an hour to get to mine, I'm in london but so is my brother who she's visits very, very regularly and doesn't bat an eyelid to helping him out at all, it's never nope with him, no matter what it is, also when she met her husband he lived in london then and she would travel nearly everyday to see him also! She again still nope not doing it, her words again "it's not beneficial for me to do that" to be quite honest, no words could describe the shear anger and upset that I felt and have been feeling, so I got a bit upset and started crying, to which she replied "why on earth are you crying, for godsake" my dh is livid about the way that she has spoken to me and I am not really sure what to do now because I'm just shocked that she would come out with such a blasé/ nasty attitude towards helping me or lack of I should say!

I have had numerous texts from her since completely ignoring my situation and what I have asked of her and when I have broached the subject again been told I'm a fucker, I need to get a grip and grow up and things along those lines, when I have asked her why are you being so mean to me what exactly have I done, she's told me "if you think I'm being evil, you need help, you need to see a doctor" her exact words!

Also so as not to drip feed mine and my mother's relationship has been strained through the years because of actions on her part which were unreconcilable, but I let it go so as she could have something to do with her grandchildren, but that proved pointless because she seems to pick and choose as and when it suits her when she sees them and also tries to control how they behave around her (she has to be centre of attention all the time) there's alot more but I won't go into it as its just to much!

Me and dh just need some bloody help for that snippet of time when I'm in hospital, it is so much to ask aibu, it's literally like 3 days out of her time (which she spends doing nothing, everyday, she doesn't work never has done!)

Also before I forget her husband has 3 daughters and are roughly the same age as me, and she has rallied around after them no end, one time they all rushed down to hospital because one of his daughters was having extreme period pains (turned out she was jealous of her dad and my mums relationship and just wanted some attention, the same daughter, my mum has gotten up crack of dawn with to do carboot sales with her, and not batted an eyelid, the other daughter is a horder and actually has had my mum round cleaning her catshit off the floor in her house and cleaning in general because she doesn't do it, each time my mum has never batted an eyelid and more than happy to do anything for his daughters! These are just a few of the many things she does for his grown adult children!

OP posts:
Mymotherdontdoalot · 17/09/2023 17:30

Sorry its such an essay 🤦‍♀️

OP posts:
user1471556818 · 17/09/2023 17:32

Sorry but it's up to her if she wants to help you out .That's the bottom line

Patchworksack · 17/09/2023 17:34

Well it would be nice if she would help you but it sounds like there is a lot of history of the two of you not getting on so it can’t be news that she’s like that. What about DH’s side of the family? Friends? Paid childcare?

Stompythedinosaur · 17/09/2023 17:35

Sorry, but she isn't obliged to help you out with childcare, particularly if you don't have a good relationship.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 17:35

Sorry to be so blunt OP but you have too many children, are welcoming one more into the world and expecting your mum to take time out her peaceful life to enable your decision to have more children than you can cope with. Looking after 4 kids for an indeterminate amount of time is a lot. Ask someone else or hire a babysitter.

Hungrycaterpillarsmummy · 17/09/2023 17:35

I think times have changed now and where it was just a given family would help in previous generations, it's now changed to a choice. Probably because families are so spaced out now and have to work longer to pay mortgages and get pensions that any free time they do have is too precious to give up for other people.
It's sad.

MrsMara · 17/09/2023 17:36

You have chosen to have 5 children. Your mother is under no obligation to help you. Quite frankly, in her shoes I would be baffled by the number of kids you are having and wouldn't be helping either.

Dogscanteatonions · 17/09/2023 17:36

Well you can't make her help you out, it is indeed up to her but it is also up to you how much you have to do with her. She sounds horrible and clearly treats you badly, what's also awful is she happily helps out others but not you.

I honestly wouldn't bother with her if I were you. And as for wanting her to have a relationship with your kids - why would you want them to with someone who treats you badly?

Beaverbridge · 17/09/2023 17:36

What a bitch. Feel for you.

Tweddle · 17/09/2023 17:36

It’s sad that she doesn’t want to, but you have to let go of the idea that she owes you help, she doesn’t, no matter how short of time that is.

