

DB and SIL haven't acknowledged DD exists...

(43 Posts)
MargueriteA Tue 27-Aug-13 15:58:56

Trying not to waffly on for ages, we've had a tricky relationship with DB and SIL for a while now. They have 3 young DC and since eldest DN was born they have been become very insular and distanced from the family (just me, DB and parents). I don't know entirely what has caused it, though the driving factor seems to be SIL - she's very protective of her kids, to the point that they have never mixed with other children, rarely leave the house, primary school for the eldest is even in question. When we did have more regular contact with them it was very restricted and suggested day trips, walks to the park etc were always vetoed. Not sure if that's relevant but trying not to drip feed.

Despite us originally living quite near I've not have very much contact with them, and especially not now they've moved quite a long way away. They still see our parents occasionally, mostly at our parents instigating contact, but I haven't seen them or spoken to them in well over a year. We were never that close but still exchanged the odd emails, texts, cards and gifts. I have emailed and texted a few times recently with no response, have still sent birthday and Christmas cards and texted on the day, again with no response.

DD was born 18 months ago. We didn't get a phone call or card for Christmas or her 1st birthday (I want to stress it's not the gifts I'm remotely interested in, it's the contact). At first I thought they were probably still busy with the move and their young DC and didn't think much of it.

My parents went for a rare visit this week. Eldest DN, nearly school age, was looking at my dad's phone and saw photos of DD. He asked who she was. Dad said it was 'A'. DN looked blank so dad said further, "Auntie Marguerite's little girl". DN still had no idea who he was talking about (about DD, not me). During this conversation DB and SIL didn't ask anything about me or DD, not even a basic 'how are they doing?'

I've tried to be lighthearted about this in the past but realising this has really hurt me. My parents want to try and maintain contact and so I've been keeping up a bit of a pretence and not talking about DB very much, other than asking after the family when they've seen him or spoken to him, as I don't want to hurt them. I imagine realising your only two children now have absolutely nothing to do with each other is hardly a cheerful thought. I know sometimes on MN there's a feeling that it's selfish or demanding to expect other people to be interested in your DC but... this has hurt. A lot. To not even acknowledge that your niece exists? I thought that was fairly standard. I don't want a fuss, but it seems so strange to me that the DN's don't even know they have a cousin.

I'm not sure what to do now. I'm not even sure how I feel about this deep down. I guess I'm not losing a lot from my life by not having any further contact with DB and family, but it seems very sad and final sad

Does anyone have any wise words or advice?

My DP has cut contact with his siblings, although not his mother, and he hasn't seen her in person since Christmas. We do acknowledge all birthdays with cards, because I remind him (I don't buy and post the cards, he does) but I suspect he wouldn't bother if I didn't. I sometimes try to suggest he tries to rebuild the relationship, but he is a stubborn man and has made a decision for his own reasons. Don't assume it is your SIL, it could be your brother. In DP's case it is partly because they have said and done some hurtful things, but mainly because he feels their values are so very very different from ours. Is there any chance that there is something like that going on?
And yes, you have a perfect right to be offended by the lack of interest in your child. I would be very hurt if my sisters didn't acknowledge my DC. One of the triggers for DP's alienation from his family was that none of them visited when DD was born.

DuelingFanjo Tue 27-Aug-13 23:53:32

What was DB like about sending cards before he married? Did he always send them?

JellyMould Tue 27-Aug-13 22:13:28

I disagree with frogwatcher. I think it's very upsetting for your sibling not to acknowledge your child if there's not been a falling out. I would be gutted if I were you but you need to bite the bullet and PHONE him!

RandomMess Tue 27-Aug-13 21:39:17

I'm not sure how often we'd have anything to do with dh family if it were left up to him and them tbh and we all live walking distance!!

