Exposing kids to dysfunctional relatives

[Anonymous]

Op- I can feel your pain- my husband’s adopted sister is straight up white trash- both her daughters have kids with no knowledge of who the dad is- the son has not had a job for longer than 12 months and he is 30. None are educated- actually none finished high school. My husband and I are both educated and gainfully employed.
So I drew the line- we no longer go to MIL’s house to visit (in another state) because I do not want my kids around them. I was guilted a bit first xmas that it won’t hurt for 3 days a year at xmas but after three visits over 6 years, I laid down the law— my kids will not be around them at all. End of story.
I guess I got upset enough that being “fair” didn’t matter. I’m the mom and we are still married- so I refuse to allow them around my kids.

The world is full of interesting people with interesting life choices- that all fine and part of life- out of my control. But spending 12 hours on small house with skanks- yeah I’m fine saying “not going to happen- and yes, just because I said”.
End of story.
You’re the mom- you have the right.

[Anonymous]

Funny, watching Bloodline on Netflix which shows the dangers of not warning your kids about dysfunctional family members. Kids want to love everyone they can. And forewarned is forewarned. Otherwise, they romanticize the black sheep.