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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

relationship with my mother....

6 replies

AliGrylls · 25/05/2010 00:08

I am really struggling with my mother and need to know if this is me or her.

She has always been a really dominant and, what I would describe, as pretty dogmatic woman (although at heart she really means well). I always put up with it until recently when I had DS (now 11 1/2 months) I decided I needed to be more assertive with her because it would not be good for my relationship with DS - I figure how could he respect a mother who could not even stand up to her own mother.

Anyway, the past year has been a trial in our relationship. First of all I had to tell her to butt out when she was telling me what I should be doing with him and more recently it has felt as though she has been avoiding me / doesn't actually want to see me or him.

Fast forward to now: She hasn't seen him on his own for approx 2 months and has said I should separate myself from him because he is getting separation anxiety (I feel he cries because he doesn't know her well enough); She booked to go away for the weekend of DS' birthday (in isolation I could understand); She was meant to be babysitting him tomorrow but has blown me out for about the millionth time for my sister (in sister's defence she needs more help than I do as she has twins); she has now booked a week for us to go away to Cornwall without agreeing the location first. I told her this evening it was a really long way and I was thinking of going by train / plane to Newquay and she really laid into me and told me I was spoiling DS (I will also be nearly 6 months pregnant at time of travelling).

I am really struggling to deal with her and am on the verge of giving up trying to be adult and reverting to my old techniques of ducking issues just for an easy life.

AIBU for getting annoyed by her. Would IBU for reverting to excuse making.

OP posts:
MillyR · 25/05/2010 00:12

I think you should stand up for yourself to get what you want for you and your child, such as not making journeys more difficult for yourself.

I don't think it will make any difference to your relationship with your mother. It is very hard to get people to change if they have been treating you a certain way for your whole life.

lavenderbongo · 25/05/2010 00:17

Start doing what you think is right - your Mum will just have to put up with it. No parent is perfect and everyone has issues with theirs. You just have to do what you think is right for your son and yourself.

It doesn't sound like you are spoiling your son at all - It is very difficult for your Mum to see you as anything other than her child. I find when I am around my parents I suddenly stop being a 30(ish) year old woman and revert to being a stroppy teenager. I am not sure there is anything you can do about it. Just make sure you prioritise yourself and your son.

colditz · 25/05/2010 00:17

YANBU

You don't have to deliberately make your own life difficult. I'm very assertive but even i dodge and make excuses when I've had enough and can't be bothered.

sapell3 · 25/05/2010 00:43

I would suggest reading a book on assertiveness, such as A Woman In Your Own Right. There are ways you can reach a win-win situation without being aggressive or a doormat.

kentDee · 25/05/2010 00:43

YANBU. Im in the same boat as you. Its taking me a while to realise I cant go through life pleasing her. Just concentrate on you and your own family- you have to do whats right for yourself and children.

AliGrylls · 25/05/2010 10:53

I ordered that book - I actually really think I need it. I tend to flip from doormat to seeing red within less than a second most of the time. Thank you.

OP posts:
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