7yo threatening to go live his dad..

[Leanin15yearsmaybe]

After advice please....
Background: I have 2 x ds, their father sees them when it suits him, so sometimes once a fortnight, sometimes it can be 6 weeks in between visits. He generally has them for 1.5 hours after school or 4 hours if it's a weekend. We have been separated for 3 years and he has only had them overnight once. He often calls me 1-2 hours before he is due to have them to cancel last minute. Both boys are not bothered about him in the slightest and never mention him/ask to see him.

Today, after being refused extra iPad time, my 7 yr old informed me he wants to go and live with his father as I am mean and hateful and an awful mother etc etc. Not sure where it has come from given the lack/irregular contact with his father but it has made me want to cry! How do I address this? Wwyd?

[Vetsandpets]

Try not to take it personally. I think this is a fairly stock response to not getting his own way. I used to reply in a matter of fact way "That's a shame because I'd miss you" and then swiftly move on to another subject.

[PoldarksBreeches]

Why are you even giving it brain time? Just ignore it.

[Leanin15yearsmaybe]

Thankyou vets.

I'm giving it brain time as it was a shock as he doesn't mention his dad ever and it made me feel shit!

[Happyhippy45]

He's 7. Thats what kids do. I had a similar outburst from my dd when she was 6. She told me she was going to move in with our next door neighbours. Take it with a pinch of salt.

[Leanin15yearsmaybe]

Will try to. Neighbours would be a much better option IMO!

[BabyGanoush]

He's a young boy, he does not mean it

Just ignore, or talk to him about feeling angry and saying things he does not mean.

I would just downplay it.

He does not mean it, he's just a baby

[Toffeelatteplease]

ok then love you, very much, i will miss you. Ipad stays here though.....

[isupposeitsverynice]

I think this is something all single parents hear from time to time! It's horrible to hear but I agree it's best ignored, he doesn't really mean it.

[Leanin15yearsmaybe]

Hahaha toffee! Unfortunately exh attempts to buy love so they could have an iPad for each limb with him 🙄

Will attempt to ignore and just have a good sob and glass of wine now they are in bed! Thank you for the replies

[TheOnlyColditz]

If you weren't separated he would be threatening to live with grandma. Treat this with the seriousness it deserves, i.e. None

[Starlight2345]

I am sure it was 7 my DS told me he was leaving home and went and sat on the street where he thought I couldn't see him so watched him while I washed the dishes.

Then he moved out of my sight so I told him to get in . He did probably pleased of a way back in.

My Ds doesn't see his dad so can't use that one..It is part of a stock statements that they use like I hate you, you are the worst mum in the world..Some of them hurt first time then you learn to ignore them.