Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

How to manage when DSis is LC with mother

7 replies

HellonHeels · 04/06/2018 16:08

Just as it says in the title really. My sister is very LC with our DM. Background is that DM was pretty awful during our childhood - very critical, self-absorbed, angry, controlling, unkind. If she and DSis argued, she had form for driving off in a rage and leaving us alone so we didn't know where she was or if she was coming back.

Parents split up when we were 10 and 14 but before that there were horrible rows and sniping, domestic abuse (dad violent to us kids on occasion and to DM on occasion; no one - DM or other family - ever stepped in when he was violent to us).

Since DSis had children I think she's really felt the impact of this a lot more, it was an eye opener to me to recall what was happening to us at similar ages to my DNs, they were so little and vulnerable.

So that's the background and I understand completely why DSis is LC. I'm medium contact and feel better if maintain links with DM. however DM spoils any conversation with constant hassling about DSis - have I seen her, have I heard from her, how DSis never answers the phone to her. I don't engage with this, brush it off or change the subject or say we haven't spoken recently (true, we never speak on the phone, only text). We probably speak every 10 - 14 days and if it's longer than that I get a bit of rage from DM about how I'm never in touch. (I live abroad so we don't see each other face to face). Conversations are generally not enjoyable though sometimes we can have a laugh. Could I handle it better? Is there a way of getting her to stop hassling me about my DSis?

OP posts:
SeaEagleFeather · 04/06/2018 18:37

First off, have you said "I don't want to discuss her?"

I can think is training her ... patronizing but possibly the only option.

When she brings up your sister, say "i don't want to talk about her" and if she keeps on, say "I don't want to discuss her at all, I'll ring you in 14 days" and literally get off the line. Rinse and repeat.

She'll be furious and might create a storm, ringing you or apping you or being thoroughly unpleasant, but over time hopefully she will get the message. Just keep very firm in your convictions and actions. She does sound a very difficult woman, so you might have to keep your feet steadily planted here.

If she doesn't respond to even this, then you're left with a difficult choice of either stepping away from her yourself, or putting up with the hassle.

Possibly someone has better idea!

HellonHeels · 04/06/2018 21:05

Thank you feather must admit I haven't addressed it directly with her and that's a good suggestion. I'm a terrible people pleaser so I think I've been avoiding it.

OP posts:
Aussiebean · 04/06/2018 21:22

Have to agree. Don’t enter the conversation. Say it once that you won’t discuss it.

If she continues, reiterate that you won’t discuss it, and tell her if she continues you will hang up and talk to her next week (or whenever)

If she continues, say you are hanging up now and will speak to her whenever you said you would again.

Hang up.

Then either turn off phone or put it on silent and walk away for a bit. Because my guess is you will be a bit overwhelmed the first few times you do it. Especially if you are a people pleaser.

Next phone call ( when you said you would and not before ) carry on like normal, if she brings it up remind her the first time that you will hang up if she insists on speaking about your sister. Then repeat.

picklemepopcorn · 04/06/2018 21:28

You need to actually write down, and practice saying, the phrases before you call. Find a few that are comfortable for you and non challenging.

She's fine as far as I know, but I don't want to talk about her. What are you doing tomorrow?
Let's not talk about her, tell me about (something she cares about).
I don't like being stuck in the middle of you two, so I won't talk about it any more. Have I told you about my new car/holiday/something she might be interested by.

Try and stay calm and cool.

HellonHeels · 06/06/2018 21:58

Thanks everyone, really helpful suggestions. Had to take a break from this because I found I'd become very agitated when I read the responses. Seems it all goes a bit deeper than I realised. Very grateful for the support Flowers

OP posts:
picklemepopcorn · 06/06/2018 22:23

Thanks hope you feel better soon. It can all feel very intense.

Aussiebean · 07/06/2018 07:51

Fair enough. It is very hard to see what’s happening and then, When you do, it’s scary and overwhelming. I have often had to take a break until
I am stronger to continue.

Good luck Flowers

New posts on this thread. Refresh page