MargueriteA Tue 27-Aug-13 21:33:05

I've said why we know what appears to be 'a lot' about their life because they discuss it with my parents when they do see them. For example, I asked if they'd found a pre-school for eldest after moving, out of interest, and they explained about him possibly not being enrolled in school. It's hardly a lengthy conversation or that much detail confused

If DB has decided he doesn't like me anymore, fine. He's more than allowed to do that. It's a little odd that he has randomly done that at the age of 34 after all being friendly for years. Before DD was born and they had the two DC, he would text to begin arrangements for me to see DNs. But if he had decided, he has decided. That's his decision. My decision, what I am struggling with at the moment, is trying to decide how much I want to push this issue and whether, as I've said, I just continue to be friendly/family-like and send cards and texts, or let their lack of contact now determine the future.

StrawberryMojito Tue 27-Aug-13 21:32:11

Call him. Just to talk and see how he is. Start trying to rebuild a relationship with him. If he responds well, great, maybe suggest a visit or invite them to you. If he is cool with you, I guess you just have to leave it.

I agree with you that you should leave your parents out of it and also I think it is entirely normal to feel hurt in this situation.

But do just speak to him, no point in endless waiting for them to change or risking miscommunication by text/email.

defineme Tue 27-Aug-13 21:31:57

Stop fannying about with texting.
Ring him-it doesn't have to be confrontational or accusatory (no need to mention them not asking after your dd), just state your feeling that it's a shame you don't see/speak more and you'd like to catch up on a regular basis like you used to.
The rest of it like them not socializing is nothing you can do anything about unless they ask for help. hey'll never do that if you're not speaking.

frogwatcher42 Tue 27-Aug-13 21:26:12

And don't always assume it is the wife who is restricting contact. I don't like dh sibling due to a lot of info dh told me early in our relationship. He doesn't like his sibling too but hadn't ever rocked the family boat by saying anything. In meeting me and setting up a life with me and our dc it gave him an escape from having much to do with his sibling or family - the family all blame me and think I restrict his access!!!

I don't mind. I think it is quite amusing. If only they knew the things dh says about his sibling!!!!!

frogwatcher42 Tue 27-Aug-13 21:22:36

Marguerite Genuinely, my dh (who is the loveliest man) wouldn't ever send a card acknowledging a new member of the family as he just wouldn't be interested. It took about two years for him to remember the name of his niece and nephew and even now I have to remind him if they ever come up in conversation. He just has no interest at all.

I don't send them cards as I don't like dh sibling and haven't met their children as I avoid 'do's' they are at. Everybody else thinks they are wonderful but I get a different feeling from them and they are not people I like. As far as I am concerned, it is up to dh to acknowledge them (but he doesn't bother as he isn't keen either) as they are his family. They could probably write your post!

Isetan Tue 27-Aug-13 21:21:18

I agree with *frogwatcher42" you appear to have very detailed information about people you rarely see or know.

Tell him straight, you'd like more contact and ask him how much contact he would like, negotiate.

Your pussy footing has allowed your fertile imagination to go into overdrive, "we are all worried about how eldest DN will react when he, in theory, starts school in September" is a prime example. This type of speculation might contribute to the creation of an atmosphere where they avoid contact because they fear it will only lead to judgement and or demands/ requests for a level of contact that makes them uncomfortable.

Is the fear that DB is behind the limited contact, rather than your scapegoated SIL, a factor in the reluctance of you and your parents to ask DB directly what is going on.

More communication and less speculation.

MargueriteA Tue 27-Aug-13 21:16:25

Frog, you're right that I think I need to decide how important it is to me. At the moment I'm still so surprised by the news they didn't even acknowledge DD when my parents were there that I don't think I've really stopped and thought it through.

