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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husband trying to compete which grandparents see DC more

294 replies

hmhwd · 10/08/2024 14:54

More like, is he being unreasonable or is this a normal reaction from him?

DC Is 2.5. My family is quite wealthy, his is pretty average. In laws live closer so we see them for day trips once a month, my mum lives further so I will visit her overnight for a couple of nights but also about once per month.
Sadly my DF died when I was a teen but he was highly successful, left a large inheritance to my mum and I. My mum, having raised me, now mainly travels the world, enjoys life and helps me out with raising DC when I need it. On a few holidays (3-4 per year) she will invite me and DC along, DH is invited too but can't join for all of them because of limited annual leave, he does join for probably half (sometimes joins part way through a holiday, sometimes doesn't join at all and sometimes joins for the full length). These holidays are fully paid for by my mum. When not on holiday, I'll sometimes go to stay with my mum for a night or two if DH knows he will work late - her house is large enough for DC to have their own room, all the "child" equipment that I need can be and is stored at hers. On other days, my mum will just pop over to ours to help out, play with DC etc - this doesn't affect DH because he is out at work and it'll be in the daytime.

My ILs see DC far less. They can't afford to take us on holiday and my DH wouldn't pay for them to go with us. They visit maybe once a month. Staying at theirs is more difficult because a) it would need to be over a weekend when DH can come and b) the house is a squeeze, we don’t have anything there that we need (baby chair, cot, all the nappies / bottles / aprons / toys) so have to bring everything. I guess I also don't ask for help from my ILs the way I do from my own mum (for example if I need someone to watch DC whilst I have a doctors appointment - I will ask my mum or move it, never ask my ILs), largely because I just don't have that kind of relationship with them. We are civil and no arguments but we don't "get on like a house on fire" in that we have very different views, not many common interests. I find their visits tedious and exhausting for many (very subtle but many) reasons - none because they're terrible people, just that I find them difficult to be around, we run out of conversation fast and we have to fake agreeing on topics.

I've noticed recently my husband really tries to compete and compensate. He's trying to squeeze us into their house at Xmas (as opposed to hotel like we've done previous years) even though that meant 6 adults and 1 child in a 2/3 bedroom house (3rd bedroom is a study that will have a blow up bed in the middle, the bedroom we stay in will mean either someone sleeps on a floor mattress so we physically can’t open the door or walk around until mattress lifted, or all 3 of us sleep in a small double bed). Or he is irritable when he sees that DC will run towards my mum shouting GAM-GAAAAAAM ("grandma") or when the two have little inside jokes or games. If I ask about it he claims he's absolutely fine and just wants DC to give "gam-gam" a rest (my mum is thrilled with it, doesn’t want a rest). I can just feel resentment towards my mum for being able to spend more time with DC?

OP posts:
jannier · 11/08/2024 17:54

Cornishclio · 11/08/2024 17:00

I think there are a lot of nasty posts on here. Most mums tend to gravitate to their own mums and in general it should be your DH facilitating a relationship with his DPs.

As your mum was widowed young it is nice you and your DC spend a lot of time with her so the money thing is a red herring. I expect she likes having company on holidays and the fact your PILs don't organise family holidays is not yours or your mums fault. He should pay for your family if you go away with PILs.

I think Christmas should be shared although if your mum was alone I would insist she was included unless you have siblings. If your PIL want to host I would use a hotel if their house is too small. Do you have room to put them up and they come to you instead and your mum stays in her flat?

Your DH is being petty by resenting the relationship your mum has with DC. He should encourage his DPs to come over more often than once a month or you go to them.

Obviously your DH does benefit from your inheritance by not having to pay for childcare and getting free holidays. Make sure you protect yourself financially whilst not working by setting up pensions etc.

She's protected she has a pre nup ...house and inheritance enough for solicitors etc he's the one just with what he earns ....I don't think op has to take financial advice. Maybe she means DH is trying to compete but can't because he's from peasant stock so shouldn't bother?

TomatoSandwiches · 11/08/2024 18:00

So he could take your toddler to visit his mum and dad Saturday mornings but doesn't do so and also doesn't like you having that morning to yourself?

CatamaranViper · 11/08/2024 18:06

I completely understand that everyone will gravitate towards their own parents which is what OP has done, but her in-laws are still her family and (more importantly) grandparents to her children. She should want them to have a relationship.
Since she doesn't work and the kids aren't in childcare, she could easily spend time with them without it impacting her free time much.

That said, he should also use those Saturday mornings to visit his parents and nurture that relationship. He can't expect the children to have the same relationship with his parents as they do with hers because she actively makes that relationship possible.

