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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To wonder my ex-MIL hasn't met DC?

9 replies

graygoose · 03/10/2024 04:20

I live abroad, quite some distance from the UK. My now ex and I split up shortly after DC was born due major issues on his side (he has acknowledged this). I have never stopped him from seeing DC, he has free access to her but his visits have become less and less and I have decided to let it be rather than chase someone to bond with their own child. As I said, communication channels are open and we have remained cordial but he has chosen to drop off the map.

I always had a good relationship with ex-DH's mum and she lives back in the UK. She has never visited DH then entire time we have lived abroad and even though DC turns 1 soon she has never visited DC or met them. DC is also her only grandchild. I have not returned to the UK as my own parents live nearby and support me with DC and what with the divorce and severe PPD I couldn't bring myself to face a long flight with a baby.

Ex's mum isn't short of money to afford flights and has travelled extensively before, so it's not a fear thing. Ex-FIL (who is divorced from ex-MIL) visited DC recently which was lovely.

I feel quite saddened that DC's grandmother doesn't seem fussed about seeing them or being updated about them. I tried to keep comms open with her but it became too painful and triggering for me and was yet more emotional labour I had to do to bail ex-DH out. So, on advice from my therapist, I dropped it and waited for them to come to me. Which neither DH nor his mum have.

DC has a wonderful relationship with my parents, we are very close and we are a little family unit now which is lovely. But I worry how on earth explain this weird emotional distance that ex-DH's family have.

AIBU unreasonable to think its weird? I also can't help blaming myself, but I am focusing on getting myself better and creating a safe and supportive environment for DC. Am I being lazy by not sending pics to ex-MIL or travelling back to the UK?

OP posts:
Billybagpuss · 03/10/2024 04:58

It’s not your job to facilitate or encourage this relationship. She never visited her son, she clearly has no interest in knowing her gd. Your dd will not miss a relationship she has never had.

ChateauMargaux · 03/10/2024 10:18

Why not FIL? Why should women be responsible for fixing things broken by men?

Hoardasurass · 03/10/2024 10:39

ChateauMargaux · 03/10/2024 10:18

Why not FIL? Why should women be responsible for fixing things broken by men?

Because the op has said that mil and fil are divorced also fil has been out to meet his gc it's only mil who hasn't bothered, it's all in the ops post try reading it properly

ChateauMargaux · 03/10/2024 10:56

My mistake... sorry

ComtesseDeSpair · 03/10/2024 11:44

I wouldn’t feel sad for DD, as a previous poster says, she won’t miss a relationship she’s never known. I don’t think it’s especially odd on MIL’s part, though. If she didn’t have any particularly strong feelings about being a grandmother then it’s really just a one-sided role that’s been foisted upon her. I have a niece I’ve never met. I don’t find children very interesting, I’ve no particular interest in being an aunt, and frankly if my brother wants his kid to know her and wider family then ultimately it’s his responsibility to make the effort and travel. He hasn’t done so, so that’s on him.

In your case, as well as you expecting her to come to you, you’ve the added complexity of having an absent dad, so ex-MIL can’t even relate to you and DD through him. It’s quite awkward all around.

Offcom · 03/10/2024 11:55

Your feelings are completely understandable. You don’t say how recently your ex-mother-in-law has been abroad so I wonder if she’s developed an aversion to travelling since the pandemic, or even as she’s ageing?

Or maybe she just isn’t interested of course!

Attelina · 03/10/2024 11:58

Maybe it's too upsetting for her if she can't see the child that often.

Manthide · 07/10/2024 17:23

It might be awkward for ex MiL given the issue with her son. I don't see my gc as much as I'd like for various reasons but we do have a shared album on Google photos and that keeps us in some contact. Perhaps you could create such an album.

GivingitToGod · 07/10/2024 19:59

I totally understand how u feel OP; seems surreal that your MIL wouldn't want to be an active part in her GC's life. But then, human beings are very different.
U r extremely fortunate to have the love and support of your parents, as is your daughter

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