Why does my MIL

[sharbear]

ask me what size the kids are and then buys the wrong size? She always says, "the clothes looked so big and I thought that the kids were smaller". Like I'm lying to her about what size they were. Also why does she buy my DH sweaters when he never, ever wears sweaters. He won't wear anything that isn't hanging in his closet so they just sit in his drawer.

When I am a MIL I vow to listen to my kids and their spouses and buy the right size. BTW my MIL is one great person and I am one lucky DIL so I'll take these faults.

When you are a MIL what are you going to do?

 

[CajunDixie]

Placing my right hand on the bible errrr monitor......I solemlny swear to stick to the list that I know my future grandkids will work hard on to narrow down the 1000 things they want into a reasonable list. Every year my MIL ask the boys to work on a list and every year she buys older DS clothes that are too small, younger DS clothes that are either babyish (he's 9) or way too big, and totally ignores all the stuff that is on the list. This year I made a point of writing down specific names and prices of things from WalMart but I just know she wont have bought one single thing on their lists. BIL asks for the list too and he tends to get the clothing sizes right...thanks to SIL and they dont even have kids. But he tends to go overboard on high priced gifts that the boys havent even asked for and ignores the stuff they really do want. At least I know my mom did well since she asked me to drive down and go shopping with her.

I'll stick to future grandkids list but I must say I have some "payback" gifts I'm buying if DHs bro ever has kids. First on my list for his kids when they turn about 4-6 will be colored glue, glitter glue, playdough, markers, a bottle of glitter, and all the loud noisey presents I can find. And I'll have the VHS tape of him saying "they'll only be kids once" ready to play for him if he complains. Wonder if I can find anything that plays the song from Small World.....

 

[becka]

I think the clothes that DS get for Christmas from my MIL will probably be too big for him.

I mentioned that he was outgrowing his current sleepers/clothes that are 3-6 mo sizes and that I didn't have too many in the 6-9 mo. sizes. She went on to explain to me that I must be wrong because kids sizes are small and they don't ever fit into the right month size (he is 7 months). :rolleys: After all her great-niece was wearing 18 month size clothes when she was DS's age.

Well her great-niece has always been in the 95+% on the growth chart and DS is at 20%. I apparently don't know a thing about my son's size...after all I am the one who dresses him and buys him clothes.

All of his 3-6 mo. sizes still fit but a few of the smaller ones are getting too small and all of the 6-9 mo. stuff is either too big or he is just starting to fit so I am pretty sure that 6-9 mo. sizes will be just fine.

I know other things on the list (that she just HAD to have) have been deemed inappropriate or are things that she doesn't think he would like. I, of course, no nothing about what my DS would like since I am just his Mom.

 

[Piglet]

I need to join this club too!!!

My MIL is always buying my DD clothes that are too small. I also give her sizes. Now I know that my DD is very hard to fit because she is short and her tummy is quite large (due to medical problems), but is it too much to ask not to buy shirts that are made to fit tight and really short. A sweatshirt or PJ's are fine. I have suggested these, but she never gets them. Next time she comes to visit, I am putting those clothes on her, so she can see how they fit!!!!

Melinda

 

[CamColt]

Even though my kids are 2 & 5, Ive alredy thought about this one. As soon as DSs are in a serious reltationship I am going to tell the girl all the grief Ive taken from my MIL(sparing the details of course) and tell her if I ever act that way toward them, to dope slap me. Some of the basics are

1) I will not invite myself over the house or show up unannounced
2) I will treat their kids like my grandkids, not like a nuisance around the house
3) I will not expect my DSs to come running to help me everytime I need something. Like to wipe my nose when I sneeze(ok, maybe MIL isnt that bad, but pretty close)
4) I will stick to gift certificates for gifts(not sexy lingerie or dust pans)
5)I will never ever ever kick DIL out of her own kitchen, or talk about her to guests in her house(including her own mother!).

 

[Snow White]

Yikes CamColt, your mil sounds a little scary! lol!

 

[s&k'smom]

OMG I am going to be the best mother in law. My MIL has passed on but well let's just say now that my FIL's true colors have come out I understand her a lot more. I pledge Camcolt's list (which is so good) and can I add to never speak about the other parent in front of the kids no matter what. Just to love, support, nuture my grandkids and hope to be a friend to any in-law. Oh and spoil them rotten like my mum does with time, patience, understanding and sleepovers.