I think the easy option would be to ask them to babysit when OP has an appointment and he takes them to theirs on a Saturday morning. It's all about balance.

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 18:12

TomatoSandwiches · 11/08/2024 18:00

So he could take your toddler to visit his mum and dad Saturday mornings but doesn't do so and also doesn't like you having that morning to yourself?

Yes. But I don't think that's because he just hates the idea of me having fun or seeing friends. More like he just struggles with a toddler - if he tries to dress DC there will somehow always be a tantrum or he can't fully understand what DC is saying (due to mispronouncing words as a toddler, he probably understands 70-80% but nowhere near 100%) whereas I can so again more tantrums. When I recently tried to go out for dinner, DH couldn't put DC down to sleep and DC refused dinner. He just struggles to keep DC entertained and runs of out patience for slow walks and stopping every 2 minutes to look at a squirrel or stone or bird. That kind of thing.

OP posts:
TomatoSandwiches · 11/08/2024 18:31

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 18:12

Yes. But I don't think that's because he just hates the idea of me having fun or seeing friends. More like he just struggles with a toddler - if he tries to dress DC there will somehow always be a tantrum or he can't fully understand what DC is saying (due to mispronouncing words as a toddler, he probably understands 70-80% but nowhere near 100%) whereas I can so again more tantrums. When I recently tried to go out for dinner, DH couldn't put DC down to sleep and DC refused dinner. He just struggles to keep DC entertained and runs of out patience for slow walks and stopping every 2 minutes to look at a squirrel or stone or bird. That kind of thing.

He needs to be doing more of these things then, practice, practice, practice.
Avoiding parenting alone on one morning or using you as a crutch won't help him parent better.

I also hope you aren't using your inheritance to fund ALL of your SAHM expenses, frankly he should be covering the majority if not all household bills imo.

pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 18:34

@hmhwd as Dh pays 50% bills, can DH not afford to take his parents on holiday or pay for them to join you and your mum, or would your mum object to his parents joining in? This is the bit I cannot understand- why DH cannot take his family (you, baby and him) on holiday or pay for his parents to join your mum and you.

Would DH object to you paying for his parents ( I understand you say you are not using your inheritance on this) but want to undertand DH's thinking. Equally, would DH object to your mum paying for his parents (again, not expecting mum to pay, but wanting to understand your DH's thinking.)

Also what are your ages?
Do you love DH?

Finally, have not seen your other thread/s.

pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 18:36

Yes, someone asked if you are using the capital or just interest.

I agree you shouldn't spend all your money.

exprecis · 11/08/2024 18:36

I also hope you aren't using your inheritance to fund ALL of your SAHM expenses, frankly he should be covering the majority if not all household bills imo.

Why?

Maybe he doesn't want a SAHM, and would rather she worked

saraclara · 11/08/2024 18:40

My in-laws didn't have any baby/child gear, and they had a three bedroomed semi. But there'd be at least twelve of us staying there every Christmas (PILs, me, DH and kids, SIL, her DH and kids, and often an auntie or two). We bedded down anywhere and everywhere (PILs and their grandkids on the living room floor!) and we all had a ball. PILs are gone now, but those days are the happiest of memories.

You're spoiled, @hmhwd , and your PILs should not be penalised for not having unending cash to splash, like your parents. Good for your DP for advocating for his parents.

DragonGypsyDoris · 11/08/2024 19:06

It sounds like most of the focus is on you and your mother. It isn't very well balanced at all. Your post makes it sound all about money and house size, but I think there's a lot more to it than that.

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 11/08/2024 19:30

So DH should work his arse off whilst OP lives of her inheritance and he should also PAY everything?

Fuck off.

DH should run for the hills (although I suspect OP made him sell his old flat and he is financially trapped, poor bloke). He should also fight for equal custody and then OP can see how perfect her life is with just her pile of money

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 11/08/2024 19:34

Oh come on ! The Op's husband is not going to want 50/50, he can barely cope with a Sat AM

and he is not going to give up work to care for a child so he can do 50/50

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 19:43

pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 18:34

@hmhwd as Dh pays 50% bills, can DH not afford to take his parents on holiday or pay for them to join you and your mum, or would your mum object to his parents joining in? This is the bit I cannot understand- why DH cannot take his family (you, baby and him) on holiday or pay for his parents to join your mum and you.

Would DH object to you paying for his parents ( I understand you say you are not using your inheritance on this) but want to undertand DH's thinking. Equally, would DH object to your mum paying for his parents (again, not expecting mum to pay, but wanting to understand your DH's thinking.)

Also what are your ages?
Do you love DH?

Finally, have not seen your other thread/s.

