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In restrained lioness mode

(67 Posts)
vampirequeen Tue 19-Dec-17 22:37:24

Sorry need to vent.

Today is DGS1 birthday and because of unforeseen events we had to visit at the same time as DDs MIL and SIL. I usually try to avoid visit clashes because when DGS1 was born she made it quite clear that she was going to be the ‘real’ grandma and I was simply the second one. I didn’t mind because tbh I didn’t take her seriously. However on the odd occasion we have met she ignores me completely. It’s a little uncomfortable but what the hell it’s her loss. She obviously liked being a hands on grandma, changing nappies and having sleepless nights because she insisted on the babies sleeping at her house on occasion. I preferred to have a good night’s sleep and hand the baby back when he/she cries. My baby time is over. I raised my children my way and now it’s their turn to do it the way they see fit. Not that I wouldn’t be there like a shot if DD needed me but she doesn’t. She’s a good mum who is perfectly capable of bringing up her children.
Anyway back to this evening. When we arrived I said ‘hello’ and, as usual, was ignored. I noticed that DD seemed to be deliberately being cut out of any conversation by MIL and SIL. I know they both dote on SIL but I hadn’t realised how much. He and the grandchildren are the centre of their worlds. I’ve never seen anything quite like it before. They fawned over him, hanging on his every word and vying for his and the children’s attention.
After they’d gone I quietly said to her that I’d been ignored again and her reply shocked me. She said not to worry as they ignore her all the time. I could see she was peeved but it’s just the way it is.
Of course I’m now in lioness mode. How dare they ignore my DD!!!! If it wasn’t for her going through pregnancy and childbirth they wouldn’t have the grandchildren. They obviously think she’s not good enough for their darling boy and don’t even try to hide it. Who the hell do they think they are? SIL is a nice lad who’s easy to get on with but even if he wasn’t I wouldn’t be rude and ignore him. I’m being restrained because there is no point in causing trouble with the other family as it would only come back on DD but I’m furious that they treat her this way.

MissAdventure Tue 19-Dec-17 22:44:06

Vent away. I haven't got any advice: there probably isn't any, but I would be livid too. What a pair fools they sound, they have a lovely family, and choose to ignore half of it.

Bibbity Tue 19-Dec-17 23:15:19

This is ridiculous. And I'm sorry but your SIL is my nice. Your daughter deserves so much better.
Could you encourage her to bring it up?

Deedaa Tue 19-Dec-17 23:18:43

I don't know what to say Vampire They sound hideous! I can't come up with any helpful suggestions but I totally understand your fury. Perhaps the grandchildren will see through them as they get older.

Greyduster Wed 20-Dec-17 07:38:47

Not nice people, vampire, by the sound of it. I have a lot of sympathy. My DD’s inlaws were not nice either and there were times when I could have given them a large piece of my mind not only for the way they treated DD but our - their - grandson. There is now no contact between them at all. In fact, when the other gran paid a very rare visit recently, it was as if she and GS were a pair of strangers who had just been introduced. Your SiL should man up and take his parents in hand.

Rosina Wed 20-Dec-17 10:08:14

They sounds like misguided people, who are missing out on friendship with you, and spoiling what could be a close and loving relationship with your DD. Not at all pleasant for you, but they must lead sad lives, boiling away in their own bile. As time goes on the children will see how they behave and it won't impress them; however perhaps by then they might realise that we each have our own relationship with the children, everyone has a part to play and there is always enough love to go around. 'Sorry you had a nasty visit but you have your own happier life, and no doubt grateful you are not like that silly pair!

luluaugust Wed 20-Dec-17 10:08:26

She is obviously very thick skinned or she would realise just what trouble your DD could cause her if she wanted to, how rude apart from anything else. I expect, as ever, you are right to keep out but like you I would be longing to say quite a lot.

radicalnan Wed 20-Dec-17 10:09:43

They sound like a pair of arses, what could they say if they spoke??? Better off not having to engage with them.

Your SIL should take the initiative and tell them to be have or stay away.

Zorro21 Wed 20-Dec-17 10:11:46

You should try being a step mother or step grandmother - then you'd really know what its like to be ignored !!!!

Christinefrance Wed 20-Dec-17 10:14:24

I agree your son in law should not allow his parents to treat his wife this way. That said it's their problem and as always we have to keep our lip buttoned. Vent away VQ they sound awful.

maryhoffman37 Wed 20-Dec-17 10:14:55

It's unusual that the father's mothers claim primacy, as it's usually the other way round. I have three daughters and have bent over backwards to make sure the two MILs, my co-grandmothers, have felt equally included in loving our DGC and being loved in return.

I am very sorry for the OP and her daughter. But the SIL needs to speak up and put a stop to it.

