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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I being greedy?

324 replies

Anon2468 · 28/06/2025 06:55

Trying to cut a long story short. My sister has always been a single parent, the 2 different fathers to her children have never been involved and never assisted financially. My parents have taken a parental role with my sisters children but I can understand slightly why to support her with working etc. they bought a 2nd property to rent to her cheaper than the current market value.

i had 2 children with my partner, and he was my support network with life. We never had childcare or family support due to my parents putting all their time into my sister and her children. My children have lost out on a lot of family things due to this and don’t have a close relationship with my family. They’ve never been on days out with grandparents, yet watch their cousins do this all the time.

due to life stresses, myself and my children’s father separated last year. It was amicable break up to begin with but has become extremely toxic over the year when it came down to managing selling the family home etc. we were not married so I was not entitled to anything financially. I don’t think I slept for 4 months wondering how I would afford to put a roof over my children’s heads etc. but, in the end after a lot of work and stress I’ve managed to purchase a shared ownership property.

my parents went to see the property I am purchasing with me this week, being a new build I wanted other eyes! The entire time we were there, my dad was talking to the woman who I have been dealing with the purchase of the property, wondering how he would go about buying one for my sister. this went on for over an hour and I could barely get a word in to discuss my house - I exchanged back in November 2024 so this isn’t a potential purchase… this is my home.

to clarify, my parents have sat down and discussed with me this week they are wanting to give my sister £160,000 to buy the share of the property for her, so she won’t have a mortgage. And then her universal credit payments will cover her rent side. they have made it clear they cannot afford to do the same for me at this time, but my share will be left in the will.

they asked my opinion on this, and I expressed in 30 years time £160K won’t be worth as much. My sister has gained a mortgage free share of a house with rent paid by universal credit, while il be just getting by month by month. However, I also expressed it’s their money and they can do as they wish but as they’ve asked my opinion they can have it.

Deep down it’s not actually about the money. Last year when I was at rock bottom mentally, not one family member offered to help. I have managed everything completely alone financially and mentally. I’ve tried to express its hurt me when I was struggling, no one helped. Yet now “I’ve got my own place, my sister should have one”. I’ve worked all my life and saved and been good with money. My child’s father pays child maintenance - the bare minimum possible - and so he should! And my parents justify I don’t need help because I have my children’s father. My child’s father has run me down completely, reporting me to police, social services etc for no reason - I wouldn’t say he was my support!, but obviously my parents seem to think I’m lucky compared to my sister so I don’t need any help!

its such an awkward thing inheritance and money. I’ve given them my opinion and left it. But they have concluded I’m greedy and disgusting.

I guess while writing this, I now feel I sound awful! But there has always been favouritism in the family which I have grown up with. I’ve never benefited or expected anything, but when it’s constantly justified to me “you don’t need help” when actually last year I was the lowest possible and did need my family … it hurts!

if I was still in a relationship, and financially stable with a partner I completely understand why my parents would feel the need to help my sister more. I am in the same boat as her, but I’ve actually done something to sort my life and not relied on others to hand it to me on a plate so I don’t understand how they feel it’s fair?

am I being a completely spoilt brat in the matter? Or are my feelings of being hurt justified? I feel this is the icing on the cake for me and I need to take a massive step back from my family.

OP posts:
alexalisten · 28/06/2025 07:00

Their are some people in life who need a lot more help then others and you never stop being a parent. When you where struggling did you speak up and ask for help. I think your parents see you as capable and they see your sister needs a lot of support to manage life.

YellowGrey · 28/06/2025 07:03

I think you were right to express this. It's their decision as you know, but it's important that they recognise your position.

EvangelicalAboutButteredToast · 28/06/2025 07:06

When a grandparent considers the grandchildren their own kids then you’ll be surprised what comes along with that. I’m in a similar situation - without the money being thrown around, where my sibling’s children were partially raised by my parent and now my parent takes all credit for everything to do with them as though they are their own.

So that’s what’s clouded this decision making and why it seems intensely unfair.

RainbowSlimeLab · 28/06/2025 07:07

How are they going to stop that money being spent on care home fees?

I think you need to spell it out to them in a letter then take a huge step back. The whole situation is terribly unfair.

