Mom-to-Be Says Mother-in-Law Is ‘Very Interested’ in Being a Grandma ‘Only When It’s Convenient for Her’

A woman says her mother-in-law has “recently decided she’s suddenly very invested in being Grandma… but only when it’s convenient for her.”

In a post on Reddit, she writes that her husband’s mom “didn’t really bother” when her daughter was younger.

“She didn’t offer to help other than show up whenever she pleased and disrupt my schedule, didn’t babysit, just kind of did her own thing,” she says. “But now that my nephew is around, she’s basically his free childcare. Watches him all the time while his parents work, plays favorites, and then acts shocked when I don’t jump at the chance to hand over my kid.”

The post continues: “She’s constantly asking me to bring my daughter over when nephew is there, like she’s scheduling playdates on my behalf. And if I say we have other plans? Instant guilt trip. ‘Oh, I guess I’ll just tell nephew his cousin doesn’t want to see him…’ Like, what? My daughter isn’t responsible for keeping nephew entertained.”

“To top it off, she actually told me the reason she watches nephew more is because my SIL ‘makes more money,’” she adds. “Apparently grandma services are income-based now? Guess I missed the sign-up sheet.”

The post also mentions that the mother-in-law “waves off” concerns about one of the children being a Type One diabetic, which makes the poster “even less willing to trust her.”

“Now that I’m pregnant again, she’s already talking about how much she’s going to ‘help with the baby.’ Translation: she thinks she’s suddenly moving in and running the show. Spoiler: she’s not,” she writes. “And of course, she tries to sprinkle in her religious agenda whenever she’s around my daughter, despite us being clear that’s not how we’re raising her. It’s exhausting.”

The poster adds: “Basically, she ignored my daughter when she was little, plays favorites now, excuses it with money, and suddenly wants to be super involved because it looks good for her. Annoying doesn’t even cover it.”

Others on Reddit are weighing in on the situation, with one writing, “Keep communications to a minimum and let your husband deal with her.”

Another adds: “The fact she dismisses your daughter’s medical needs is a hard no.”