My inlaws want to take my son for a bit during the summer

@sissy15 (12269)
United States
November 2, 2018 1:44pm CST
Something I've learned over the years is that Motherly guilt is a real thing. Nothing can make me feel worse than my mother guilting me about something I did or didn't do. It's no surprise to me that my MIL possesses the same magic power. She messaged me last summer asking if they could take my son for a week or two during his next summer break she figured she would give us the school year to really think about it. I was leaning towards no. They live about four hours away and my son is not the easiest child to handle and I just don't know how he'd handle being away from us for that long. He has never been away from us for more than a weekend and that was with my sister who lives about five minutes away not four hours. I obviously told her I'd think about it not having the heart to say no. My son has never been away from us for long periods of time and we are super close to him. We are pretty protective over him. My MIL then messaged me again a couple days ago and laid on the guilt. She said she really wishes they could be closer to him. That they wanted a close relationship with him and they want him to know they're there for him. I couldn't say no to that. My son sees them maybe once or twice a year for a couple of days max here lately. We used to go for about a week at a time a few years ago but we just haven't had the ability to do that since he started school. I felt horrible knowing that they want to really know him and they don't. I thought about my husband's biological father and how he won't even respond let alone acknowledge he has another son and here are these people who want a genuine relationship with our son. I couldn't say no. I know ultimately this is a good thing for everyone involved but it's really difficult letting go. I also didn't want them to have to deal with all of my son's issues because he is a strongwilled child with a lot of quirks and he is a lot of work. I warned her and she kept telling me it was nothing they couldn't and haven't handled in the past. I wanted to say but they're older now but thought that would be rude saying "oh, but that was before you got old and developed a lot of health problems." I guess we'll see how this summer goes. I do know I'm buying my son a smart watch before he leaves that has GPS and call/text functions before he leaves. We have been looking into children's smart watches for him for a bit because we like having a peace of mind for when he's not around us. My stepfather in-law will be the one who picks him up and brings him back. That's a lot of dedication just to spend time with our child. They're going out of their way just to see him so I really can't deny them the ability to get to know their grandchild. I want this for all of them. They all deserve that relationship and the fact that they are jumping through hurdles to have that relationship with him means a lot to me and it's the biggest reason I can't and won't say no. It's going to be super difficult for me but I know it's what's best.
2 people like this
2 responses
@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
2 Nov 18
It is so easy to be guilted into doing something that you are unsure about doing. This might be a good thing for all of you. They will get to know h8ime better as he will get to know them. You will have a break. Relax and enjoy.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
2 Nov 18
I think it is going to be good for us but it's definitely not going to be easy I'm going to miss him like crazy.
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@HazySue (39264)
• Gouverneur, New York
4 Nov 18
@sissy15 I went through the same thing when my girls were little. You miss them but it is so good for them to grow closer to family.
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@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
4 Nov 18
@HazySue It is a good thing, but I'll definitely miss him when he's not here. It's harder when you only have one because there are no other children to help keep you distracted. When my husband works it will just be me alone thinking about how much I miss the kid.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154166)
• Canada
2 Nov 18
I have to say that I don't think we could have done that when our 2 sons were young. We were over protective and were always with them. Tough decision.
1 person likes this
@sissy15 (12269)
• United States
2 Nov 18
It is a very difficult decision. I don't want to but at some point, I have to let go. It's not doing anyone any good to never let him experience things. It's hard for me which is why I've decided to get the smartwatch for him so I can use the GPS to keep track of him and so he can call us and do video chat. I know my MIL is going to think we are insane giving him that but it's going to be the only thing that will give us a little peace of mind. My inlaws are trustworthy but I'm still a mom and I'm always going to worry and think no one can keep him as safe as I can.