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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:
Paintingonthewall12 · 17/09/2023 20:08

ihadamarveloustime · 17/09/2023 20:05

Most parents in their 50s early 60s are still working themselves, myself included!

And with a c section which is planned I would be taking annual leave to help out my family no? It’s not completely crazy is it?

hot2trotter · 17/09/2023 20:08

I feel for you and, in your situation, I would cut her off completely. She doesn't care for you or your family - she favours your brother and even her step children and would rather help them than you. You've done nothing wrong except keep entertaining her - she's showing you who and what she is but still you're clinging on. Why give her the satisfaction of asking her for anything when you know what the answer will be. She sounds like a spiteful bitch who you are better off without. Not for turning you down in this instance, but for the way she's treated you over the years.
I get it. My mum is the same - does nothing for me and my children but everything for my brother (almost 30, single, still lives at home). He does nothing but give her grief but she freely admits he is the golden child and always has been. It hurts like hell and has lead to me having lots of issues (alongside my dad abandoning me).
You can't change her now, but you do have to accept it. And for your own sanity ditch her.
As for the practical side of things, I'm sorry but unless you can find childcare you're going to have to be in the hospital alone the entire time as your husband needs to be with your other children. This is what I would have to do if I had any more. You can do it.

Morechocmorechoc · 17/09/2023 20:08

Can't believe the replies. This is everything wrong with British culture. We are all inherently selfish. OP asked for help for a day or two from a mother who is happy to help everyone but her. That sucks.

You already said you had irreparable damage in the relationship, quite frankly I'd have nothing to do with her, and sorry but it sounds like you are her bully board and she doesn't give a crap about you. Walk away and enjoy.your lovely family and be grateful she's taught you everything not ti be as a mother.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:09

Paintingonthewall12 · 17/09/2023 20:01

I would be curious what peoples opinions are if she only had one child and her mum wasn’t wanting to help? Would peoples opinions be
different? The older children will pretty much look after themselves imo.

I don’t think expecting your family to help during operations / child birth / medical procedures is unreasonable at all. But we seem to have moved into world where family doesn’t mean anything and don’t help each other out any more. I’m just hoping all these 60 years olds realise it ruins relationships and in no way will people be bending over backwards to help / visit in care homes when they need help

It’s definitely meaner to not look after 1 child than it is to refuse to look after 4. However we don’t know who looked after the other 3 kids for OP so it’s hard to tell if her mum was being unkind.

Honestly I think even looking after 2 while you’re in labour/c-section (could take hours or days for the former) if kids aren’t in school is too big an ask.

thevegetablesoup · 17/09/2023 20:09

I think your mum had a point. 4 kids is a lot for a 60 to manage.

PatientZorro · 17/09/2023 20:11

zmq3Zm96uijcs2c · 17/09/2023 20:05

I would never speak to her again and if I got the chance to make like more difficult for her, honestly, I would. She a malignancy in your life, excise her!

It would be no great loss to her not to have to interact with you any more if that’s your attitude.

mummy21blueeyed · 17/09/2023 20:12

I sometimes can’t believe what I read.

my mum doesn’t have my daughter over night maybe twice a year. However she does now have her every Wednesday because I work full time.

you are being unreasonable to expect your mother to bend over backwards to help raise the family you decided to have. There’s no way On earth my mum would give up her file to support my 5 children that I chose to have myself. She didn’t make your life choices/decisions you did. You’re not entitled to nothing and in retrospect her parenting days are done and it’s her time to enjoy life.

my mum has had it rough and harsh all through out her life until now and nobody’s taking her time away from her to make happier memories before she’s too old.

you brought this on yourself no matter how nice it would be of her to help.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 17/09/2023 20:12

YANBU. However If I'd have been first to comment I'd have said 'Get your hard hat ready' because on here if you dare ask for any help from anyone and God forbid your own mother you're an entitled Princess. As though they've never been given any help!!. I really can't abide smug "I'm alright Jack' comments.
I also find it very very weird that she'll help out with her Sons kids and not her Daughters.

Goldbar · 17/09/2023 20:12

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.

This isn't exactly a night out though.

Her choice, OP, but it's a shitty one she's made.

KissyMissy · 17/09/2023 20:13

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.

This!!

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:13

PyongyangKipperbang · 17/09/2023 20:07

Why?

And before anyone trots out the old "overpopulation" thing....my sister is childfree not by choice. If she had had three and then I had had three that would, by this logic, be fine. But her having none and me having six.....that were/are all housed, clothed, fed, well loved and looked after BY ME and their FATHER and not by the tax payer or grandparents, is not fine.

Please give me the benefit of your wisdom :)

Oh and giving birth.......last one I had at home precisely because I knew it was a big ask but as it happened the younger four were away for the week with their dad when I had her and the 21 year old scarpered as soon as he realised I was in labour!

This is a new one - having loads of kids isn’t contributing to overpopulation because other people aren’t having kids 😂

Seeing as you asked - it’s too many kids because there’s absolutely no way in hell you can have that many kids and give them all everything they need. I’m not taking financially - but emotional support, quality time, one-to-one time, r helping with 6x homework, revising for exams, being available for everyone’s opportunities - on top of the life you lead as well, especially your life which sounds hectic!

