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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

MILs demands

38 replies

TinyKite · 15/10/2024 08:53

Sorry this is long. Since having our child (E) my 12 year relationship with MIL has become more fractured and recently fell apart to the point she can now only communicate through DH. Since E was born she has made what we assume are jokes that E is being ‘starved’ (E gets weight checked every month locally they’re in 43rd percentile now) and that they’re a ‘poor child’. This happens at least 4 times a visit and has been witnessed by people multiple times, she keeps telling my partner and even told my mum I ‘worry her’ but again this is a ‘joke’. Her new husband also keeps going through my social media and bringing up how I dressed and parties I went to in college (I dressed like a typical miserable teenager and teetotal partied so I find that just abit weird). She is the only grandparent that is not yet retired and every week would give me 12-24 hours notice that she wants to come and see E. If I said we had plans that day or took too long to reply she would call DH and say I was ignoring her or stopping her seeing E, so every week I would have to cancel plans so she could see E or face a shitty phone call. Before we went on holiday all grandparents wanted to see E, when MIL got here she was visibly unhappy that my M was there too (i staggered everyone with time slots MIL law late). E was asleep because MIL never meets on time. She then started shouting that I’m stopping her from seeing E and kept flitting between 3 other arguments that have nothing to do with E or myself, we went around in a circle for 40 mins with her shouting, demanding apologies, me crying until she left. I have now said I will not meet her by myself as I feel cannot trust her. She then texted (12 hours notice) demanding to see E again I said only on Monday because DH will be there for it. She got angry, so much I had to ask DH to handle communication. Since then she has met up with us and E a few times (her still giving 12 hours notice) however at the last one she is demanding E sees the other grandparents less because ‘it’s not fair to me’ (we live next door to FIL and she doesn’t want us to be outside in our garden when he is in his). I quite frankly am flabbergasted by the demands and it’s causing tension between myself and DH he doesn’t agree with her actions but due to their relationship issues he doesn’t want to let her down. My M thinks I should talk to her head on and put her in her place but I get so anxious about confrontation and my friends think I should demand to cut her out but I feel bad for E. I just don't know what to do anymore.

OP posts:
Gymmum82 · 15/10/2024 08:56

I’d completely cut her off. I would never see or speak to her again.
If your husband wants the child to have a relationship with her he facilitates it and takes her himself. She’d never set foot in my home again

Cuppachuchu · 15/10/2024 09:04

She's bullying and harassing you. I don't understand how she thinks this behaviour will get her what she wants.
I would be cutting contact with her, let your partner deal with her.

Blackberriesandcobwebs · 15/10/2024 09:10

Does she have other DC or grandchildren? She sounds very controlling and a poor communicator.

As PP above have said, plus fgs don't use her for childcare as it sounds like she'd never listen or respect your wishes.

traybake81 · 15/10/2024 09:25

Your husband seems to be this spineless presence hovering around in the background spectating all of this

traybake81 · 15/10/2024 09:26

due to their relationship issues he doesn’t want to let her down.

how can you be with someone as pathetic as this op?

averylongtimeago · 15/10/2024 09:28

She sounds bonkers. Just reduce contact- leave organization to your DH. If she starts shouting when you are out, walk away. If she says mean things, roll your eyes and say "not this again, I trust the advice from the baby clinic"

And block her on social media so they can't go scrolling through your timeline!

BellaBlythe · 15/10/2024 09:45

Did you really organise time slots for Grand Parents to visit? That is over organising by OP.

LettyToretto · 15/10/2024 09:51

What they all said plus especially what @traybake81 said.

I'm not criticising you because your MIL is completely off the charts, but your mum is right: put this histrionic bitch in her place. Don't reason with her. Then, step away and DH deals with it all. Cut her off yourself, go NC.

StrawberryWater · 15/10/2024 09:54

BellaBlythe · 15/10/2024 09:45

Did you really organise time slots for Grand Parents to visit? That is over organising by OP.

She was about to go on holiday and had multiple people wanting a baby fix.

The only think OP did wrong was not telling them all to bog off so she could prepare for her holiday in peace.

StrawberryWater · 15/10/2024 09:58

OP, just tell her to get stuffed and you won't be dancing to her tune. Then block her number. Your husband can deal with her (and yes he needs to step up and stop being so spineless). She's an awful woman.

If she starts spouting 'grandparents rights' (a favourite of narcissistic people) then just laugh. There's no such think in the UK.

ImNoSuperman · 15/10/2024 10:01

You have a DH problem. Tell him your (combined your) child will see her other grandparents as often as you wish. His mother can see your child when he takes her there. Once a week, scheduled. There will be no more 12 hour notice and you won't change any plans. If he can't man up then he can go live with his mummy.

wheretoyougonow · 15/10/2024 10:04

I say this nicely but you are too much of a people pleaser. No wonder you are anxious.

You say you want to cut her out but worry about E. what actual benefit does she bring to your child as I can't see any.

You really need to put your own boundaries in and address this with your husband (easier said than done). I would start by insisting that all communication has to go through her own son so you are not the one organising/pandering to her. How dare she dictate when she's coming, who can see your baby and when you have to cancel plans for her.

