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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Unhappy with this situation. Who is wrong??

39 replies

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 17:51

I have known that my partners brother hasn’t liked me for ages and I don’t like him either since he hasn’t been very nice to me.
Past incidents include:
My child (under 2 at the time) was playing near their fan and he almost knocked it over and he just started shouting at me and calling me f*ing useless. I told him not to speak to me like that and we left soon after.
We were at the beach and I was walking with my child (2 at the time) and started walking up a hill so I went with him and one of his kids followed us (5 years old) and we passed a hole on the way up and my child was looking into it and then when we came back down he was shouting at me as there was a hole and they could have fallen into it. It wasn’t an ‘oh no! Look, there’s a hole here have you seen it?’ it was a ‘why are you so useless? Look after the children!’ type of shouting.
There’s probably more but it’s not really necessary to list them as I’m sure you get the idea from those of the tone he uses/how he sees me.
Anyway, today was my child’s birthday party and he came with his kids and his parents (he lives with them and it was their weekend to have the kids). One of his kids almost knocked the bouncy castle over so I went to the waiting room where they were all sitting and said that one of them needs to be watching them and his mum (my partners mum/my child’s grandma) said that there was nowhere to stand yet every other parent was managing it and watching their kids 🙄
Anyway, he comes over with his mum, she talks to the child, he asks why I wasn’t dealing with it/watching her and I said she’s not my child and I must have asked what his problem was as he said that he had a problem with me.
So later on I talk to his mum, say I don’t want to see him again and ask what the problem is. Well, apparently they all have some issues with me as I’m controlling and sometimes when I talk I come across as rude. I have autism so I probably do come across as rude sometimes as I just say what I’m thinking and don’t lie ect. But that’s just how it is and they should really be understanding of that.
As for me being controlling, I won’t let my partner cut his hair. What I actually said was, I’d prefer it if he didn’t cut his hair as he has a bald spot which he hates and is really self concious about and I’m the one that has to live with him and I know that if he gets a haircut he will be able to see it more and will be sad - his hair is now cut and I was right. It wasn’t about the haircut it was about the after affects and how he would feel.
She also said that she used to hang out with him on his own all the time before he met me and I said I’m not stopping him from doing that now but then she said that she would like to spend time with just him and our child like she does with his brother and his brothers kids. It’s completely different as his brother lives with her and the kids stay with them on his weekends. Plus, I don’t want to give up time with my child. I have every right to be with him if I want to be and my partner has said he doesn’t even want to do things on his own with him yet!!
Then she said that we have no control over him like when he throws things. The only time she sees him is when my partner is there too and when we’re at their house (which is the majority of the times that we see them) I feel like it is my partner’s responsibility to do the parenting as it is his families house and I just don’t feel comfortable with it and he has previously agreed. However, we also don’t see every little thing as a big thing that needs to be told off like they do. It doesn’t really matter if he throws a little thing a short distance as he plays but if he were to throw it at people then I would obviously say no and take it off of him. His brothers kids get told off for things that I find silly but everyone parents differently and our child is far from badly behaved and it’s really non of their business. My parents and my friends have never said anything negative about my parenting and my best friend and some mum friends have said that I’m a good mum.
She also said that he doesn’t want to live where we are currently living and we’re only here because I want to be. I know he doesn’t like it here (mainly because the landlord doesn’t come and fix problems) and I do want to stay in the area we are in but I haven’t said I won’t move. He has said that he doesn’t want to go through the effort/stress of moving though.

What would you do?? This isn’t right is it??

OP posts:
Skyrainlight · 08/09/2024 18:08

Your partners brother shouldn't be shouting at you but I would expect someone to parent their child if they were in my house and to stop them knocking over a fan. I think it's odd that you decide you don't need to parent just because you are in your partner's parents house. It's not surprising that they don't see you as a good mother if that's what you show them, because often in their presence you have decided not to act like a mother.

Charlotttee · 08/09/2024 18:17

A lot of this is on you tbh. You don't parent at their house, you don't tell your child off for throwing, you tell your partner how to have their hair when I'm sure they are grown up enough to make their own decision about their hair. It does sound a bit controlling.

ILikeItWhatIsIt · 08/09/2024 18:30

Agree, he absolutely shouldn't be shouting at you, but equally your attitude of "I'm autistic so if my behaviour is shitty then people will just have to deal with it" is also unacceptable. You sound as bad as each other tbh.

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 18:40

ILikeItWhatIsIt · 08/09/2024 18:30

Agree, he absolutely shouldn't be shouting at you, but equally your attitude of "I'm autistic so if my behaviour is shitty then people will just have to deal with it" is also unacceptable. You sound as bad as each other tbh.

