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Wales Online
Wales Online
Entertainment
Emily Withers

Mum hurt after grandparents offer to pay disabled grandchild not to attend party

A mum has asked whether she is over reacting after feeling "hurt and upset" by her children's grandparents offering to pay for her disabled child to not attend their party. She says the experience has left her feeling "disgusted".

Mumsnet is a forum where parents discuss issues relating to their children. It is popular amongst parents of all age groups and posts can collect hundreds of comments from other parents.

The mum took to the internet forum to ask other parents for their advice on the situation. Everyone said the same thing and offered the mum some helpful advice.

Read more: Sister tells new mum it's 'selfish' to only have one child.

Mumsnet user clpsmum said: "My DCs (darling children's) paternal grandparents haven't seen or spoken to my DCs for over two years, the GPS (grandparents) choice. They stopped sending Christmas cards and birthday cards and have had no contact whatsoever in the last two years. They like to tell people it's my fault and I stopped contact but this is not true.

"At the weekend I got a text message from them saying they were holding a party in a couple of weeks time and their grandchildren from another country would be attending. In the text they said two of my children are welcome to attend and they would give cash to my other DC who is disabled not to attend.

"Am I over reacting to be disgusted by this? Not only are they paying one of my DC to stay away there is also no mention of seeing any of my DC at any other time apart from to make them look like good grandparents at their party. I'm so unbelievably hurt and upset by this that I can't think straight at the moment."

Other mums quickly jumped in to defend the user. The response was unanimous in saying that she has every right to be upset.

Mumsnet user dementedpixie said: "I would say they either all go or none of them go. Would you want to take your kids there anyway, they don't sound nice to be around." Cheekyhobson said: "Whatever the amount was that they offered your DC to not attend the party, I’d offer them that same amount to never contact you again."

Trixiefirecracker added: "Jesus. This is just awful. I would explain in no uncertain terms how disgusted you are and then never have anything to do with them again." Some Mumsnet users thought the mum should tell the whole family about the messages. DontBuyANewMumCashmere said: "I would send my other two DC and pay them handsomely to tell everyone they see, that their GPs paid their disabled sibling not to come. Or perhaps distribute printed leaflets of their text message."

Others thought she should take the moral high ground and ignore the messages. OliveLover01 said: "Truly disgusting behaviour. Don’t send your children. I’m not sure they even warrant a reply or explanation. Just don’t go. Don’t acknowledge. Then block all modes of contact with them and carry on with your life as if you never even knew they existed."

Mumsnet user carefullycourageous added: "I am so sorry you have these people in your life, however distant. Your reaction is correct, that is a disgusting thing to ask and of course you can't break the court order anyway. Do not waste your energy on hateful words, just be factual in your reply and divert your energy into your own lovely family."

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