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AIBU to not want overbearing MIL around

10 replies

keylovesAva · 05/01/2019 22:23

I have a 2.4 DD and a 6 week old DD2 naturally it is hard day to day. However the last 6 weeks my husband and I have been managing with the two well as he's been on paternity leave. There are times that i have found it difficult in terms of juggling the two having a toddler who requires a lot of attention, she is well mannered and overall good but she's still his high-energy and sometimes I just feel exhausted. Having a newborn is another level completely with a toddler.

Just some context, my mother-in-law used to look after my 2-year-old when I was at work for about a year for 3 days a week. I would say about 50% of the time I struggled with it a great deal as my MIL is very overbearing and does not listen when I give instructions in regards to DD1..she would do her own thing. This created a lot of tension and difficult conversation between my husband and I who often would go in her favour because obviously she's his mum and he always thinks that she has the children's best interests at heart. He also talked about her experience as professional nanny and seeing me as a first time mum- I may not know much.

I found it a very draining and now my husband will be returning back to work soon and he is asked me what kind of help I need and has said that MIL can come in during the day. I know I shouldn't but I internally cringe because I just don't want any more drama I don't want to not be listening to I don't want to be rude and I don't want her doing things around the house I don't appreciate or need.
She uses our house as s storage facility for her old tat. I've said repeatedly that we don't have much space for extra things lying around and the clutter makes me annoyed but she still brings it anyway saying we have more space than her. We have been implementing discipline for the toddler but she goes against that and tries to dismiss our efforts when are toddler is acting up.

I've explained this to my husband and he says sometimes you have to take the good with the bad and if she's offering help just grin and bear it - but I find an affair. This is my home and a lot of the time I kind of just sit up stairs waiting for the time to go when she eventually leaves which sounds horrible but it's just so overwhelming and annoying.

I am in a position where I have a DD1 and a DD2 and a few hours out of the day would probably be helpful but what do I do?? accept the help, grin and bear it.

It does help that my two year old goes to nursery 2 days a week so it's really just those 3 days.

Just wondered if anyone has been through anything similar or has any advice.

Thanks x

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
RandomMess · 05/01/2019 22:39

I would just say "I want to manage on our own" I don't think it's worth the cost...

PositivelyPERF · 05/01/2019 22:52

It sounds really tough, but would it be a help if she came one day a week, to look after your toddler, while you have a rest or take yourself out for the day?

pileoflaundry · 05/01/2019 23:01

I'd say, "That's a lovely offer MIL, but as I am maternity leave I don't need any help."

When your DC play up, imagine how much harder it would be if MIL was there to 'help', and be glad to have the house to yourself.

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Santaisfastasleepatlast · 05/01/2019 23:05

Tell dh thousands of women manage with 2 dc and you intend to be one of them.
Mil can visit an afternoon agreed by you, dh can make tea when he gets home then take her home!!

Fabaunt · 05/01/2019 23:56

How much, if any, help would you like? This is your family and your home. If you would rather no help then say no. If you’d like an afternoon of help, accept that.

bluesky45 · 06/01/2019 00:04

Could your toddler go to her house for some of the time? My ds goes to my parents 1 day a week and my in laws 1 day a week. I'm pregnant with ds2 and will continue to send my ds1 to my parents 1 day and in laws 1 day. Luckily, dp does the drop off and pick up as they both live near his work, so when baby arrives, we will just stay at home and chill or get out to classes in our own time. Hopefully it will give ds1 some time to be spoilt just him, without the new baby around, and I'll get some time to bond with baby and do the classes that ds1 can't join us for. Since your MIL has dd before the baby came along, maybe she could carry on, or drop it down to a couple if afternoons or just 1 day or whatever suits you. Then MIL will still feel helpful and you will have the opportunity to spend time with just baby. Thats my plan anyway but ds2 hasn't been born yet so we will see how it actually pans out!

Twirliegig · 06/01/2019 00:05

Can your dd1 go to mil’s House instead of mil coming to yours?

Jackshouse · 06/01/2019 08:03

Or can MIL take DD out to toddler group or other activities?

crazychemist · 06/01/2019 09:00

I agree with PP, can MIL just take your DD1 out for activities rather than coming to your house? Otherwise it sounds far more grief than it’s worth, especially as you have a couple of days of nursery. Besides, hopefully once you’re out of newborn phase it will get easier. You might be feeling more anxious because I bet you’re tired.

Lots of sympathy about the stuff at your house, my MIL says “just stick it in plastic bags if it’s bothering you” [hmmm] can’t really see how that helps, personally!

seven201 · 06/01/2019 09:13

If you don't want her there than don't accept the offer of help. Most women don't have someone come in to help during the week. You'll be fine. It's only 3 days! If you want to you could get MIL to take your toddler out to a class or something once a week.

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