I feel torn, need honest advice...

Sunny - posted on 02/16/2010

Hey girls thanks heaps for all the messages, means heaps really it does! Sorry but i just need to have a quick rant or ill feel like ill explode! I just found out that the crazy drug addict that tried to kidnap my son (and strangle my partner, i didnt mention that bit at the start) is out on parole and is 7 months pregnant! dont get me wrong im all for rehabilitation and all but some people just cant be helped! i mean how many more children will it take? (my son was not the first or the last) and now she's having her own, what will happen to that baby? will she get to keep it in hope that now she has one she;ll leave everyone elses alone? Aghhh!!!!!!! sorry bout it just makes me so angry, sad and scared all at the same time! sigh....

Jessica - posted on 02/16/2010

You need to do what's best for you and your family. It's not going to be easy at first, but as long as you find a good balance between living your own lives and allowing his parents to be a part of your son's life it will eventually work its self out. Good luck, I hope everything goes well for you.

Stephanie - posted on 02/16/2010

Hey, you are not being horrible and it is perfectly fine to want your own life. im pretty sure ur mother in law knows how grateful you are for letting you in her house in your time of need. she just having a hard time letting go which is normal also. but the best for you and ur family is to have a place of your own. theres nothing better then the feeling of knowing you have your own place to call home and your son too. so dont worry bout it be happy and make sure you visit her for the holidays :)

Brandi - posted on 02/16/2010

you need to move out. if you continue to feel bad for her you will be living there forever and im sure that you want to be grown up and have your own space and privacy! she will understand but it might take you leaving first. its not like your being mean she should be happy for you guys. GOOD LUCK

Amra - posted on 02/16/2010

It is extremely important for yourself,your partner, and even your son to have your own home and your own space. Of course it will be hard for everyone, just as it is when kids move away from home. Her outbursts may make it more difficult but this is an important step for your family especially after going through so much. Simply let her know you are extremely grateful and love having her actively involved in your sons life and having your own home isn't going to change that. Best of luck!

Alicia - posted on 02/16/2010

uh yea! you should move! She is only bursting into tears to make you feel guilty. You have every right to move on with your lives and live in your own home. They are your family, and family shouldn't make you feel guilty for helping each other...especially parents. They are parents for a reason, to help and to help grow. I think that if you are ready to be on your own then go for it!! Do what you need to, to be happy. =]

Amy - posted on 02/16/2010

Its a good thing that you and your partner were able to get away from a very dangerous situation, and now it is perfectly natural and normal for you to want privacy and your own space to raise your family. As hard as it is for your partners parents to see you go, somewhere in their hearts they know that it is the best thing for YOUR family. If you want to make the transition easier, offer to let your partners mother watch your son for a weekend every month (it'll give you two the chance to catch up) and even try to involve her in the move..even if its something simple like helping set up the kitchen. Hopefully this helps.

Michelle - posted on 02/16/2010

You will be doing the best for your family so don't let them use emotional blackmail on you, as that is what they are doing. If you are only moving down the road then you can visit them and vice versa. It sounds like the best move all round as then you and your little family unit can do everything you want to do, without the parents watching your every move.x

Latisha - posted on 02/16/2010

I think its great that you are concerned about her feelings. You know exactly how she feels because you are a mother, and when the day comes for your baby to move out you will be the same way. But just like everyone else is saying, its also a good thing to have your own space, a place where your baby can call home.

Tiffany - posted on 02/16/2010

No offense to your partners parents but you have to live your own life. They will still be a part of the childs life im sure but they cant be there always. They've raised their children and now it's your turn and right to do the same for yours. I lived literally only a few houses down from my in-laws for two yrs until I got pregnant and at the end of my pregnancy moved across town. They were devistated especially my mother-in-law because they thought we were always going to be there but just before my son was born we moved and even though it was a sad thing we all knew it was best for us to move due to our situation (wasn't enough room for us and baby in our old home). Things will go back to normal and all will settle down eventually and it might do some good to have somewhere where you are with your imediate family away from others that you know kind of like a fresh start but they are close if you need them or they need you!