No, that’s not what I meant I’ve obviously wrote it badly 😕 I meant it like what I say may sound rude to them but I never intended it that way like he thought me asking him to watch his child was rude…

OP posts:
SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 18:41

There's a lot to unpick there and so many people including you come across as unreasonable.

The hair thing was just baffling, you don't need to involve yourself in what other adults do with theirs.

Also baffling was you thinking you don't need to parent your child in someone else's house.

No-one should be shouting at anyone but it really does look as though you're all so different, and this is why you don't like them and they don't like you.

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 18:43

Charlotttee · 08/09/2024 18:17

A lot of this is on you tbh. You don't parent at their house, you don't tell your child off for throwing, you tell your partner how to have their hair when I'm sure they are grown up enough to make their own decision about their hair. It does sound a bit controlling.

I do parent him. If he actually did something wrong I would tell him off/take the toy away. But I meant I feel like it is my partners job to parent him to their standards I guess 🤷‍♀️ Like, if my child throws a toy train as part of how he is playing and it’s not breaking anything/causing harm then I just let him play how he wants to. If he threw it across the room/at someone or the tv or something I would tell him no and take it away!!

OP posts:
SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 18:44

My parents and my friends have never said anything negative about my parenting and my best friend and some mum friends have said that I’m a good mum.

Do you tell your child off in their houses though, and is your child allowed to throw things around in them?

And when your child is badly behaved in their homes, are they aware you think it's 'really non of their business'?

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 18:46

Skyrainlight · 08/09/2024 18:08

Your partners brother shouldn't be shouting at you but I would expect someone to parent their child if they were in my house and to stop them knocking over a fan. I think it's odd that you decide you don't need to parent just because you are in your partner's parents house. It's not surprising that they don't see you as a good mother if that's what you show them, because often in their presence you have decided not to act like a mother.

I did go to stop him from knocking over the fan but it was like I was supposed to predict him doing it in advance 🤷‍♀️

I do parent him. If he actually did something wrong I would tell him off/take the toy away. But I meant I feel like it is my partners job to parent him to their standards I guess 🤷‍♀️ Like, if my child throws a toy train as part of how he is playing and it’s not breaking anything/causing harm then I just let him play how he wants to. If he threw it across the room/at someone or the tv or something I would tell him no and take it away!!

OP posts:
upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 18:47

SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 18:44

My parents and my friends have never said anything negative about my parenting and my best friend and some mum friends have said that I’m a good mum.

Do you tell your child off in their houses though, and is your child allowed to throw things around in them?

And when your child is badly behaved in their homes, are they aware you think it's 'really non of their business'?

He doesn’t behave badly though. I’m not talking about throwing something with force or at something/someone. He just sometimes throws his toys around as he plays just like a short distance on the floor I can’t see how it would be an issue 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 18:47

You should be teaching your child not to throw toys full stop.

Kids can't judge speed and distance well, so the next one could well end up hitting another child in the face or breaking a window/ornament.

There is no value in allowing your child to throw toys around.

sweeneytoddsrazor · 08/09/2024 18:50

Throwing toys is not part of playing unless you are playing catch or a magnetic dart game . Even if it isn't aimed at anyone or anything it could still hit someone It sounds like you have some very strange ideas about parenting at someone else's house . Maybe a good idea to let your DH take the DC to visit his family whilst you stay at home.

Charlotttee · 08/09/2024 18:53

Throwing toys isn't part of playing. You're allowing that behavior, you should be telling him no.

pictoosh · 08/09/2024 18:57

Sounds like none of you like each other tbh.
Your bil was rude and aggressive to shout and call you useless...I wouldn't be happy with him about that at all.
They have obviously formed an opinion of you which is not favourable.
I don't know what you can do about that. Probably not much.
What a shame.

pictoosh · 08/09/2024 19:04

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 18:47

He doesn’t behave badly though. I’m not talking about throwing something with force or at something/someone. He just sometimes throws his toys around as he plays just like a short distance on the floor I can’t see how it would be an issue 🤷‍♀️

It's not an issue. Some people love to beef up ordinary behaviour and tout it not only as something that you should feel bad about but also as something their child never ever does because they are on the case 24 bloody 7.

Yeah yeah.

SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 19:11

pictoosh · 08/09/2024 19:04

It's not an issue. Some people love to beef up ordinary behaviour and tout it not only as something that you should feel bad about but also as something their child never ever does because they are on the case 24 bloody 7.

Yeah yeah.

It's not a massive issue but that doesn't mean it's a non issue.

Especially if he throws another kid's toy and breaks it.

Then the OP will be saying but he didn't mean it, so I don't know why the parent got annoyed.

Much better to teach the child not to do it in the first place.