I know a few people with 4 kids and inevitably one of them (usually the one least likely to make a fuss) gets left behind constantly. I think it’s unfair to do that to kids just because you feel for whatever need you need to breed more and more

BungleandGeorge · 17/09/2023 20:13

Who did the childcare the last 3 times?
how long did they have to look after the children for?
wheres the rest of your family?
does the dog have anyone else at home?
what happens if plans change- different date, longer stay etc?
why would you need to take the children in double digits to the hospital, why can’t they stay home?
why can’t your husband pick you up in a taxi once you’ve been discharged?

tbh it does sound a bit unreasonable that you expect the tooing and froing from someone you clearly don’t get on with just in case you’ve forgotten something or so that a 5 year old doesn’t have to get in a taxi for a short while. 120 mile journey isn’t inconsiderable and you don’t appear to have considered other options

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:14

Paintingonthewall12 · 17/09/2023 20:08

And with a c section which is planned I would be taking annual leave to help out my family no? It’s not completely crazy is it?

How much annual leave? A day? 3 days? What if you’re needed for longer? Why should someone insist on another person doing that?

zmq3Zm96uijcs2c · 17/09/2023 20:14

PatientZorro · 17/09/2023 20:11

It would be no great loss to her not to have to interact with you any more if that’s your attitude.

A win win then!

PatientZorro · 17/09/2023 20:16

A win from her side certainly.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:17

And please don’t think by working your children aren’t costing the taxpayer. Six times schooling, six times giving birth, 108 years worth of free healthcare - you’d have to be millionaires to give back what you take out.

Lahdedahiam · 17/09/2023 20:18

@PyongyangKipperbang of course by definition some can't have children, which keeps the population down, it's not your choice to raise it again!

Like @MartinChuzzlewit says your children are missing out.

converseandjeans · 17/09/2023 20:18

You need to ask her to come to support you & DH stays home with the other 4.

Do you not have a car? Having 5 with no transport would be far too stressful for me.

It would be fun for older ones to come to hospital to see new baby.

I agree that 4 c-sections must be limit. Hope it goes ok.

I think asking her to look after 4 would be hard work for her & can see why she's reluctant. However you could set up some friends to help out & have them for a few hours here & there.

MaggieBsBoat · 17/09/2023 20:18

Sorry I’ve not RTFT but can see that this has probably not gone the way you were expecting @Mymotherdontdoalot

i had 5 kids. All sections. My mother didn’t figure in my planning at all. And if she had she wouldn’t have helped.
Apparently she can’t be that bad or why would you have her in your life?
I feel like we aren’t hearing the full story.
But Long Story Short, you choose to have 5 kids, you sort yourself out.

Riotact · 17/09/2023 20:19

For the love of god, get some contraception if you can’t look after your own kids.

Thats not even getting into how selfish of you it is to choose to have 5 kids and spread your attention that wide.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:20

As much as I think the OP IBU it’s even more ludicrous to expect her to have a woman she can barely stand, by her side at her baby’s birth. That’s way too stressful! And a stressful birth = higher risk.

Lahdedahiam · 17/09/2023 20:20

zmq3Zm96uijcs2c · 17/09/2023 20:05

I would never speak to her again and if I got the chance to make like more difficult for her, honestly, I would. She a malignancy in your life, excise her!

The malignancy in OPs life is the lack of contraception!

Paintingonthewall12 · 17/09/2023 20:21

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:14

How much annual leave? A day? 3 days? What if you’re needed for longer? Why should someone insist on another person doing that?

For me personally I would book leave to help look after my family. No one insisted, you can say no but I would 100% do this for my kids.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:22

Paintingonthewall12 · 17/09/2023 20:21

For me personally I would book leave to help look after my family. No one insisted, you can say no but I would 100% do this for my kids.

What if you had none left, and couldn’t afford unpaid leave? Especially if they were all school aged children who would be in school whilst the section happened and could be picked up by dad afterwards.

PyongyangKipperbang · 17/09/2023 20:22

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 20:13

This is a new one - having loads of kids isn’t contributing to overpopulation because other people aren’t having kids 😂

Seeing as you asked - it’s too many kids because there’s absolutely no way in hell you can have that many kids and give them all everything they need. I’m not taking financially - but emotional support, quality time, one-to-one time, r helping with 6x homework, revising for exams, being available for everyone’s opportunities - on top of the life you lead as well, especially your life which sounds hectic!

I know a few people with 4 kids and inevitably one of them (usually the one least likely to make a fuss) gets left behind constantly. I think it’s unfair to do that to kids just because you feel for whatever need you need to breed more and more

As you will see from my PP, my eldest was 21 when my youngest was born. He was 6 when DD2 was born, similar age gaps throughout, with the notable exception of DS2 who was born just shy of a year after DD3 and was a bit of a surprise! So they were all at different stages so supporting them was not problematic as there was only ever one at a time doing exams for example.

Cant have done that badly, the older ones are all high academic achievers and are in constant contact with me and each other. DD1 moved back home after Uni despite 4 others still living here....she had the perfect excuse to "escape" but wanted to come home, she said she missed it.

But hey dont let reality change your preconceived what is must be like to have a successful big family with no experience of it yourself.

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