Victoria - posted on 02/16/2010

if it is that big of a deal to them, tell them that they can babysit for you while you are at work or school, or when you need time out just the 2 of you. but you need to do this for you and your family. and sooner or later they will get tired of you being there, weather or not they want to admit it. but my in-laws do daycare for me. and we pay them 50 a week, which is about half of a normal sitter for my 2 kids (i live is a small town). and if they dont want you to pay them, put the money aside and use it to buy nice christmas and birthday gift.!

Brittany - posted on 02/16/2010

Im currently living with my mom and i found a place that im able to move into in july. Ive been living w my mom since my son was 6mths. shes heart broken too that where gunna be moving out and that she wont she her grandson everyday like she is now. But ive had to explain to her that im not moving out to hurt her or anything. but its something as a mom that i have to do and for my family. i think u just have to explain to her why u have to move out. its a independant thing, to know yall are doin it on yalls own again. that shes still gunna be able to see her grandson.

Miranda - posted on 02/16/2010

All I have to say and this may sound kind of mean but they will get over it!!! You need to be your own family and if you are only moving down the street that isn't very far away from them and they will be able to come visit...it isn't like you are moving out of the state or to a state far away. They should be happy for you and your significant other!!!

Tanya - posted on 02/16/2010

I'm sure her heart is in the right place! And she probably feels such an attachment to your son, almost as if it were her own son because she spends so much time with him. I know how hard it is to be in someone else's home, we visit my in-laws every weekend for the whole weekend. My husband has been forced to move their for his employment, but will be home in a week or so. Those intimite moments are cut short, and can only happen when no one else is around. You will feel so wonderful once you move out! And invite her over often, make her feel important in all 3 of your lives, in a few months the hurt will pass. She will also like her privacy. Good luck!

Kayisha - posted on 02/16/2010

You two are adults and have responsibilities. For one, as an adult you don't owe anyone an explanation. You are grateful for their assistance in your time of need, and now as a responsible and independent adult, you want to be an adult and be on your own. You are not taking your son away. When you have your own family, it is important to HAVE YOUR OWN. His mom will eventually get over it (I pray) and it'll be okay. She's just attached, but as a grandmother, she will always be able to visit and he can visit her, but if you don't need to live there then don't. By all means get your own space. Be your own woman, Have your own. It's not mean. It's just you making a decision as a woman.

Elsa - posted on 02/16/2010

you're not horrible.. you're just trying to have your own life and they shouldn't make you feel guilty for that.. you're just going to try to ignore the tears and get out of there.. they can come visit.. it's not a big deal.. it's not like you're moving out of the country or anything but even if you were it's ultimately your choice not theirs. :)

Desirae - posted on 02/16/2010

Do not feel remorse for trying to get back out there on your own as a family. You are obviously grateful for everything your family has done for you. On the other hand you want to have your own. This is a good thing. Returning back to a, what your used to as an independent family, is the best thing your son will witness. It should teach him that no matter what, there is always a way to get back up. I applaud you for moving on with your life and pray that you are able to move on and feel emotionally secure as well. I have been in a similar, but not exact, situation if you ever want to chat. I have a community with links to housing and financial assistance. If you do not find the help you need there to get back on your own feet, which is a completely healthy goal, then you may contact me and I will help you find help in your area if you need it.Here is a link to my community... I just started, so it is small, but you may find it helpful.

http://www.circleofmoms.com/e_Y_12643?tr... (another growing community 'Moms scraping by, by the skin of their teeth... not a business promotion... links to federal financial assistance)

Angela - posted on 02/16/2010

ive been there we lived at my mom for a year and we were gonna fix her basement up until i found out i was preggers agian it would of been just too much i felt guilty leaving even though we were 7 minutes away but i just have my mom and sis come over for dinner whenever they want and they usually offer to take my kids on the weekend like once a month and then they will also take them for the day and stuff like that your not horible u just feel guilty and they dont understand it just ask for help sometimes and set up dinners and stuff like that so they still feel like they r needed u know

Joanie - posted on 02/16/2010

you guys as a family need and deserve your own life and space not to mention time to grow into your own family as partners and parents. it will be hard but for your relationship its probably best, you and your husband need to make the decision and not let any one else influence that choice as long as you two are on the same page nothing can go wrong, and yes they may be hurt and they are going to miss the little guy but any real personhas to understand that you two are still building a life together and cannot depend on them forever, the best thing you could do is just make sure that after you move that you js make sure that you still include them in on things that are important to them and go out of your way to make them still feel needed in the babys life and everything will work out, they will understand at some point of time even if its not right away shes not mad at you she just feels like shes going to miss out on something.

