First Steps to Solvency

Legs21

Glad you are having a good time. Should have left the laptop home. Knew FIL would come good on this trip and see how spoilt his princess is. Too bad you’re not there for longer with them. Could have had a heart to heart with FIL about your wife. He’d be on your side and back you up 100%. 

Day 45 smashed ✅

Day 60 next target date

RelievedSheff

Glad it is all going well with the father in law. Knew he would be on your side with this. 

Try and have today off the work stuff. You need a break from that. Everyone has a break from work.

Hopefully your wife will have a better day today.

Willowtree222

Congratulations on day 45. Fantastic achievement.

I missed the wife’s spending spree, hopefully you can sort it out. 

Sun_Addict

Second target will be hit today, well done. Sounds like you’re enjoying the break. I know it goes against the grain but let FIL treat you if it’s making him happy. Hope your wife is in a better frame of mind today, at least it’s been a eye opener for her parents to witness her in full diva mode. Enjoy the rest of your break.

CRANKY40

FIL is probably enjoying seeing his grandson so happy. I told you that the boy would love it and I'm glad that you're seeing how happy you can make your son just by being with him. 

warby68

Well done on next mini target - Day 60 not far away with 45 already in the bag.

FIL triggers your pride but accepting gifts graciously is another of those mental stumbling blocks. Hard to do when being the provider is such a key part of you but grandparents doing nice things when they're able to is perfectly normal and the gift you can give is allowing them to. They can feel good, you can have really useful help - its all good. Practically, limited spending there will help offset wife's binge - so a mental 'tick' there too.

What on earth can your wife find to object to about kids' activities - is she jealous its not about her? True colours or just generally a mess and acting out? 

With the laptop/work thing, I'd approach it this way. By all means have a look to relieve the nagging worry but agree with yourself first you are only looking for oversight and reassurance not to actually do work - give it 10/15 minutes and then 'park'. If that nagging feeling builds up, do the same the next day. If its to 'escape' from the personal problems (wife), that's harder but its an opportunity to start finding some other simple escapes/release valves to add to your repertoire - a walk with the unconditionally loving pooch,  go and watch son sleep (nothing more calming) or read or have a therapeutic long shower or bath. That time when others are ready for bed and you aren't and are a bit fearful of that 'empty' time is a weak spot for you. Learn to use it as a bonus hour for yourself in some way. Make it a good time not another problem. Reframing things in your head is surprisingly effective and you're obviously quite a bit more able to do this kind of thinking than you were. 

Enjoy your day

maggiem

Well done for getting to day 45. Keep on keeping on. 

strawb_shortcake

Really glad to hear you are enjoying yourself and your Son is as well. 

I'm a bit biased but I think your Son would really enjoy Beavers/Cubs especially if you can find a unit with outdoor space too. 

With your FIL spending money and not letting you, it's not about you not being able to afford it but because he wants too, it's what grandparents do. My Mum treats us all to a big family day out and a trip to the panto every Christmas she knows we could all afford our own way in these trips out but she just likes to treat us

Kakiste

My dad and my inlaws are exactly the same with my daughter. As far as I remember your son is their only grandchild? Same with my kid- on both sides of the family which means she gets doted on a lot.

MovingForwards

Well done for making it this far.

FIL is now seeing what you have to deal with, which is only going to work in your favour.

I know you feel you 'owe' FIL for the holiday and other things, but you don't. Stop trying to repay him as it's kinda insulting, if he wanted money from you he would have said / accepted it. If you want to do 'something' buy him a brew / beer and thank him for such a wonderful time, that's worth more than money.

Also, I agree with the cubs / scouts idea. It's nothing like what you see on TV. The right group will help develop skills and he will make friends with people from all walks of life.