Anon2468 · 28/06/2025 07:09

alexalisten · 28/06/2025 07:00

Their are some people in life who need a lot more help then others and you never stop being a parent. When you where struggling did you speak up and ask for help. I think your parents see you as capable and they see your sister needs a lot of support to manage life.

i asked for support from my dad to see if he would be willing to be a guarantor if I rented privately and he refused (I’ve never not paid a bill… so it’s not as if he doesn’t trust me financially)

To begin with shared ownership was not an option to me, I also didn’t earn enough to pass affordability to rent privately solely on my own income, and I wasn’t entitled to help with housing due to my equity in the family home, and I didn’t have enough funds to buy on open market. I was in a really sticky position and went down a really dark path which is where I think the hurt has come from.

in the past when I’ve asked for help, such as lock down with the children etc it was always refused, while they help my sister through everything. There’s a lot more to the story, but I’m trying to give the main examples to get fair outside opinions.

OP posts:
Strictly1 · 28/06/2025 07:11

You are not greedy. They asked a question and you gave them an honest answer. They are being incredibly unfair and I think their emotional response suggests they already know this.

I think they wanted you to lie and say you were fine with it and understood to ease their uncomfortable guilt.

You have done nothing wrong and should be proud of what you have achieved.

LeavesOnTrees · 28/06/2025 07:11

I think they should split the 160k equally, so 80k each to help you out.
That would be fair.

You are not being greedy, you needed help and didn't get it.

Newnamesagain · 28/06/2025 07:16

Do they add anything but hurt to your life? I'd take some time to think whether you'd be happier making a clean break and rebuilding your life.

I'm sorry to hear you've got such bad parents. It's not your fault.

TheSandgroper · 28/06/2025 07:17

I think you need to make your peace with the fact that your parents are enthralled with your sister. This may take time so allow that time in your heart.

Sadly, expect nothing from them, prepare for nothing from them and treat anything you do get as a surprise. Decide how you are going to behave towards them in the future and what your response to any expectations they may develop will be.

But make peace with yourself now.

Chester23 · 28/06/2025 07:19

I dont think you're being greedy at all. How they can help one but not the other I dont know. Especially with the children. They asked you're opinion, you gave it. They shouldn't have asked if they didn't want an answer

But I understand how you're feeling. End of last year my 13 year relationship broke down (luckily no children involved) but my family haven't supported me either. I have a house to pay for on my own now, my brother rents from my dad, also cheaply but my brother also told me he hasn't paid rent for ages and no one is keeping track of what is owed so he just pays so much. No one is helping me with my mortgage, my brother makes more money than me. My dad, brother, their partners and my brothers kids are currently on holiday together, i wasn't invited, in fact I only found out because someone else let my dad down in watering his garden.

Also had same issues as a kid with us and our cousins with grandparents. Believe me, its you're parents that will miss out on the relationship. I have nothing to do with my grandparents now.

BeachPossum · 28/06/2025 07:19

YANBU. There is a real imbalance in their behaviour towards you both and that must really sting. I think stepping back is a good idea. You are obviously really strong and capable; you're going to do really well.

Agix · 28/06/2025 07:20

They should help you out equally. You are not being unreasonable.

sorrynotathome · 28/06/2025 07:21

You give specific instances of where they have refused to help you. Did they say why? Eg the guarantor request - did your Dad say why? At first I thought you might be the strong quiet type that doesn’t ask for help and therefore everyone thinks they’re ok but clearly not. What reasons do they have for not helping you and have you ever really challenged them on this? What does your sister think?

BusWankers · 28/06/2025 07:21

I'd be reporting your sister for benefit fraud etc. she's essentially being given a £160k gift, she's taking the piss.

BIossomtoes · 28/06/2025 07:23

I don’t understand.

they bought a 2nd property to rent to her cheaper than the current market value.

If they’ve already bought her a house why are they buying another one?

Lafufufu · 28/06/2025 07:26

Yabnu

What i find fucking crazy is they are buying a THIRD house.
Why cant she stay as she is in their rental and they give YOU 160k now????
I would be asking this and be clear you need support too. You are single parent getting less in CMS than she gets in benefits and struggling badly.

