Mom Says Relatives Think Her 3-Year-Old Son Is Being ‘Mean’ to Her Mother-In-Law

A mother is questioning whether her family is misunderstanding her 3-year-old son’s behavior after relatives accused him of being “mean” to his grandmother.

Posting on the parenting forum Mumsnet, she explained that her mother-in-law had been staying with them for a week to celebrate the child’s birthday. During the visit, her toddler suddenly began rejecting his grandmother — telling her he didn’t like her, or that she wasn’t allowed to sit or enter certain spaces.

“I can tell he’s overwhelmed and wants our full attention,” the mom wrote, adding that he seems to be craving their usual routine as well.

While she believes his reactions are simply “big feelings” common for kids his age, relatives have taken his comments personally. Even the boy’s father has become defensive and “grumpy” toward their son, the mom said.

“I’m being made to feel like my son is behaving badly or being ‘mean,’ ” she shared. “It feels like no one is listening to him or considering what might be behind it.”

Seeking support, she asked others if she was wrong to think her child wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt anyone.

Responses from fellow parents varied. One commenter sympathized with the toddler, noting, “A week is a long time to have any relative staying — three days is enough for most people. Your husband needs to understand that and prioritize his son. This behavior is perfectly normal.”

Another reader offered a different perspective: “At 3 years old, he is old enough to understand that some comments are rude. I would address it every time while still recognizing that he’s overwhelmed. He needs to learn that hurtful words aren’t okay, no matter how he feels.”