I don't expect people to think my DD is amazing and be fascinated by her. Of course they have their own family. But I'll stand by the fact that it's not just a <shrug> thing to not acknowledge a member of your family.

dufflefluffle Tue 27-Aug-13 21:15:46

I have a similar situation - though not quite so extreme. The way I see it with my situation is that SIL does not like her dh's family (me, etc) and so it is easier for him to along with that for a quiet life. We have met their 8 yr old (their youngest) maybe 5 times ever but in the last year he has started to improve with the occasional email or phone call (maybe two or three times a year). While I commend his loyalty to his wife I resent her for not embracing a kind and generous family who live at least 6 hours away anyway! I don't really make much effort with them either any more. My friends brother is also the same and they all live i n the same town! I am not so keen on my IL's but I wouldn't dream of not encouraging a relationship between dh or dc and their family.
Don't have much advice really but I have always sent presents and cards to the children and photographs of my dc and sometimes my dh (who isn't as annoyed by the whole situation as I am and who sil thinks is her ally because he's not OUR family) will ring db for a casual chat.
Will be following this thread to see if anyone else has any good advice.

frogwatcher42 Tue 27-Aug-13 21:11:32

It depends how important it is to you though doesnt it. If it is so hurtful, and so important then surely the best way is to ring and get the discussion done so you know one way or the other what the problem is. Although I am not sure your db is likely to say to you 'oh but we don't really like you or want contact' or what ever the reason for a loss of contact could be.

Maybe he is just like some of us (me included) - not really interested in nieces and nephews especially if they live a long way away. My dh is not even remotely interested in his sibling or their children and if I didn't prompt him I don't think he would ever bother to ring his mother. If she comes over he moans.

I bet it isn't anything sinister anyway. You admit you have never been close so maybe you are just losing priority as they fill their time with other commitments as the dc get older.

I wouldn't be hurt if a relative or sibling didn't acknowledge my dc. They are my dc - I can only really expect dh and I to be truly interested in them. It would be nice if some others were - but there is no guarantee!!!

Thaumatrope Tue 27-Aug-13 21:10:30

It is not just a case of being low on the list of priorities.
Normal, busy people don't not acknowledge a new life for 18 months and then refuse to talk about that. Seriously, who would do that?!

You either send your brother a letter, old style, or email them both (grr joint email addresses are so naff), or ring. Or leave it.

What do you want to do? Leaving them be is an option but then they will not know they have hurt you although it is inconceivable that they aren't aware of the possibility.

snala Tue 27-Aug-13 21:07:52

Sorry, crossed messages. Why keep waiting?

Just call and ask how they are etc as you haven 't heard from them in a while , ask if they've received your cards etc as you haven't had a response.

snala Tue 27-Aug-13 21:05:23

Why don't you just phone him?

MargueriteA Tue 27-Aug-13 21:04:31

Of course they are allowed to drop contact if they want to. We've never been that close or good friends but in general we had friendly sibling contact so it's a surprise that they have suddenly dropped contact.

However I do think it's also fair that I can be hurt if they have decided not to acknowledge the existence of my daughter. Also, I do sort of feel that if I am "way down their list of priorities and they don't have time for me at the moment", if that lack of time extends to not being able to post a card for their niece's birthday (as a family we have always sent cards) then there probably is a line in my head that says 'no more, I'm not waiting around'.

I could ring now, I'm just still unsure whether it is right to force the discussion yet or whether to just wait for another event or two that would normally in our family prompt some contact.

pengymum Tue 27-Aug-13 21:02:35

Yes, why not ring your brother yourself? confused
You may have his phone no if you can text him.
If I didn't hear from my brother for a few weeks and no response to texts, I'd call.

frogwatcher42 Tue 27-Aug-13 20:57:15

I still don't get why you have to 'give them the benefit of the doubt'.

Why can't they just be allowed to drop contact with you. Maybe they simply don't want it. Maybe they have no interest in your dd. Harsh but could be true.

My dh has nothing to do with his sibling which probably hurts his parents but he just doesn't like them.

Your idea of sending cards on birthdays and christmas gives them the opportunity to make contact. If they don't surely it is time to respect their wishes and leave them in peace.

