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Parenting

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Wife Vs in law

9 replies

Czx · 16/04/2025 13:07

Hello everyone,
I am asking for some counselling about my wife treatment of my family.
Here is the story:
When my wife was pregnant, she was expecting beginning of April, my parents ask to come to our house to see their grandchildren.
A bit of context before. My parents live in the same country as us but at around 8h if travelling. Her family live in a different continent. Her mom stayed in our house for 3 months to help her after the delivery.
So as I was saying they told us they could come see us, at first, mid may. I told them, that it would be difficult because with my wife mom, the house would be a little small. I told them they could get an Airbnb but they were a bit offended. My wife told me that she wanted no-one for the first 3 months.
I ask her a bit later if mid June would be ok (so like 2months and a half) because my birthday and my mom are in June. She says, yes.
I called my parents to ask if it was okay for them. It was not, they could only come according to their holiday and other weekends were taken to take care of my nephews. So they could only beginning of June.
Here is a mistake I made, without asking my wife, I told them that it should be ok. But it was not...
She explained to me, and I understood that I was wrong.
So I called them to tell them that if they can only come beginning of June then they would not come.
My parents were not happy, they said that they don't understand, that they already planned their holiday accordingly, that it was not fair that her mom could come. My father especially, say that it will never forget what I did.

In the end, afterwards, my parents did not ask again to come, did not made any comments. Call me as usual once a week to see how the pregnancy was going or how the baby was going, they sent some gift (some clothes).
But since then my wife does not want to have my family come or go see my family for stays.
My family has planned an holiday in August with them, my 2 sisters and their children and us for 4 days (3 nights). And my wife does not want neither her or our daughter to go.
I agree that my parents have treated her badly once at the worst time (during pregnancy) but don't they need another chance ? And ain't it punishing my sisters and their children (nobody from my family has yet to see our daughter, it would be the first time)
My wife is afraid that my parents would be commenting, carry the baby while she doesn't want, or simply do as they themselves want. She really feel uncomfortable around them since this argument.
Also to know, my wife has only seen my parents twice (and she was liking them)
I offer her to create rules that if they don't follow we will leave the holiday.
But she doesn't trust me because of how I handled the first time...
What are your opinions?
I know that I should be defending my wife, but I don't know, I feel like she's a bit unfair.
PS: also her mom husband who was supposed to stay like a couple of day then pick her mom and go to sightseeing Europ. It suddenly changed and he was supposed to stay for 2 weeks at our place (even remote working) and it was fine for her. Well in the end, when he come her mom and he will take an Airbnb but she didn't know that...

OP posts:
Gundogday · 16/04/2025 13:11

I feel a bit sorry for your parents who want to see their grandchildren, but were denied several times.

I agree that they shouldn’t automatically assume they can stay at yours, but all they got was rejections. I think your wife should be apologising to them!

whowhatwerewhy · 16/04/2025 13:25

I think your wife is being unfair to your parents . Is she letting anyone else see your daughter, going out ?

Llamo · 16/04/2025 13:32

It sounds extremely unfair on you and your parents. If your wife feels that it's OK for her side of the family to visit and stay at your house then she should be "allowing" the same for your side. Ultimately, it was to be a joint decision regarding visitors of any kind. It's not soley up to her. If I were you, I'd stop being so passive and be a bit more assertive about your wishes.

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Klemamtine · 16/04/2025 13:34

This is how I felt. I was bleeding for weeks on end, my breasts were leaking milk all the time to the extent I had to quit breast pads and use breast shells, it was like a tap you could not turn off. You feel horrendous, flabby, not your best and then you are expected to host. Guests are fine but it is easier if you get a break from them so staying elsewhere is good and what my PIL did.

Your own Mum is different, usually she has been with you through starting your period, buying your first bra, it is a more intimate relationship.

Your parents should have been happy with the Airbnb offer and now are shooting themselves in the foot by being offhand.

However, it is most unusual to say no visitors for 3 months. This is your baby too and she is being unreasonable with timings. I feel like there is a massive backstory to this considering your wife is worried about your parents breaking boundaries. As a Mother of 2 sons I would be devastated if my son didn't speak up for his family being allowed to meet their grandchild. I had visitors day one in hospital from immediate family.

MightyGoldBear · 16/04/2025 14:25

It sounds like your family and you have lost your wives trust. Is there a back story?

As a mother of three boys I'd want them to prioritise their wife and child first. Let them heal from birth and be comfortable. I could absolutely wait 3 months or whenever till it was a better time. But then I would of tried to have a better relationship prior to birth with all of you. And prior to birth spoke about expectations and help that I could be. Even if that's stay away.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 16/04/2025 14:28

Your wife sounds controlling and unpleasant and you're going along with it to keep the peace.
It's your babyctoo.

user1492757084 · 16/04/2025 14:38

Try to convince your wife to go on the August family holiday.
Would she agree if you had a more private room and if you agreed that she and the baby would rest and sleep in late every morning and be able to retire not too late every evening and if you would walk with her, alone, for a half hour every day?

It is not sustainable, long term, to dislike your in-laws. Your wife needs to apologise and forge a better, trusting, relationship with your family. That is best for your daughter, for you and your wife.

Bigearringsbigsmile · 16/04/2025 15:09

And you were not wrong to want your parents to meet your child before she was 3 months old!

Orangemintcream · 16/04/2025 15:11

You said they treated her badly - how ?

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