Coconut Wed 20-Dec-17 10:18:30

Does this situation not get to your DD ? To say “ it’s just the way it is” is just enabling the extremely ignorant behaviour to continue. It’s really up to her and your son in law to address it. Maybe they just tolerate it for a quiet life, however, if not addressed these issues with dominating people, usually escalate. I cannot understand why Son in law would find it acceptable that his wife is ignored. You are clearly being ignored in the hope that you will feel so uncomfortable that you will just go away, but with your DD I fail to see what they are trying to achieve. The danger is that as the grandchildren get older they will be poisoned against you. Your DD should not be bullied into her “ insisting” on sleep overs etc she needs to get control back ASAP and may need your help with that. So hope things get better for you, it would annoy me just as much as you.

Beejo Wed 20-Dec-17 10:18:43

Oh, I'm so with you on this Vampirequeen. My family situation is not the same but just as difficult (involving step children and a slightly bonkers ex-wife). I don't think you can do anything other than rise above it and take every opportunity to avoid them. It's horrible but some people just aren't worth the energy we waste on them.
On some level, they know exactly what they're doing so for your own sake, never let them see that you're bothered by their infantile behaviour and try to keep smiling grin

icanhandthemback Wed 20-Dec-17 10:19:04

Sorry but your SIL is obviously as horrible as they are because he allows the situation to continue. Anybody who thinks the children will notice and treat your DD differently is being overly hopeful. They will probably see this as the norm because they won’t know any different. Your DD would be better to be less passive about it and insist she is treated with the civility and respect she deserves in front of her children. I don’t mean to sound strident but I am angry on her behalf too so I can’t imagine how furious you must feel.

Lilyflower Wed 20-Dec-17 10:19:32

The MIL sounds like a nightmare and she is clearly a sandwich short of a picnic. Unfortunately, she knows she has power over her son and there is not a lot you can do about that. The SIL will have noticed the difference between his controlling mother and your more reasonable and pleasant approach but his mother has him in a vicelike grip he has not been able to escape up to now and it is, thus, probable that he won't in the future.

Your approach, to avoid her as much as possible, is the right one. However, her treatment of your daughter is as outrageous as you suggest. Given the nature of the problem I think the young couple have only two options:- give the awful MIL an ultimatum to treat your DD properly or loose visiting rights or put up with the situation.

If she is as keen on the hands-on grandparenting as you say it might be that she will concede.

Prepare for a fight though. From the sound of her she will put up a hell of a fight and your SIL might chicken out and give in.

silverlining48 Wed 20-Dec-17 10:19:59

hope, with your support,your daughter can sort this out vampire. Has she never mentioned this to her husband? Think she needs to.
Might the other gran feel more entitled as she has been so involved with the gc, but this does not entitle her to be so dismissive. She sounds very rude and controlling. However wonder if she might perhaps resent you for not helping out more?
Hope this gets sorted out for you all.
Sending good wishes.

NfkDumpling Wed 20-Dec-17 10:20:54

You and your DD are obviously too nice, quiet and refined. How could they ignore you. It’s rude and vile - and you’re obviously not LOUD enough!! Perhaps if you and your DD had a bottle of wine on the go, played loud music, danced around the room they’d have to notice you! Or, just give the GC sweets and chocolate and a loud game and encourage them to be loud on your behalf. At least it should get rid of the b****rs!

SunnySusie Wed 20-Dec-17 10:23:35

I must say I really admire your DD. She understands the situation, is of course peeved about it which is only natural, but it sounds as if she is living with it, since nothing can be changed. What a great girl! A good Mum, maintaining her relationship with SIL despite it all, she sounds so mature and sensible. You have a great daughter vampirequeen!

damewithaname Wed 20-Dec-17 10:30:11

Tell your DD to keep being the person she is and you do the same. You great them, you keep greeting them. Not for them but for yourself and your morals and those that you've taught your daughter. Shitty people will always stay shitty people.

You and only you at responsible for wheat you say and do in life. Dont let them change who you are!

damewithaname Wed 20-Dec-17 10:31:31

Typos but you know what I'm saying...

glammanana Wed 20-Dec-17 10:31:54

I am so angry for your DD Vampire how dare her MIL dismiss her as she does I wouldn't be able to keep my mouth shut to be honest and SIL needs to speak up sharply and put his mother and sister right.
I would suggest DD stops sleep overs and tell them why if they ask they can always ask you if they are going somewhere special can't they.
I am so like you with the lioness protection anyone who upsets her will feel my wrath 100%.

Diddy1 Wed 20-Dec-17 10:32:39

If SIL realises how his wife is being treated, he should stand up to his Mum and Sister, and make life easier for DD and yourself too.Good Luck

Alima Wed 20-Dec-17 10:33:12

I agree with SunnySusie, your DD seems to cope with her rude in laws. I also admire your restraint VQ, I would probably have gone for their throats by now.

damewithaname Wed 20-Dec-17 10:33:15

And grandparent must stop with this "we're entitled" nonsense. Being a parent/grandparent is a priviledge not an entitlement.

Hm999 Wed 20-Dec-17 10:37:36

In the long run, it may be quite good for GC having 2 totally different grandmas. But eventually they will notice that daddy's mum ignores their mummy, and they will find that upsetting.