You may find it is nothing sinister - you are just a little way down their list of priorities and they don't have time for you at the moment. They will eventually maybe.

Why don't you ring your brother?

MargueriteA Tue 27-Aug-13 20:48:47

Frog, we know a lot about it because before they moved my parents still had regular contact, and the socialising/going out issue was something which had occasionally been talked about openly by DB and SIL when they were feeling it was an issue and wanted to do something about it, though that changes regularly. But this isn't about their decision for raising their kids, I mentioned purely because my gut says that it is tied somehow to SIL - possibly - being the one driving a lack of contact or interest.

They have a joint email address so an email to DB at the moment is out of the question. Several birthdays are coming up so I will send the cards and presents as usual, and see if there is any response. If not I mind send a good chatty email with photos and ask for some photos of the DNs back. If I don't get a response to that then I might call them. Possibly even try the same at Christmas first? What do people think of that? So give them a bit longer to settle back in to normal birthday, Christmas contact, but ask what is happening if they don't respond to that? So give them the benefit of the doubt that it is just the move etc which has caused them to drop contact?

DontmindifIdo Tue 27-Aug-13 18:01:51

I wouldn't assume there's anything particuarly bad going on with your DB as others have suggested, mainly because some men (I said some before you all get shouty at me!) do leave all family social arrangments to their DWs, eg. DH has seen DN (his brother's DD) 3 times this year, each time either I've arranged something or we were invited to PILs at the same time as them (plus I've seen DN a few other times because I've arranged to see SIL during the week when DH is at work). If other people hadn't arranged this for him, I'm not sure how long DH would go between seeing his brother's child, and we're only a 20 minute drive away.

Do you have an e-mail address for your DB? If not but have his phone number, can you text and ask for it. It might be easier to keep in contact that way, send photos of your DD, and ask him directly if you can meet up. It could be that your DB can't be arsed organising anything and whereas if he was married to a woman who behaved in the normal way in these circumstances, she would arrange meet ups with his family for him, he's not got that. If someone else arranges - as in, you e-mail and say, "I'd love to visit to introduce DD to her cousins, would that be ok?" and then you do all the work (you travel, you offer set weekends which he says if he can do, not just open ended asking when works because that involves far more effort to think about than "can you do second weekend in September?"), he might well be fine with it.

If SIL is a bit odd about other family, there's little you can do to change her, but you might easily be able to side step her with a little effort and just deal directly with your DB. However, if you create a big issue around her weirdness, that's unlikely to happen. It sucks, but this way at least the cousins will got to know each other.

frogwatcher42 Tue 27-Aug-13 17:52:47

I don't know how you know so much about how your DSIL is raising her children (keeping them away from other children etc) when you admit you have very little to do with them. She probably does loads by herself with her children that you and your inlaws don't know about, or with her friends - again that you wouldn't know about.

She doesnt have to be interested in your dd - I have no interest in my dhs niece and nephews, and nor does dh! None whatsoever although we fake it if we have to .

TwoTearsInABucket Tue 27-Aug-13 17:33:25

Ring your brother and ask what's going on. Just come right out with it.
Not the same situation by my sister and I stopped talking for a while and it got awkward for my mum coz I kept asking about my sister and my mum was angry with her so had no sympathy.
Anyhow, in the end I just rang her and had it out with her. Said up front "are you ever going to speak to me again? Are my kids ever going to see yours?" Etc.
I would be very upset in your situation that there has been no acknowledgement of your DD. I would definitely front him on it.

MumnGran Tue 27-Aug-13 17:30:35

I don't see that you can really let your relationship with your DB slide away into nothingness, without at least asking what the issue is.

That said ...ideally its a conversation you should have face to face. There is obviously a long distance, so phone may be the only option, but letter is not a great way to go need to hear his immediate reactions to the questions you have. They don't need to be accusatory - "I don't understand what has happened between us" is a simple starting point.

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