camping

JodyBPM

I would say just set some ground rules, such as day trips done independently, care of own children only, discipling own children only, etc and then get on with it like adults.

Its 4 days, and i can understand your MIL wanting all her children and grandchildren there. Don't make it into such a big drama, just set the ground rules and enjoy your break.

(incidentally if someone else had to discipline my child, I would see that as a failing on my part, because regardless of whether or not you minded what your child was doing, they were clearly annoying another adult, which I personally would not allow to happen. And I genuinely can't see how dyslexia or left handedness would be relevant on a camping trip??? As for putting you down for being a housewife/living in a council house - just rise above it!)

onlyroz

You don't have to spend the whole holiday with them - why not just take your own kids out for excursions without them - and just state this as a fact to your in-laws, e.g. say "We're going to XXX today - see you at dinner", rather than "would it be OK if we went to XXX today?"

happy35

i would be doing the days out with your own family as well, rise above her put downs dont react to them that will really get up her nose.

Dont say too far in advance where you are going as this wont give anyone the chance to tag along or dump your niece and nephew on you

When her kids come over to ask you something because she is ignoring them, say I dont know you will have to ask your mam and off load them back on to her.

I would just concentrate on making the holiday good for your kids, even if this mean grinning and bearing it and having a naff time yourself.

Try not to spend too much when you are away and have a couple of nights away later in the summer with your oh and children that you will all enjoy.

I can sympathise been there done that,

Good luck

pinkclouds

I wouldn't go. My kids are way more important than anyone else. I would not knowingly make them miserable for one day, let alone two weeks.

Either tell them your family won't be going or invent a polite excuse. It doesn't matter that this was a "Christmas present". It's not much of a gift if it makes your kids miserable. Gifts are supposed to bring joy, not sadness.

Bigmoney2

What site are you going to? Maybe possible to not pitch too close to them, so as others have said you can do your own thng, take kids to the play area, go out for the day, and just get together in the evening. Hopefully there will be other kids for yours to play with away from SIL. Alternatively if it gets too much, develope a headache, stomach bug, that means you can seek refuge in your own unit, or have an excuse to go home.

Sweet_Pea_2

You have my deepest sympathy, to holiday with my MIL, FIL, SIL and BIL would be my idea of hell.

meritaten

I would go, but would not allow SIL to walk all over me. I would make plans NOW as to what YOU and yours are going to do in the daytime and only meet up with the others for breakfast and supper/dinner. DON'T tell anyone else your plans! make out that you want to give the kids a surprise destination each day! and if SIL or MIL say 'but we thought we would do things together'! just raise your eyebrows and say 'Really? I didnt get that impression'! then walk away and do what you like!

polejunkie

Good luck!

Counting_Pennies_2

I am assuming you will be in separate tents, if not get one.

Then spend the first hour letting the kids play together, then say you are off for the day. Invite MIL and FIL on occasions, but say you want to go off as your family unit the rest of the time.

Perhaps have an agreement that each family unit will cook one night each, that is three nights, then say you will go out for the rest of the time yourselves. Perhaps take MIL and FIL out for a meal one night, or suggest they do as part of your Christmas present.

Pee

How do your children get on with her children? They might be really pleased to have their cousins to play with. I know as a child me and my sister loved having cousins or other children there.

Also I had a relative, sort of Dad's cousin, and apparently he and his wife never liked me and much preferred my sister, who looked a bit more like that side of the family. The first I heard about this is hushed whispers between mum and dad when my personal stereo stopped working. I really didn't know but Mum always felt they were down on me and her side of the family. Now I'm guessing they were but it was also a bit that my mum was feeling insecure and those were issues I didn't need to have at that age.

The things that will really upset you discuss with your OH and try to remember there will be positives, too.