Girliefriendlikespuppies · 17/09/2023 17:36

Yanbu to feel sad that your mum doesn't care but Yabu to expect her to help when you know she doesn't want to 🤷‍♀️

You also choose to have 5 kids knowing you have minimal support....

Lydiala · 17/09/2023 17:37

You have chosen to have 5 children - nobody made you. It’s up to you to deal with them.

supadupapupascupa · 17/09/2023 17:39

DH will have to look after the kids. Ask your mum if she would support you in the hospital instead. Looking after four kids for an undefined period of time us a lot......

StrictlyAFemaleFemale · 17/09/2023 17:39

She doesn't want to help. Just remember that when she needs you.

I think she might be of the thinking that she had to struggle so why shouldn't you? Also there are a lot of people who want to blame you for having so many dc. It sounds as if she doesn't approve of your choices but can't or won't just come out and say it.

SomeCatFromJapan · 17/09/2023 17:40

Surely not helping your daughter out under the circumstances makes you a shitty, awful parent?
Regardless of her not being obliged it makes her an absolute tool unless there's a hell of a backstory.

ghislaine · 17/09/2023 17:40

It’s clear that your mother won’t/can’t help you out. I would let go of the idea that she might.

Has your husband’s side of the family been approached? Otherwise you might have to look into an ad hoc nanny placement.

Ohdearwhatnow4 · 17/09/2023 17:41

An your brother help, what about DH family? If theirs no one, your be fine and video calls will have to suffice.

SomeCatFromJapan · 17/09/2023 17:41

You know what to do when she's old and frail anyway. She's released you from that obligation very thoroughly.

Thegoodbadandugly · 17/09/2023 17:41

Why do people feel so entitled? You had kids so look after them it's not her job if you keep having kids, she's had her kids and brought them up this is her time now, you knew all this when you got pregnant.

I have kids, I do it on my own, I don't ask for anyone's help they are my kids, can't remember the last time I had a night out or holiday without kids.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 17:43

Also there are a lot of people who want to blame you for having so many dc.

Eh? Who else’s fault is it?!

Thegoodbadandugly · 17/09/2023 17:43

When most woman have babies the husband usually stays at home watching the children.

andrainwillmaketheflowersgrow · 17/09/2023 17:43

SomeCatFromJapan · 17/09/2023 17:40

Surely not helping your daughter out under the circumstances makes you a shitty, awful parent?
Regardless of her not being obliged it makes her an absolute tool unless there's a hell of a backstory.

Of course it doesn't make you a shitty parent.

whatchulookinatwillis · 17/09/2023 17:43

I'm glad you haven't gone down the route of parentifying your eldest DC to take care of the younger ones; sadly so many large families tend to do this.

You obviously recognise that would be far too big a burden on a young teen and completely not their responsibility, which is why I'm sure you thought about this situation when you got pregnant with your fifth child.

You will have thought through the pros & cons of having such a large family, ensured you have the finances to support them, which includes hiring in help when needed.

The birth is one of those times when you need to pay for childcare for your four existing children with the money you have no doubt set aside for such occasions.

It's nobody's responsibility to care for your many children aside from yours and your DHs.

Whilst it's sad that your mother doesn't want to help, it's also completely understandable, as it's a massive ask.

Totalwasteofpaper · 17/09/2023 17:43

Yanbu in that Your mum is horrible to you and you clearly have an unhealthy /toxic relationship.

Yabu to have expected any different. Surely she was the same for the last 4. And 5 kids was never going to be easy.

Personally I wouldn't even bother making effort eith her going forward. She's clear on the relationship she wants which is minimal effort. If that suits you crack on.

Get on childcare.com and just hire someone local with nice reviews. With a c section you'll know the days you need

TheLightProgramme · 17/09/2023 17:44

Honestly?

Dh looks after kids. Its not the end of the world if he only gets a shorter visit to hospital with kids in tow for the day or two before you get home. You've chosen to have a fifth child, its on you and your DH to manage that.

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