If you are worried about doing this just imagine how much harder it's going to be when she retires and wants a lot more access/say. Good luck.

MeMyCatsAndI · 15/10/2024 10:09

I'd completely cut her off.

Your husband can take your DD round to hers when he's free. Simple.

coolkatt · 15/10/2024 10:10

If she wants to see E then DH takes Eto her house. Every single time. By himself. Cut her off. U don't need this crap. How dare she dictate who sees E and for how long! Idiot

Ghostcushion · 15/10/2024 11:28

I thought mine was bonkers!!! She sounds unhinged.

LookItsMeAgain · 15/10/2024 13:28

Your mother is right.
Stand up for yourself and for your child.
Just because your MiL says "Jump" you do not have to comply and say "How high?"
What I would do and say to her in your shoes to both your DH and to his mother is this "As MiL regularly ends up contacting DH when it appears to her that I don't respond to her messages promptly enough for her satisfaction, I have decided that ALL communications going forwards must go to DH from MiL and FiL. I will not be responding to any communications from MiL and FiL. Any future arrangements to meet E again, DH will facilitate. I am not withholding access but DH must arrange and facilitate any and all future access. It's such a pity that it has come to this but I see no way to amicably move forward as I will not subject myself to such open hostility or negativity. DH and I will review this arrangement regularly but any interference from MiL or FiL or any other relative/friend advocating on their behalf will result in access to E being revoked entirely"

Block them then on all social media - particularly the creepy new husband going back through your social media - that's worrisome.

Then let your DH deal with whatever fall out there will be. I can't imagine that she will allow this to go without a fight but my advice is for you to not get involved in that fight.

Beamur · 15/10/2024 14:04

I'd imagine your DH has been bullied all his life and his tactics are to keep the peace. But you need to have a united front here.
Your MIL is demanding rights she doesn't have.
I'd channel all communication through your DH so she can't try to divide and conquer and take yourself out of it entirely.
Agree between you that you will see MIL only when both of you are available.
The amount of time you see your Mum is immaterial really but maybe don't rub your MIL nose in it by doing it in full view.

Beamur · 15/10/2024 14:04

Lock down your social media too.

traybake81 · 15/10/2024 14:57

all those suggesting the dh take the daughter alone to this mother… I wouldn’t have this woman within a 5 mile radius of my child, let alone visiting her with my weak husband and i’m not present

LettyToretto · 15/10/2024 15:06

traybake81 · 15/10/2024 14:57

all those suggesting the dh take the daughter alone to this mother… I wouldn’t have this woman within a 5 mile radius of my child, let alone visiting her with my weak husband and i’m not present

I was one of these PPs, however, it's more because it's an empty "threat". No way is spineless DH actually going to get off his ass and take the kid there. He clearly doesn't warm to his mother either, just gives in to demands. Long story short, this will manifest as MIL makes the demand and DH will end up at "you can meet her home when DW isn't here", at best

YourMommaWasASnowblower · 15/10/2024 15:07

She’s an entitled control freak. She doesn’t get to dictate like that. If you (or actually your DH) don’t put your foot down now she is going to ruin your family.
Shes the type that would eventually try and drive a wedge between you and your child.

TentEntWenTyfOur · 15/10/2024 15:12

traybake81 · 15/10/2024 09:26

due to their relationship issues he doesn’t want to let her down.

how can you be with someone as pathetic as this op?

Exactly. If he has relationship issues with her, how can it possibly fair that he is now foisting issues onto his wife and child. Why should they have to cope with this batshit MIL as well?

@TinyKite I'd be telling her two words, the second of which is 'off'. And if your spineless DH doesn't like it - tough. It's about time he stood up to her.

traybake81 · 15/10/2024 15:17

LettyToretto · 15/10/2024 15:06

I was one of these PPs, however, it's more because it's an empty "threat". No way is spineless DH actually going to get off his ass and take the kid there. He clearly doesn't warm to his mother either, just gives in to demands. Long story short, this will manifest as MIL makes the demand and DH will end up at "you can meet her home when DW isn't here", at best

hell yes this spineless dh will take his child

he’s spineless when it comes to his mother

i very much doubt he’s spineless when it comes to the Op, esp given he’s got the balls to tell the Op he won’t be doing anything to back her

lovenotwar149 · 15/10/2024 15:25

Going on what you state..OMG OMG. She's showing bullying/controlling behaviour for sure. DO NO tolerate this...DO NOT.
YOU get to decide how people treat you...you set those rules. Be unapologetic about it too.
I really hope your DH has your back. Keep cool, show polite civil behaviour but man dont be afraid to say no ...this doesn't work for me!!!
THIS DOESNT WORK FOR ME!!

lovenotwar149 · 15/10/2024 15:29

My relationship changed for the better when I stood up to my MIL. Face on, one to one. I told her how I felt when she said.......
She wasn't anything like yours but she did say mean things infant of others. She knew I wouldn't say anything. I used to take it and then vent to my DH. He wasn't able to speak up to her. I did it myself. My DH then started speaking up to her too , interesting that isn't it!
She minimised a bit, denied things too, but slowly and surely she stopped her belittling remarks

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