Getonwitit · 08/09/2024 19:18

OP you are well out of order, being autistic doesn't give you a get out of jail free card. Stop being so bloody rude,

BagelandEggs · 08/09/2024 19:26

It sounds like your partner's family expect you to do more of the parenting than they expect from him which is not really fair. I can understand why you feel uncomfortable taking control of your child's behaviour at your MIL's house if they are so critical of you but you may just have to do it from now on to prove a point to them or let your partner go there by himself which might solve the seeing him alone issue. It sounds like a difficult situation for you but maybe going low contact will help everyone and give you some breathing space too? Good luck with it all.

Charlotttee · 08/09/2024 19:36

pictoosh · 08/09/2024 19:04

It's not an issue. Some people love to beef up ordinary behaviour and tout it not only as something that you should feel bad about but also as something their child never ever does because they are on the case 24 bloody 7.

Yeah yeah.

So you think when he goes to school the teachers will be absolutely fine letting him throw toys around? Course they won't, so OP should be instilling that behaviour in him now.

wadeinthewater · 08/09/2024 19:50

It might be nice for you if your partner takes your child there for a couple of hours occasionally without you, as well as your mil getting some time with her son and grandchild alone you could have some time to yourself and not have to deal with them. Not suggesting every weekend but once in a while.

Your in laws sound overly critical with lots of opinions and that might be why you don't want to parent in thier home but I think you should just keep doing whatever you think is best for your child and your relationship and try not to let the opinions bother you. It will actually drive them mad if you don't care what they think.

Duckyfondant · 08/09/2024 19:51

I wouldn't accept parenting advice from mil. One of her sons still lives at home and shouts and swears at people over next to nothing, expecting you to keep close tabs on your child while he ignores his. The other is too scared to look after his 2 year old on his own.

And yes, autism does excuse you for bluntness/tactlessness. Of course it does.

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 21:20

BagelandEggs · 08/09/2024 19:26

It sounds like your partner's family expect you to do more of the parenting than they expect from him which is not really fair. I can understand why you feel uncomfortable taking control of your child's behaviour at your MIL's house if they are so critical of you but you may just have to do it from now on to prove a point to them or let your partner go there by himself which might solve the seeing him alone issue. It sounds like a difficult situation for you but maybe going low contact will help everyone and give you some breathing space too? Good luck with it all.

I think this is a big part of what bothers me actually!! If I’m so horrible, why does he have no issue with leaving his kids with me and expecting me to look after them? 🤷‍♀️

I don’t want him to go there with him on his own tbh. If he wants to go visit them then that’s fine but I should be able to spend time with my child if I want to. He will be at school soon and he’ll be away from me for a good part of the day 5 days a week so I want to make the most of the time we have together now. There’s no reason that she needs to see them both on their own 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
sweeneytoddsrazor · 08/09/2024 21:37

But he isn't just your child he is your partners child and if your partner wishes to take him to see his parents then he has every right to. So you either have to go as well and hate it or let them go and you use the time to do something for you

pictoosh · 08/09/2024 21:57

I agree. Your partner doesn't actually need your permission to take his son to see his family. You do not own your son.

SaffronsMadAboutMe · 08/09/2024 22:07

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 21:20

I think this is a big part of what bothers me actually!! If I’m so horrible, why does he have no issue with leaving his kids with me and expecting me to look after them? 🤷‍♀️

I don’t want him to go there with him on his own tbh. If he wants to go visit them then that’s fine but I should be able to spend time with my child if I want to. He will be at school soon and he’ll be away from me for a good part of the day 5 days a week so I want to make the most of the time we have together now. There’s no reason that she needs to see them both on their own 🤷‍♀️

This is both ridiculous and clingy.

If he wants to take his child to see his family, that's his business.

The child starting school doesn't affect anything, unless you're going to ban your child from after school activities and playdates too?

LittleMousewithcloggson · 08/09/2024 22:08

upsettingconfrontation · 08/09/2024 21:20

I think this is a big part of what bothers me actually!! If I’m so horrible, why does he have no issue with leaving his kids with me and expecting me to look after them? 🤷‍♀️

I don’t want him to go there with him on his own tbh. If he wants to go visit them then that’s fine but I should be able to spend time with my child if I want to. He will be at school soon and he’ll be away from me for a good part of the day 5 days a week so I want to make the most of the time we have together now. There’s no reason that she needs to see them both on their own 🤷‍♀️

Yo do come across as very controlling and selfish. Also very possessive. Is your son not allowed to go anywhere without you? How is that teaching him to be independent of you? It’s going to make school very hard for him.
Your partner has the exact same rights over your son that you do. Not only should he be allowed to take his son to his parents by himself but you should be encouraging him to do that
It’s a chance for your son to spend time with his dad and his side of the family and it’s a chance for you to do something for yourself.
See the bigger picture and stop trying to control people