In no dimension do these parents actually think this is fair. They know what they are doing is not fair.

You've literally told them its not fair and you aren't happy.

Anon2468 · 28/06/2025 07:27

BusWankers · 28/06/2025 07:21

I'd be reporting your sister for benefit fraud etc. she's essentially being given a £160k gift, she's taking the piss.

My ex did this to me knowing I was claiming universal credit while having a deposit for a property, it’s not fraud as the money is going into property and not into her bank account. I was interviewed and thoroughly assessed by HMRC and it’s legitimate. Just another example of my “supportive” ex partner who I can “rely on” in my parents opinion trying his best to bring me down lol.

OP posts:
ARingtoit · 28/06/2025 07:28

It's hard when you're viewed as the strong and capable one. I'm sorry you're going through this.

thepariscrimefiles · 28/06/2025 07:28

Telling you that you are greedy and disgusting is an awful thing for your parents to say, particularly when they asked for your opinion. You must feel so betrayed when you have never asked them for a penny or any practical help and all their resources, financial and support are directed to your sister.

The difference between how they treat your sister and how they treat you is so stark as to be almost abusive. Your financial situation is no better than your sister's yet you are offered no help or support. They don't bother with your children at all.

I would just cut them off completely. They sound like the sort of people that will expect you to provide support and care as they age, as your sister is too fragile to do anything.

They sound like horrible people and you will probably feel better when you don't have daily reminders of their ridiculous favouritism of your sister.

Anon2468 · 28/06/2025 07:30

BIossomtoes · 28/06/2025 07:23

I don’t understand.

they bought a 2nd property to rent to her cheaper than the current market value.

If they’ve already bought her a house why are they buying another one?

Because she needs a bigger house (currently a 2 bed) and they will sale this house once they’ve moved her in to her new place.

When I managed to reserve my house which is a 3 bed, I was told by my parents not to tell my sister as she will get upset as her house is smaller 🥴

OP posts:
gamerchick · 28/06/2025 07:31

They asked and you answered. Don't ask questions if there's a chance you won't like what's said to you. They asked because they know it's unfair but wanted you to validate it.

If they carry on with their crap I'd just withdraw from the relationship. They have your sister to care for them when the time comes and you have the resilience to cope. But it'll be a lot easier emotionally to cope without being reminded that they won't be there for you every time you see them.

Or if you want to go NC completely. Tell them that if they give your sister a gift like that, you'll be informing UC if it. You'll probably not be bothered by them again.

BIossomtoes · 28/06/2025 07:32

So they’re swapping one house for another? The time to get upset was when they bought the first one, surely?

stayathomer · 28/06/2025 07:32

As others have said they see you as the capable one. It doesn’t make it ok and you aren’t greedy. Maybe when talking about it again use the words ‘god I wish I’d had some of the help she has, the last year has almost killed me’ as they should hear it in black and white x

Alacartemenu · 28/06/2025 07:35

thepariscrimefiles · 28/06/2025 07:28

Telling you that you are greedy and disgusting is an awful thing for your parents to say, particularly when they asked for your opinion. You must feel so betrayed when you have never asked them for a penny or any practical help and all their resources, financial and support are directed to your sister.

The difference between how they treat your sister and how they treat you is so stark as to be almost abusive. Your financial situation is no better than your sister's yet you are offered no help or support. They don't bother with your children at all.

I would just cut them off completely. They sound like the sort of people that will expect you to provide support and care as they age, as your sister is too fragile to do anything.

They sound like horrible people and you will probably feel better when you don't have daily reminders of their ridiculous favouritism of your sister.

I agree with this. They sound really awful, and you would be benefit from taking a huge step back in your relationship with them. Every time see them is a fresh trauma for you and will add to your hurt.

I couldn't forgive them for not agreeing to be a guarantor at such a desperate time, whilst helping my sibling. You owe them nothing.

PussInBin20 · 28/06/2025 07:36

YANBU. I think they are saying that to you because they do feel a bit of guilt and lashed out as they don’t want to admit it. They probably wanted you to say you agreed with their plans.

I think you’re right, I would totally step back from them but I would also tell them all the things you wrote here.