Elysia - posted on 02/16/2010

omg i cant begin to imagine how terrible this time has been for you. Its that things r now looking up for you and your family.
I do not believe that by wanting your own home and to establish your own family base is wrong. My partner and i lived with his parents for 4yrs and moved out half way through my pregnancy and to be honest as much as i love them i could not live with someone else whilst raising my son. Perhaps you could try doing something nice for her to let her know how much u appreciate everything that she has done and arrange a set day that u will go visit or that she can watch your son for you just so she knows that she will still be involved. I dont know wat ur relationship with her is like or if she would take advantage but perhaps tell her she is welcome to stop in any time. I hope this helps and this transition is an easy one for you and everyone involved. Remember to it will take your son time to adjust as he will be used to seeing his or nanny/grandma etc everyday.

SARAH - posted on 02/16/2010

hey that would be absolutely terrifying to happen ............wat are people thinking these days to even takea child away from their parents .sad......sad....sad.. sorry caught in the moment any wy i could not imagine how i would feel if i was in your situation ..........i have a 3 month old daughter and my partners mother and family .............especially his mum have only seen her once...not because of me because weare always expected to take her to them and seriously.... i will not do it . Because she lives not even a 2 minute drive if that away from us ........you should feel proud and lucky to have inlaws that are so understanding......but dont forget yourfamily comes first you need your own space to enjoy your family but as lisamarie said still keep her involved do not letthem over rule yours and your partners decisions if it comes to that..


you have a child to think of and im sure as much as your partner loves his mum and dd.....he might want to get back to his roots and beable to be proud to have a home ofyour own....at the moment i am living with my mum because me and my ex shared ahouse with 5 other people and it was not cool we did not last and i would hope that you would not have to go through wat i did just to be happy..at the end of the day it is you and your partners decision wat you are wanting to do ...


sorry its so long i hope it all makes sense

Ashley - posted on 02/16/2010

no its fine to move they have had theyre kids and its a natural thing u have kids they move out and wen u have grandkids u see them and give them back everyone has to be independant thats how life works if it was my parents id be like thankyou for everything but get over it we are just down the roud im not going to another country lol

Tamara - posted on 02/15/2010

His parents should be supporting you in your decicion to move out and that you want to support your own FAMILY. They should be happy for you guys. Hope it works out, keep us posted =)

Alecia - posted on 02/15/2010

I would say that it is definately okay to move. Especially if it just down the road. Just reassure gramma that she is always welcome (of course if thats true) at your house..Wanting to get your family out of a parent's house i definately okay because you all need your space too, and your own "family" time.

Liz - posted on 02/15/2010

As difficult as it is going to be for your inlaws, what you have to consider most is the well being of your son and your partner. There is always a level of family intimacy needed that you are never going to get living with them. I would recommend sitting with your inlaws and directly addressing the issue and perhaps even coming up with a schedule or a plan to ensure that they still have a high level of interaction with their grandson. Because in reality their concern is whether or not they will be as involved as they are now and just want to know you are sensitive to that. But by no means would I recommend you discontinue your plans on moving.

Megan - posted on 02/15/2010

You are in no way wrong for wanting to move out of his parents house and into your own place. There is no reason for you guys to not have your own place that you can call your own. You are no longer children, you are parents raising your own child and it's only fair to you and your partner to be able to have a place of your own where you can raise your child. Let your partner's parents know that they can visit often and that you want them to visit often and to stay in your child's life. Remind them that you both will bring the child to visit them often, and continue to share with them all the new milestones that you experience with your child such as being potty trained and the child's first day at school. While it is a very emotional time, remind her that you appreciate everything that they have done for you and your family, but that it's now time for you to be able to be there for your family so that you can provide for them.

