My Mother-In-Law Turned My Kids against Me – My Story

I’ve always struggled with getting along with my mother-in-law, Elizabeth. My husband, George, always tried to convince me that I was overthinking it. But now my children are being turned against me.

I always thought the “monster-in-law” trope only ever happened in movies, but from the day we met, Elizabeth has given me the cold shoulder. George proposed to me at a family dinner in front of his parents and older sister. That was also the day I met his family.

While his sister, Beth, and his dad, Tony, both seemed very happy for George and me, I can’t help but remember thinking that Elizabeth was faking her excitement.

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I could tell she didn’t like me initially, but George always tried to reassure me. He explained that his mother was just protective of him because he’s a bit of a momma’s boy.

She had always been very suggestive in how she spoke to me. “I hope you’re taking good care of my boy.” She would often say. It felt like she had no faith in me being a good wife for her son.

I tried my best not to read into things too much, but ignoring the signs is difficult. It always felt like Elizabeth was jealous of my relationship with George. As crazy as it sounds, that was always how she made me feel.

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“She just misses me, that’s all. I’m sure she’ll pop by to spend time with you soon.”

I thought things would change when George and I had children. We’re blessed with beautiful twins, April and Jack. We wanted Elizabeth to form a close bond with her grandchildren, but that was not the case at first.

She was never around when they were babies and didn’t seem interested in babysitting. Whenever we invited her over, she always had excuses not to come unless it was a special occasion.

“I don’t think that an old lady like myself should be taking care of young ones. But I’ll be sure to come around for their birthday party.” she told me.

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“This is why we like grandma way more than you.”

It always felt odd to me because Elizabeth always found ways to spend time with George. As time went on, I noticed that she wouldn’t spend time with him when I was around.

“She just misses me, that’s all. I’m sure she’ll pop by to spend time with you soon.” George insisted.

Once April and Jack got older and I was able to go back to work full-time, Elizabeth started spending a lot more time with the kids. At first, I was thrilled that she was taking more of an interest in helping us raise them.

I thought she had finally warmed up to me and accepted me into the family. Unfortunately, she avoided me and often had the kids sleep over at her house.

George insisted that I was making a big deal out of nothing. I tried to ignore it because it was sweet that the kids were spending time in George’s family home.

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Just before the holiday season kicked off, I discovered that Elizabeth always bought elaborate gifts for George and his sister when they were younger. “I don’t want April and Jack to grow up spoiled,” I explained to Elizabeth.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s just Christmas.” she replied coldly. Ignoring my wishes, Elizabeth bought them a PlayStation 5, which was much more expensive than what George and I had gifted them.

I was deeply hurt that our children didn’t even appear interested in the books and clothes that George and I bought for them. To make matters worse, April and Jack didn’t even thank us for the presents.

I hate to admit that it was deeply embarrassing for me that my children didn’t like our gifts. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and it felt like they didn’t appreciate me as a mother.

Just before New Year’s Eve, I told the kids to switch off the video games because it was time for bed. “This is why we like grandma way more than you.” Jack said.

“Nana lets us play games until late because she loves us more than you!” April added. I was almost lost for words. I’ve always done everything for my children, so I couldn’t believe what they were saying.

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“You know kids make up the craziest lies when they get flustered. I would never tell them crazy things like that”

“Who on earth told you that I don’t love you?” I asked as I fought back the tears.

“Grandma always said you didn’t love us, but we didn’t believe her. Now we know what she meant.” Jack responded.

“That is NOT true. I love you two more than anything in the world. I always have, and I always will. Now listen to your mother and go to bed!” I shouted. I couldn’t believe that Elizabeth would say such things to my children.

I had always tried to ignore how she treated me over the years, but telling lies to my children is where I draw the line.

I explained everything to George, who was just as stunned as I was. “We’ll talk to my mother to figure out what’s going on. I’m so sorry they spoke to you like that.” he told me.

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We got a babysitter for April and Jack so we could pay Elizabeth a visit and speak candidly. I told her what my children had said and asked what was happening.

“You know kids make up the craziest lies when they get flustered. I would never tell them crazy things like that.” she insisted. I’m still confused about the whole situation, and I desperately need to figure this out.

I’m not exactly sure how to fix this situation without making things worse than they already are. It’s beginning to feel like I’m losing my mind, and everyone is always telling me I’m overreacting.

What should I do? How can I win back the love and trust of my children? And how to deal with the mother-in-law?

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