My mum and I could afford to take his parents on holidays, he'd never ask and we wouldn't do it because it seems a bit absurd to be paying for them.

I guess he COULD pay for them to go on holiday with either my mum and I (although would likely stay in a separate hotel but maybe nearby) or with just our little family unit (me, him, DC) but he doesn't choose to do this. He does however take us on holiday (me and DC) 1-2 times a year for a total of maybe 2 weeks. He doesn't see it as something reasonable for him to spend money on - taking his parents on hols. Although we are due to go on holiday with his parents and siblings as a special birthday is coming up but that's each sibling paying their own share plus chipping in to take the parents away.

OP posts:
pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 19:46

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 19:43

My mum and I could afford to take his parents on holidays, he'd never ask and we wouldn't do it because it seems a bit absurd to be paying for them.

I guess he COULD pay for them to go on holiday with either my mum and I (although would likely stay in a separate hotel but maybe nearby) or with just our little family unit (me, him, DC) but he doesn't choose to do this. He does however take us on holiday (me and DC) 1-2 times a year for a total of maybe 2 weeks. He doesn't see it as something reasonable for him to spend money on - taking his parents on hols. Although we are due to go on holiday with his parents and siblings as a special birthday is coming up but that's each sibling paying their own share plus chipping in to take the parents away.

Thanks. Understood.

Good to see Dh does take you and DC away 1-2 times a year.

ButWhatAboutTheBees · 11/08/2024 19:46

He doesn't have to give up work
Nursery and those neglected DGP can do childcare whilst he's at work

And maybe without being under OP's control, he could build a relationship with his DC himself

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 19:50

@pleasantgreenery oh and in response to whether my mum or I would object to his parents joining - no, as long as they pay for themselves obviously anyone can come. Anyone is free to book their own room in a hotel or plane of course.

However paying for them seems unreasonable. If we pay for his parents (why???) where do we stop? Would his siblings feel left out of this family trip? His mates should join too maybe?

OP posts:
bluewatermelon · 11/08/2024 20:01

How old are you op?

pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 20:02

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 19:50

@pleasantgreenery oh and in response to whether my mum or I would object to his parents joining - no, as long as they pay for themselves obviously anyone can come. Anyone is free to book their own room in a hotel or plane of course.

However paying for them seems unreasonable. If we pay for his parents (why???) where do we stop? Would his siblings feel left out of this family trip? His mates should join too maybe?

Thank you. It was more him paying for his parents and that they would be welcomed by you and your mum. You have answered that he doesn't think his funds should go to paying for a holiday for his parents- that has answered it.

Now, maybe take up the advice to spend 8am to bedtime one day a month with his family or 2 half days? As someone said, consistent routine of trips to park to feed ducks is enough for DC to bond with his parents. DH is useless, so try to make an effort. Unless you have your eyes on divorce so want to say they were never involved!

I agree, I am happy to slam it down with Its but I put a line at sleeping in a room where I would need people in next room or area to move mattress before I can walk out of a bloody room. Is it a prison? But then I like space, freedom and to feel free!

pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 20:02

bluewatermelon · 11/08/2024 20:01

How old are you op?

Yes, I asked this. Both Op and Dh's ages will help!

bluewatermelon · 11/08/2024 20:13

pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 20:02

Yes, I asked this. Both Op and Dh's ages will help!

I am asking because OP seems to live in some kind of bubble, she doesn’t seem to have actually lived or done much, judging by the way she writes on her threads. A bit lost and clueless perhaps. Nothing wrong with it. But without the inheritence I wonder what she herself would do to make the same amount of money as her daddy. And it’s so easy to hide behind money, not being happy but at least I have money and can feel above other people. It’s all she has.

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 20:19

@pleasantgreenery @bluewatermelon both in the region of 25-35

OP posts:
pleasantgreenery · 11/08/2024 20:41

thanks.

bluewatermelon · 11/08/2024 20:42

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 20:19

@pleasantgreenery @bluewatermelon both in the region of 25-35

Ok thanks!

hmhwd · 11/08/2024 20:50

Oh and @pleasantgreenery do I love DH? Yes. I love him but I also love myself and my DC and I ensure we're all happy rather then cramming myself and my child into a room where we can't get out of bed without lifting the mattress just to please PILs. And not in love enough to lose my mind and leave assets unprotected.

OP posts:
MyBreezyPombear · 11/08/2024 20:57

Completely missing the point but I thought prenups are not automatically enforceable in courts in England and Wales. Assuming you're in one of those countries.

Back to the point, I would hate to be sleeping on anyones floor or cramped in a bedroom no matter whether it was my parents or PIL.

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