Good luck,
Megan

Heather - posted on 02/15/2010

There is nothin wrong w/ wanting to be out on your own. When the time comes she will be really unhappy but will eventually be ok with it. You have to live for your family, not for anyone else..tragic story by the way i'm sad to hear things like that

Crystal - posted on 02/15/2010

Don't let anyone guilt trip you into doing something that you don't think is right for you and your family. I understand that you are grateful to them for taking you in when your family needed that, but that was 2 years ago and not what your family needs now. Just help reassure his mom that she will still be a part of her grandchild's life, but part of that life is living as your own family in your own home. Trust me when I say don't let anyone (i.e. your partner, your partner's family, or even your own family) pressure you into doing something that makes you uncomfortable because you will just regret it in the future! Good luck and enjoy your family!

Katt - posted on 02/15/2010

Your definitely not wrong. Go ahead and move if it's what makes you and your family happy. Thats CRAZY that those people tried kid-napping your son!! Thats so horrible. If we had the chance to move we would!! We were even looking at houses in Australia the other day..it's ridiculously expensive there tho. Your still going to see them, I wouldn't worry about it.

Jessica - posted on 02/15/2010

You are definatly not wrong! It would make sense that you would want your own place for your family. Your MIL needs to understand that. Honestly you need to thinly about you and your family first, unfortunately if her feelings are hurt she is gonna have to deal. You will still be close so they can see your son. They will adjust in time.

Sandra - posted on 02/15/2010

my MIL is insane and seems to think that i am taking "her" baby away from her when I want to leave her house after a few hours...I think that your partners mom is lucky that she got to be there and watch her grandson grow up. You should keep reminding her that your are grateful for the help, but he is YOUR son and she is a very privileged grandma who had a very lucky opportunity to be with her grandchild all the time. remind her that you are an adult, and would like to live as a family together.



if she gets all emotional reassure her that you understands how she feels, and if she is still bugging her maybe you should ask her "you were a young mother once, don't you remember how you felt? would you want to be living in your in laws house?...i need to be on my own"



even if she is emotional...its understandable, but she will have to get over it.



you are NOT taking your son away from her, you are trying to better your life.

Michelle - posted on 02/15/2010

of course it is ok.....u 2 are adults with a family u must live and love on your own.....she may be heart broken but trust me she will get over it! Live your life and Love your life that is what matters.....Move out babe, enjoy your family!!!!! and PRIVACY

Lauren - posted on 02/15/2010

I have a similar situation with the moving. We were living on our own while I was preggo, but the apartment complex was getting pretty bad,and unkept, and crime was getting worse, so when we came home with our baby, it was to my mother's home. We've been here for nine months now, and we are moving down the road soon.I know they will miss Ian, and seeing him everyday, but it isn't selfish to want to have your own space. Its best for our babies, and for our own relationships with our partners to have our place. Grandparents SPOIL their grandchildren, which it perfectly sweet and natural, but when they are live-in grandparents, its just too much spoiling. I have a good friend who has had no choice but to live with her son and parents, because she is single, and her kid is very spoiled, and she says its because her parents constantly intervene with the parenting roles. I know with my parents they over step their boundaries with my son. Its little things, but its enough to bother me. For instance, whenever Ian cries, they act like I am doing something wrong, and I am always having to remind them that babies cry, and that they need to trust that I know what I am doing. Then my mother acts offened and like I am nuts whenever I don't do things her way. And she says "Well I raised three babies and [etc etc etc]..". And then I have to explain AGAIN, that she did her things her way, and I have the right to do things my way. I have to say that all of the time, and she never accepts it. And she is always doing things I ask her not to, and then she acts like I am crazy, or as if I think that she is crazy. And even at only nine months, Ian is spoiled because they pick him up whenever he cries, and get mad at me if I don't too. So here is the thing, households don't go naturally well with TWO ladies of the house, and when you are the younger lady in the house, you get ran over by the oldest.

