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Mother in law

4 replies

M2025 · 09/01/2025 10:17

My mother in law and I have (not for want of trying) difficult relationship. We basically are similar but different people. She has other grand children and a daughter in law who she worships. When she is with my child she is on the phone to her other grand children. I know she means well (as I do believe people generally don’t set out to be mean) but i feel she undermines me in relation to my child saying they are tired/over stimulated. Dictates she is talking the child on a walk without asking my permission. When it comes to gifts for the other grandchildren, she always makes the point to us what we need to get them/ reminds us several times of birthdays etc. Yet i am never asked what my child would like or even need as a gift.

She never messages me to ask about my child. Has cancelled on days she is meant to see my child for other plans.

I Have in the past initiated conversations and sent photos of my child/ shared updates. But now I am feeling what is the point. What should I do? What can I do differently?

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JammySlag · 09/01/2025 10:20

Drop the rope. Leave any contact up to your DH. And if she asks to visit, tell your DH and let him contact her and arrange for when he’s there. Don’t bother reminding her when children’s birthdays are, she should be able to remember that herself if she isn’t senile.

Anytime she challenges you, just a that doesn’t work for us, and takeover firmly.

She has a golden child (presumably that’s why there is a golden dil), you’ll never get her to like you. I’ve been where you are and wasted so much time

DecoratingDiva · 13/01/2025 23:14

All you can do is stop trying & stop caring, you cannot do anything to change her behaviour.

Yes it hurts that she favours the other grandchildren but it is her loss that she doesn’t want to know your child. Just leave her to it and foster relationships with other adults who are actually interested in your child.

Your child will not miss the relationship that has never been there with her so don’t worry about that.

Swiftie1878 · 14/01/2025 07:55

You can’t force things, so stop caring so much. Let your OH navigate this one, and just take what she offers that suits YOU. Be prepared to say, ‘that won’t work for us today’, and get on with your life!

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TinyMouseTheatre · 14/01/2025 07:56

My "D"M is a grade A narcissist and this is pretty much how she conducts herself.

Learn how to Grey Rock and like the other posters have suggested, concentrate on more healthy relationships. You're not going to change her, you just have to learn how to protect yourself and your DC Flowers

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