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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Feel like the worst Mum

38 replies

laalaa7 · 27/05/2024 13:52

I don't know if I've done something awful here, I can't stop thinking about it and have had a bit of a family fall out!

DH younger sibling (14) stayed with us whilst his parents were abroad for a week. We have a DS who is 1. We are in a maisonette and DS bedroom is next to the living room and ours is next to the front door.

BIL was sleeping in the living room. Friday last week, DH went to work at 6am and all of us were still asleep (BIL had inset day).

At 9am I woke up in a panic that I hadn't heard DS, then realised my bedroom door was shut (we are also looking after parents dog), he'd come into the room and laid down and obviously knocked our bedroom door shut as was laid against it. I got up and DS was playing in the living room with BIL. I apologised that I hadn't woken up and it was no issues with BIL, they were playing with toy cars and blocks and DS was happy (although sat in the nappy he'd been put to bed in and hadn't had any breakfast).

I immediately changed him, gave him some weetabix then got a few very unhappy messages from MIL basically calling me lazy and that her son wasn't there to "babysit". I messaged back explaining that the dog had shut the door which meant I hadn't heard DS calling out for me when he woke up at 7:30 (I looked back on the camera to see how long he'd been up for). She had FaceTimed BIL and he was with DS and she obviously knew I was still in bed. She replied asking what time I usually respond to DS calling out for me and does he just sit in his cot until I get up? I read this and didn't even reply because I was so offended, I'd never leave my son to cry in his cot. I'm usually up with DH when he leaves for work. I also haven't been well recently with my endometriosis and I'm currently experiencing a flare up which prevents me falling asleep due to the pain. I must of dozed off eventually and gone into a deep sleep to wake up at 9.

I called DH whilst I took the dogs out for a walk with DS and DH was and still is upset with his Mum for the shitty messages she's sent me and laughed it off to me saying at least I'd scored a lay in and that BIL was perfectly capable of playing and supervising DS for an hour.

I haven't spoke to her since, no thank you for having BIL and dog, I took him to school and picked him up, we went out for dinner, we fed him for the week, I walked her dog every day with mine. I've heard nothing. She's obviously pissed off with me and it's making me feel like it is obviously a big deal and I'm a bad mum.

OP posts:
AmyandPhilipfan · 27/05/2024 15:36

A nicer MIL when speaking to her son would have said something like 'aww that's lovely that you got the baby up without waking your SIL - try and keep him happy so she can have a nice lie in!'

You've done nothing wrong. Baby was happy. Teen was happy. You got a lie in. Result! If your bil wasn't there you'd have probably woken up once your son ramped up his cries a bit - but his uncle probably responded to his first whimper. I remember being a teen and hanging around waiting for my nephew to wake up from a nap. He definitely made a slight noise but I was in there like a shot without my SIL realising he was awake, as I was keen to play with him!

worriedmummy1234 · 27/05/2024 15:39

CountessWindyBottom · 27/05/2024 14:02

How dare she! Your DH really REALLY needs to back you 100% on this and not just ‘laugh it off’. She had no right to be so abusive and make such serious accusations so your husband needs to set her straight.

This!
I would be furious

greenpolarbear · 27/05/2024 16:56

Sounds like your BIL has been complaining to her to be honest.

Also "although sat in the nappy he'd been put to bed in and hadn't had any breakfast" sounds like you're blaming him for not being a good babysitter. Which, given he is 14 and wasn't actually asked to babysit nor given any instructions, seems harsh.

laalaa7 · 27/05/2024 17:18

greenpolarbear · 27/05/2024 16:56

Sounds like your BIL has been complaining to her to be honest.

Also "although sat in the nappy he'd been put to bed in and hadn't had any breakfast" sounds like you're blaming him for not being a good babysitter. Which, given he is 14 and wasn't actually asked to babysit nor given any instructions, seems harsh.

He hasn't, he's not that type of kid. We are really close and he's grown up like a brother to me too because of the age difference. We had a great week, went bowling after school, out for dinner for his fave pizza, watched films, went to football with DH. He's a really nice, good kid. I've spoke to him since.

OP posts:
laalaa7 · 27/05/2024 17:19

Sorry meant to add that me saying he was in the nappy he'd been in since I put him to bed in and no breakfast was my fault! Absolutely not BIL responsibility, he's never changed his nappy (I would never expect him to). I was highlighting another point that's made me feel guilty.

OP posts:
AFanOfTinyBiscuits · 27/05/2024 17:24

You've done nothing wrong and sound like a caring mum & sister in law.
The fact that MIL has gone quiet perhaps means she knows she's got it wrong but can't quite admit it.
Great that your DH stood up for you!

NalafromtheLionKing · 27/05/2024 17:25

Your MIL is a bitch (I sympathise) and you should go LC/NC. No more favours for her.

LakeTiticaca · 27/05/2024 17:26

Tell her to go to hell. Your DS was playing happily with his teenage uncle and was quite safe. He probably had a great time!!!

wizarddry · 27/05/2024 17:26

Rickrolypoly · 27/05/2024 13:57

I would have text her back and told her if she has a problem with how her son is being looked after she can cut her holiday short and and collect him.

This

TheRomanticOutlaw · 27/05/2024 17:31

Your MIL is weird and you've done nothing wrong. Fancy making such an issue out of what was actually a very nice thing, your 14 year old BIL being happy to amuse your child! I think that's lovely. She just sounds like she's generally bitter because her precious son has a nice wife and she isn't number one in his life anymore.

WhatNoRaisins · 27/05/2024 18:48

If your BIL was bothered then surely he'd have just knocked on your door to wake you up wouldn't he?

StarbucksQueen1 · 27/05/2024 18:52

If your BIL was that bothered he’d have woken you. MIL is being a dick! Ignore her!!

Posithor · 27/05/2024 19:32

Congrats on your lie in, sounds like you BIL did a fantastic job, I'd be showing him how to change a nappy and where the cereal is for next time 😂😜

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