Its unfair of her to make you feel guilty, because you shouldn't feel that way. And I agree totally with Lisamarie, she is trying to hold you emotionally hostage, by emotionally blackmailing you... and you DO need to get to your own space, before she has a chance to get out of hand. She probably doesn't realize she is doing it, and I am sure it will be hard for her to not see your baby as much as she is now, but she will adjust. Be gentle with her feelings, let her know how much she has done, and how you know this is difficult for her. But explain that its best for a family to have its own space, and that you will still want and need her in your lives, that she can visit, that you will visit. If it helps you could even try and set up some schedule for her to come and keep your baby, or you bring him to her, once a week, and hey if you do that, you can have a little free time for yourself, and she will be thrilled to still be needed.

You are not horrible, and you are making the BEST decision for you and your son and your family. Living on your own is the best for your child, and the most stable and the least confusing. And I bet once everything gets settled, I bet everybody will be happier than ever before. =]]] Good luck!

Laura - posted on 02/15/2010

They need to understand that you need your own family time, just let them know that your door is always open for them to visit. My in-laws like 6 hours from me and they still have a great relationship with my two kids. They usually try to come up for one weekend a month.



You need to do what is best for you and your faimily not matter how upset someone will be. It's not like they will never see you again.

Amanda - posted on 02/15/2010

you do want you think is right for your family..and no i dont think you horrible. after my son was born his father and i moved into my parents and and then his father left us never to be seen again. my parent were really helpful but i moved out on our own becuase i thought i was depending to much on them and that he wasnt really spending time with me. we are fine, he loves visiting his MiMi he thinks is really special to go there now...even tho we only moved not even 10 mins away..it actually strenght my sons and i realtionship with my parents..good luck

Jess - posted on 02/15/2010

Oh emotional blackmail !!! I think you should definatly do what you think is best for your little family..... While it will be hard for your partners parents to adjust to the calm and quiet of livng child free, they will get use to it pretty quickly, and Im sure within a few months they would say they don't know how they coped with you all there !



I lived in a situation like this with my ex b.f and his family (long story ) and when the mother and 2 baby boys left I was devasted I cried for about 2 days. But I got over it, and so will your son's grandmother ! At least you will be just down the road.... in my situation they moved to other side of the country.... a 5 day drive and thats just one way !!!

Kial - posted on 02/15/2010

hi there, what an awlful experience; in my opinion i think it is great to get out and have your own space. its also important to remind your in-laws that your not taking anything away from them but this is something you have to do. I am a young mother of 3 and moving away from my family (not too far) was hard for all of us but has been the best thing for me and my children. i wish all the best on this journey and am glad to hear your son is ok and survived that terrible ordeal!

best wishes

Tah - posted on 02/15/2010

you are absolutely entitled to move into your own home. She has her own home. You should not be torn. You have let her know that you are grateful and the tears are a way of manipulating you into getting what she wants, move out and start your life again. I hope all is well with your son and life.

Danielle - posted on 02/15/2010

Just do it and make sure you visit a lot. Sweetie as mom we have to think of our family comes first. They will see that it's okay in the end. The fear is the only thing she is crying over.

Rachel - posted on 02/15/2010

Wow. I am sorry you guys have had such a rough time. My husband and I had to move in with my parents a couple years ago, we were only there for 3 months, but I understand. I was 19 when my 1st daughter was born, although I didn't move with my parents until she was 3 yrs. old, when I did move in, they tried to discipline their way, do things the way they wanted...and I had to put my foot down, even though they might not agree with mine and my husbands discipline or the way we raise our children. The big issue was religion based...my parents are very devout Christians and my husband and I are Atheists. So simple things like not wanting my daughter to have to pray before she eats her food, they dont like that. No one can live with their family forever. You need to be on your own. I understand she wants to be close, and from what it sounds like you will be close, so she will be fine. You shouldn't make a decision for your family based on someone elses reaction. My parents didn't want me to move to NY, my husbands mother didn't want us to move back to TX....halfway through our marriage when we were having hard times, his mom told him to leave me, and my parents told me to leave him. His friends didn't like me, and mine didn't like him. But we were and are madly in love with each other...and I would follow him anywhere. Do what is right for your family and no one else!!

