Yes, it sounds like we are in the same boat. I am criticized on this forum for not letting my children see her. I didn't go into full detail but every time we see her, she always makes remarks how they all look like their side of the family. It is so obvious that 2 of my 3 children looks like my dad. She becomes angry and makes cheap shot comments. Both my husband and I are Asian with black hair, she claims that the children have black hair like her. Yeah, OK????
I also feel very comfortable for my children to be with her since she has always been so cruel to me. There has been many times that she does not even ackowledge that I am their mother, all she talks about is their Daddy.
She also gives my children food that has been expired for years to eat and once my son dropped a macaroni on the floor, she picked it up and put it in his mouth. By the time I said something, it was too late. Now can people understand why I don't let my children see her.
Don't know how much family therapy will do. My sister is in the same boat and her therapist tell her that people have confict in life.
I have always been polite to this woman but after 20 years I will no longer take it from her.
Thanks for your understanding and your story.
Will write more later.