Mary Said:

My former in-laws are demanding that I let them take my kids to Ohio without me?

We Answered:

First of all, condolences concerning the loss of your husband...I don't think that you are a horrible person but in a horrible situation...as so many others have already said, they are your children and no matter how much your in-laws demand that you send the children to them, you do not have to...period...they have no rights to see them what-so-ever especially if they are making an already difficutl situation even more stressful..you don't have to explain anyting to them because they are being unreasonable...no is no...you've said it and that should be the end of it...I know it's easier said then done since they are your husbands family...but those are your children and if you feel in your gut that something is wrong then you sh ouold follow that..if need be you may have to contact police for harassment...I know that sounds extreme, but if they continue to pressure you then you may have to do that...

My children's grandmother tried to do that to me a few years ago after hr son/their faterh passed away, but I just had to tell her that either she came to see them or else she wouldn't b/c just like your in-laws she wasn't trying to visit them while he was alive, and I can understand that now that he's gone she wants a relationship with them but as far as me just sending them thousands of miles away (she lives in NM and we live in IL), that just wasn't happening..when I threatened to call the police for harrassement did she finally calm down and stop pressuring me...it took time..a long time...but it finally happened...stick to your gunsm no matter how painful it is because your children need you now more than ever, as I'm sure you know...so good luck to you and again...STAY STRONG...you and your little ones are in my prayers...