Just spent a miserable Easter staying with DP's brother and family. They always make a huge effort when we stay, but somehow the chemistry of having his family around and trying to impress makes BIL go a bit weird.
He started a huge argument with SIL over absolutely nothing on Saturday night. He shouted that they should go upstairs, so they could 'sort it out'. Their 2 poor children looked terrified and started crying and there was much shouting and yelling. SIL saying he shouldn't threaten violence. Him saying she was an embarrassment and a disgrace. Then it all calmed down and things just sort of went back to normal (though obviously v. tense and awkward). There were no apologies. SIL told kids that mummies and daddies sometimes argued and not to worry. But BIL did not apologise or explain or anything, just carried on as normal.
It was awful. And I'm so worried for their kids. The younger one (3) looked so miserable a lot of the time. SIL claims he's only bad when his family are around. But she shouldn't tolerate him treating her like that EVER! I don't know what to do or say. DP is worried but doesn't want to get involved. This is not the first time this has happened. Personally I think they need to split up but DP says they couldn't afford to. There doesn't seem to be much love left between them, but who knows...? At the very least BIL needs anger management.
So what should I do... I feel I should say something to SIL but what...???