Need advice about upcoming trip

[1002jennisue]

Last year I went to DL for a convention for work, I went with my SIL and had a miserable time, so much that I was unsure if I wanted to go again this year. I am going and decided to bring my kids and my older niece and nephew as well. My SIL is not staying with me and she is flying in the convention and I am driving, she said she wasn't going to spend a lot of time in the parks this year so I was relieved. Just yesterday she said she was going to get a five day park hopper and wanted to know what days we were going to the park. I lied and told her I didn't know, which is not true, I have almost everything planned out. She is going with us to dinner at café Orleans on Friday night but I don't want her with us every night. If she asks again, how do I nicely tell her that I just want to be with my kids and niece and nephew? TIA

 

[Sherry E]

I moved your thread over to the main DL planning forum.

 

[nikkislaght]

Be open and honest.... in that, its your trip and you are happy to spend some time with her but need to spend time alone with the kids.. I go with a friend and her niece each year and we split up for certain things.. she likes this and I like that etc.. so it stands to reason that we would do things separately. and there are no hard feelings.. hope you have a great time.. Disney is a blast with the right people..

 

[jammyjam25]

Gosh that's a tough one! Especially since I'm assuming the older niece and nephew are her children?

I agree with the open and honest policy if at all possible. Maybe suggest meeting for dinner (like you are) or other pre-determined events throughout the week and then stress that you'd really like to spend the rest of your time as one on one time with the kids? If she insists on tagging along maybe be prepared to lay out some firm ground rules for what your expectations are for your time in the park to try to avoid or minimize the issues you had last year.

Family conflicts are always tough, but I'd hate to see another trip ruined for you because of it! Best of luck!

 

[Geemo]

Last year I went to DL for a convention for work, I went with my SIL and had a miserable time, so much that I was unsure if I wanted to go again this year. I am going and decided to bring my kids and my older niece and nephew as well. My SIL is not staying with me and she is flying in the convention and I am driving, she said she wasn't going to spend a lot of time in the parks this year so I was relieved. Just yesterday she said she was going to get a five day park hopper and wanted to know what days we were going to the park. I lied and told her I didn't know, which is not true, I have almost everything planned out. She is going with us to dinner at café Orleans on Friday night but I don't want her with us every night. If she asks again, how do I nicely tell her that I just want to be with my kids and niece and nephew? TIA

If you don't want a repeat of last year, BE HONEST!
You can be honest and in a nice way. How she receives the message is up to her.

Let her know she had said "she wasn't going to spend a lot of time in the parks this year". Due to this you have especially invited your niece and nephew to join you and your kids in the parks. And the group has already made several plans for the days in the parks. Meeting her for dinner Friday night is fine but you just want to spend the special time with the all the kids. And you hope she enjoys the conventions and her time in the parks.

Just don't let her ruin the time in the parks for you or the kids.

By the way what convention are you attending? Time in the parks and with family can be delightful!

Geemo

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Agree about being graciously honest and having firm boundaries. Her reaction is her responsibility, not yours.

 

[1002jennisue]

The niece and nephew are not her kids, they are my sister's kids and taking my kids to the park when I'm at the convention. I know should be honest but my only fear is that when you upset her she gets really upset and mean and to be honest I am a little afraid of her!

 

[1002jennisue]

Thanks for all of the advice!

 

[Geemo]

The niece and nephew are not her kids, they are my sister's kids and taking my kids to the park when I'm at the convention. I know should be honest but my only fear is that when you upset her she gets really upset and mean and to be honest I am a little afraid of her!

If this is the case, have your husband and her husband there when you talk about your DLR plans.
Moral support can help you get the words out and can give her support to accept it.

I'd do it soon, so she has time to cool down before the convention.

Geemo