I Refuse to Let My Daughter-in-Law Join Our Family Vacation

Nowhere in your post did you mention who all paid. I will assume it was a group contribution. When ppl take vacations they are looking for peace, relaxation, laughter and fun. Nowhere in there should there be stress, tension, gaslighting or bad energy. If this is what Ms Laura brings to the table, then she should most definitely be excluded from the cookout or vacation (as it were). And you should NOT apologize. But you should have a frank, honest and open conversation. Maybe address why she feels you are controlling. Is it your son who has said this maybe as a way of explaining how you are to her. I know my kids think I'm controlling, but I like things done a certain way, and I like them done right the first time. I plan and I map out the get togethers and when too many ppl, I have a big family, has a say or an input, then it gets chaotic and messy AND stressful. For me mostly 😑 but talk to her let her know the comments are hurtful, unnecessary and out of place in the setting of a family vacation. And keeping your grandson away as punishment only hurts the child and deprives him of knowing his ancestors. So no you are NTA. She needs to grow up and learn her place. You are the matriarch of your family that she has married into.

Family vacations are meant to unite us, yet this year I made a choice that shocked everyone: I left my daughter-in-law out of the trip. It was a difficult decision, but one I felt had to be made.

Liza shares her tragic story with Bright Side.

Hey there, Bright Side! I’d like to share a personal experience. What’s done is done, but I keep questioning whether my actions were fair or if I was in the wrong. I’d love to hear from your readers who they believe bears the blame in this situation.
My daughter-in-law and I aren’t very close, but I thought we were getting along fine. She’s been married to my son, Jack, for two years. At first, I didn’t support their marriage, but I accepted it for my son’s happiness. They now have a beautiful son I adore. I’ve been trying to build a better relationship with my DIL, but it’s been really difficult.

Franchesca Ray

Why should she apologize for her reaction to someone who has intentionally tried to embarrass her. That maybe the reason why she didn't support their marriage ( mothers intuition). And DIL married INTO the family knowing this is what HIS family does. Instead of DIL asking how can I help- while MIL is really putting forth the effort she gets called controlling- ps maybe no one else wanted the job of planning a huge family vacation- jmt-ijs

She often makes sarcastic comments, and I can’t help but feel they’re aimed at me. At family dinners, she’ll roll her eyes at my ideas or brush them off as “old-fashioned.” The breaking point came at Jack’s birthday. Every summer, we take a family trip, and this year my husband and I picked a lakeside cabin for fishing. Everyone seemed happy about it—even my daughter-in-law—until she embarrassed me in front of everyone by saying, “You only plan these trips because you can’t stand letting anyone else be in charge.”
The room went quiet. Later, in the kitchen, Laura repeated herself. “I didn’t mean to upset you, but you do like being in control,” she said gently, though it still felt like a dig. That night, I decided I couldn’t tolerate a week stuck with someone who didn’t respect me.

salena258

Eye rolling and mocking are forms of contempt which is a form of abuse. So at a minimum the daughter-in-law is using abusive behaviors.

Gloria Acosta

Yes, your daughter inlaw was disrespectful and inconsiderate embarrassingly you like that. Your son said he didn't want to be in the middle, but is obvious he choose side, his wife's side. He should have told her, that was uncalled for. Your son said his wife was going to be upset, put he didn't consider your feelings. Plan outings and vacations with you husband, friends and let them have their own. Keeping your grandson from you in black mail and your son is no better. You don't have anything to apologize for. Try to spend as little as possible with them

There is always two sides to every story. I wonder what the other side is?

Karen Doelling

One of the hardest things a “ mama ” has to learn.. her son is her son til he takes s a wife .., and Mama needs to get along with that wife ! I cannot think anyone could respect a man who chose his mama over his wife ! ..,

Lyn Coburn

Karen Doelling

That maybe true, but she married into his family. His wife need not be a bitch at every outting. And I'm sure Mama cold shoulder played a part in how DIL is responding now. But 9/10 the son has played a part in that as well. It sounds like he married a version of his mother in the controlling department 😆

Milana

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Milana

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Kairon Lalonde

They feel MIL is controlling. Not letting son go and have his own space for his family. Probably feels like hes a pushover mamas boy.

... and decided the best way to handle it was to insult her vacation trip yet still expect to go.

