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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go on holiday

9 replies

graygoose · 19/01/2026 08:50

I'm a single mum to DD (2). I live next door to my parents but my mum currently lives with me as things are not good between her and my dad, though they rub along.

I work full time, DD is in nursery, my dad helps with pick up and drop off, ex-DH helps AND I have a nanny to pick up the slack (yes, I'm very privileged but I work hard and earn enough money to cut myself some slack so I can work).

I want to get away for a few days next with my partner. I first put it to mum as an FYI and she insisted I don't go. She had cancer last year but has been given the clear and is on the mend massively. The entire time she had cancer she stayed with me and I helped care for her on top of everything (hence nanny was a god send).

She has a follow up scan and said she can't possibly say whether I can go until she gets those results. Now she's had the results, the doctor gave her the all clear but she's worried about some spots she saw and says she wants another scan, which is now scheduled for mid-Feb.

Bearing in mind, I have completely arrange DD's care while I am away, I planned to be away for 3 nights, nanny is doing extra shifts, ex-DH is doing nursery pick up and putting her to bed and my dad will stay at my house overnight in case DD needs anything, though she generally sleeps through these days

I have done absolutely everything to ensure as little disruption to DD as possible, already feeling guilty about going away without her for the first time she was born. And my mum has been piling on the guilt about it as if somehow it makes things worse for her.

AIBU to go anyway? I'm just at the end of my tether with the guilt and constantly caring for everyone in this house and then being made to feel like a selfish cow and shit daughter and mother for going away for 3 and a half days. I really feel like my mother has done a number on me.

OP posts:
Chefpig · 19/01/2026 08:53

Absolutely go and have an amazing time. Am I right in thinking your mum will not be looking after your dd in this time? If that's the case, she's being very controlling.

Lennonjingles · 19/01/2026 08:55

I cannot see why you cannot go considering everyone else is fine with you going away, you need to tell your DM that you need a break.

Obscurity · 19/01/2026 08:56

graygoose · 19/01/2026 08:50

I'm a single mum to DD (2). I live next door to my parents but my mum currently lives with me as things are not good between her and my dad, though they rub along.

I work full time, DD is in nursery, my dad helps with pick up and drop off, ex-DH helps AND I have a nanny to pick up the slack (yes, I'm very privileged but I work hard and earn enough money to cut myself some slack so I can work).

I want to get away for a few days next with my partner. I first put it to mum as an FYI and she insisted I don't go. She had cancer last year but has been given the clear and is on the mend massively. The entire time she had cancer she stayed with me and I helped care for her on top of everything (hence nanny was a god send).

She has a follow up scan and said she can't possibly say whether I can go until she gets those results. Now she's had the results, the doctor gave her the all clear but she's worried about some spots she saw and says she wants another scan, which is now scheduled for mid-Feb.

Bearing in mind, I have completely arrange DD's care while I am away, I planned to be away for 3 nights, nanny is doing extra shifts, ex-DH is doing nursery pick up and putting her to bed and my dad will stay at my house overnight in case DD needs anything, though she generally sleeps through these days

I have done absolutely everything to ensure as little disruption to DD as possible, already feeling guilty about going away without her for the first time she was born. And my mum has been piling on the guilt about it as if somehow it makes things worse for her.

AIBU to go anyway? I'm just at the end of my tether with the guilt and constantly caring for everyone in this house and then being made to feel like a selfish cow and shit daughter and mother for going away for 3 and a half days. I really feel like my mother has done a number on me.

Yes go on your break without feeling guilty.

Your mum and her problems can wait for 3 nights (she does have her DH in an emergency) and your DD is being well cared for.

BloodyHellBob · 19/01/2026 09:01

Definitely go on your break. Your mum is a big girl now and can sort herself considering she’s had the all clear! If this is the way your mum gets on with you I can see why she and your dad don’t live together.

BePinkOrca · 19/01/2026 09:09

Your mum 🤣, she’s had the all clear. You have been a carer for a year, enjoy the break, you deserve it. She’s probably just anxious as you clearly have become the adult in your relationship.. and someone she depends on, she will be fine though it’s not long and you will be contactable.

Cardinalita90 · 19/01/2026 09:15

"She can't say if I can go" - you're a grown adult, you don't need your mum to say if you're allowed to go on holiday! You need to set a boundary here and hold it or she'll keep finding reasons for you not to go.

mamajong · 19/01/2026 11:06

At first i thought yabu as you wanted dm to look after dd but actually thats not the case if i am reading correctly, in which case yanbu your dm has feck all say! Does she not like your partner? Weird that shes teyimg to stop you?!

graygoose · 20/01/2026 06:54

Thanks all for your replies. To clarify, no, DM is not involved with DD's care at all. She spends time with her, obviously, but when I am not around DD's core care is from the nanny, my dad who does pick up and drop off and ex-DH who puts her to bed. Me going away does not put any extra strain or duties on DM whatsoever, and I have worked hard to make it so.

I'm going on the holiday - final push was my therapist telling me to eff DM and do what makes me happy, noting that DD will have no disruption (other than me not physically being there) and DM doesn't have to lift a finger.

The positive responses were needed though, thank you all!

OP posts:
Zillyzillyzillymouse · 20/01/2026 06:58

Have a lovely break, you’ve definitely earned it.

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