Conflict Brews As Mom-To-Be Excludes FIL’s Parents From Christmas Festivities To Uphold Strict No-Visitor Policy For Newborn

“We aren’t close, and I just don’t consider them family.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• November 20, 2023

Imagine where the joyful news of an impending bundle of joy sets the stage for more chaos than actual joy. Well, this was precisely what happened to our narrator (Original Poster).

OP’s father-in-law was actually her husband’s stepfather—a stepfather-in-law. He came into her husband’s life during his adult years, so there wasn’t exactly any long-standing fatherly bond.

Her SFIL’s parents, Steve and May, were highly unlikely to have their own grandkids for several reasons. Because of this, they considered OP and her husband their “grandkids''—but this sentiment wasn’t reciprocated.

OP maintained a distant relationship with them and believed “grandkids” was pushing it a tad too far. When OP disclosed the news of her pregnancy, it prompted an immediate, jubilant response from her in-laws.

Her due date was right before Christmas, so her MIL enthusiastically expressed a desire to host the new burgeoning family.

OP accepted but laid down some serious ground rules: no visitors allowed, her in-laws were the ONLY exceptions. She needed space to recover as she’d be just a week postpartum by then.

Sounds fair? Well, not to SFIL. He threw a tantrum demanding Steve and May's inclusion to see their “great grandkids” at his place—it was his house, after all.

OP and her husband already declared there would be no visitors till the baby passed the 3-month mark, Steve and May included. She would never say this out loud, but she didn’t really consider them family.

She was doing only a week at her in-laws and asked that her SFIL respect her decisions during this time. Was that too much to ask?

Let’s dig into the details

A little background

OP’s in-laws have opted to host her at their home after she gives birth. However, OP has made it clear that she doesn't want any visitors while recovering at their home

While OP’s MIL is fine with her terms, FIL is adamant that he should be able to invite his parents over — after all, it’s his house

The argument has split the family apart, and OP is in a dilemma over the situation

Important edits

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“Just don’t go. Even without all the things you mention, it just doesn't sound like a good idea at all.”

“FIL/MIL need to figure out their plan for the holidays between them, and you accept or decline the invitation based on that.“

“You’re a guest in your in-laws home, you can’t also dictate who they have in their home.”

“YTA for trying to police guests at someone else's house and this.”

“YTA for considering visiting at someone else's house when the baby is only a WEEK old! Stay home and have a quiet Christmas.”

“I would suggest just staying home and let them visit.“

Redditors assured OP that her demands were reasonable. However, they urged her to reconsider spending Christmas with her in-laws even though her MIL is adamant about it.

Her father-in-law’s reaction hinted at potential chaos — It’s Christmas, so Steve and May might decide to “drop by” for “only a minute”.

As the majority have said, It’s probably best to seek peace and quiet within the confines of her home

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

Jesse