Kerri-Ann - posted on 02/15/2010

fafter reading what you went through, which im sorry to hear! i say move! you all deserve you're own place to call home :) and really, your son has a lot more growing, so you cant be expected to stay there forever! lol. hope it all works out for you :)

Casey - posted on 02/15/2010

The emotions are going to be there no matter what, but this is your family and your responsability to make it the best you know how, and I feel like to do that you need space,privacy,and your own place. Trust me when I say, they will be ok, and once they realize your not leaving them for good, that they can come see the baby anytime they want, they will be happy for you, I am sure of it. You have to be brave and stand up for what you want, or you might be there forever,lol. Good Luck, I know it will be fine, and you'll make the right choice.

Kristin - posted on 02/15/2010

I'm so sorry for what u have been through I couldn't imagine but my opinion is u need to do what u feel is right for your family and if that upsets people they will get over it. I think if u want to move then u should I live 30 mins away from my kids grandparents I love it they don't drop by and bug me but my kids still see them all the time. Explain to them that its not like they will never see your child again but that u need to do this to get back on your feet if they love u they will understand don't let them run your life

Stephanie - posted on 02/15/2010

speaking from experience, it is ALWAYS better for you two as acouple to be living alone. It builds the realtionship,your parenting skills etc. My son is extra excited to visit his grandma and he sleeps over from time to time. Both she and your child will be fine :)

Babette - posted on 02/15/2010

You and your partner have to put yourselves and your son before everyone elses emotional need. As kind hearted as they were to take you in when you were in need they also have to accept it's a part of life that their children can't live at home forever. You have both been through MORE then enough emotional trauma so it's completely ok for you to be a bit selfish for the sake of your son. The fact that it's just down the road for them is showing you that it is just a control issue (let me guess it's mainly the mother in law guilting you right??). Obviously you're not taking her son and yours to the other side of the world and i'm sure they will be able to see him any time they want! Parents and parent in law will ALWAYS try to guilt you into gettin their way, you just have to accept it but always do what is best for your family - that's what is most important. To save yourself getting in the middle, let your partner explain to his parent that they are welcome to see their grandson any time but he has to be on his own for the sake of his family and it's a part of life. Whether they like it or not they have to let their son go!!

Felicia - posted on 02/15/2010

No your not being horrible, they knew from the start that u were there for a short time not permanent. You and your partner need and deserve ur own place. So do it and they will get over it :) keep your head up

Shalaina - posted on 02/15/2010

First..wow! That is crazy and I am glad that you all are OK!
Second, don't feel bad. Let her know that she will still be able to see your son often and you will be happy to visit them or they may visit you sometimes.
You guys need your own life and I'm sure it will be great on your own again! She should be proud that you have made it so you are back on your own feet! Show her your appreciation, which you much have, and ask her to babysit sometimes and go out with your man! It will be good for all of you! Good luck!

Emily - posted on 02/15/2010

i am so sorry 2 hear about the trials u have been and r going through. The best thing u can do 4 u and ur family is move out, ur relationship with ur partner will improve and u wont have any1 watching every move u make with raising ur son and telling u a " better" way 2 do it (most grandparents do 2 some degree even if u aren't living with them) I'm sure u still want the inlaws 2 b a part of ur family's life but DO NOT tell her she can come ova any time she wants!!!!!! with the description of her behaviour then she will b there all day every day and u might as well have stayed living with them, if ur happy 2, arrange 4 her 2 have him 4 a couple of hours by herself once or twice a week, fourtnight, month or whatever u feel is appropriate, i highly reccomend u mainly going 2 their house 2 start with as when ur ready u can just go home rather than having her at ur place 4 way longer than u wish and either having 2 put up with it, or asking her 2 leave and cause more tension. good luck with it all and wishing u the best 4 the future

LaCrisha - posted on 02/15/2010

you have to do what's best for your son and your family not what's best for the grandparents. They can still come visit but you'll need to decide how to tell them you need room to breathe and be a family of your own. GOOD LUCK!!

Stacy - posted on 02/15/2010

no you need to have your own life just set down with her and tell her that u guys will still come over everyday to visit its going to be hard on all of you but they need to relize that you guys need to make your own home life. and its not like your moving away your just moving down the road you need to do this not only for you but for your baby too.