William Bodell

This woman made her side so clear. MILs like this are the absolute worst.

Jamie Wilson

You do sound kinda mean. You've never liked her, so you try to hide it but it does come out in your actions. Some mothers can never let go of their sins, no daughter in law will ever be good enough. Admit it. My late MIL never liked me, always had a comment. For the record I took care of her son for 24 years, we were married for 32 years. Hospital stays, surgeries, Drs, and I always took care of him. I'm a widow now. She never saw that I took care of him, never saw how much I loved him. I hope you learn something from my post

The next day, I told Jack I didn’t want Laura on the trip. “I just need a break from the tension,” I explained. He was upset and said he didn’t want to be caught in the middle, warning me that Laura wouldn’t take it well. He was right. She later called and accused me of being controlling again, even claiming I was tearing the family apart. I honestly don’t understand where all her anger is coming from.

Even with all the drama, we went on the trip, and it was incredibly peaceful. Without Laura’s sarcasm, we laughed more, relaxed, and truly enjoyed ourselves. But since coming back, she hasn’t spoken to me or visited, and she’s keeping my grandson away, which is really upsetting. Should I apologize to my daughter-in-law? What’s the best way to handle this now?

Brad Luepke

The daughter-in-law did not bring it up in a very constructive way, but maybe the mother-in-law is rather controlling. I know people like this, that don't do it to be nasty, but do themselves as great organizers, and like to do the planning. If the mother-in-law and her husband are the ones paying for the family vacation, it would seem sensible that they would be the one's making the majority of the decisions. On the other hand, however, it would seem reasonable that they would ask for some input from other members of the family. When all is it said and done, however, if some parents invite their kids to a family vacation, it is kind of up to the parents to pick the vacation if they're paying for it.

Hi Liza! Thank you for opening up and sharing your story. Family conflicts are never easy for anyone involved. Here are some suggestions on how you might approach the situation moving forward:

Apologize if necessary: If leaving her out of the trip caused pain, think about apologizing. It doesn’t mean you were completely wrong, but it demonstrates that you care about the relationship and want to heal any rifts.

Acknowledge her feelings: Reach out to your daughter-in-law and try to understand her perspective. Even if you are still not on the same page, showing that you’re open to understanding her side can help rebuild the relationship. A simple line like, “I didn’t mean to hurt you, and I’d like us to work things out,” can make a big difference.

Bring in a neutral party: If feelings are intense, ask someone impartial, like Jack, to help mediate. He can guide the conversation and ensure both sides are heard calmly and fairly.

Establish boundaries kindly: As you work on repairing the relationship, be clear about your needs. Calmly explain how hurtful comments affect you and suggest ways to improve communication going forward.

Consider your perspective: Pause to think about your part in the situation. Even if you felt justified, reflect on how Laura might have seen your actions. This awareness can help you decide the best way to move forward.

In a different letter, a woman explained why she chose not to financially support her retired mother. You can read her story here.

Preview photo credit Kampus Production / Pexels

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ronda chambers

I read the comment to the MIL. This is what I would do . Again it's what I would do. I would not apologize to my daughter-in-law. After all she said what she truly felt. Nothing wrong with that if she really felt that way. I may not like it but I'm glad she put it out there. So why can't I tell her or anyone else how I feel. We all are adults. I know now where I stand with her. Instead of getting angry , stop talking to me and keeping me from seeing my grandchild. She could sit down with me and find a way to work.through our situation. Not seeing my grandchild would hurt. But it's her lost. For all she know she may need me in the future. I will always be there for my son and his family. I will keep living my life.

Susan Smith

I am always amused when these OPs choose to take the "nuclear" option (telling your son you don't want HIS WIFE on a family trip) .... and then go into martyr-mode when the person they have ostracized fights back.

The OP totally and deliberately tried to cut her DIL out because she got called on her (the OP's) control issues....

The OP should not be at all surprised by her DIL reciprocating..... the OP playing "long suffering martyr" just doesn't cut it..... SHE'S THE ONE WHO STARTED THIS.

Ginny

Yep. MIL is definitely wrong and controlling. Why isnt the wife picking out her HUSBANDS birthday getaway? Why does his mother get to pick? Why can't they take turns?

Jean Ecassup