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To be devastated that my husband won't let our 2yo be a 2yo

333 replies

anonymousi · 17/10/2024 21:54

He works full time, I'm a SAHM. When he gets home around 6-7 the house is a mess because I've been looking after our DD all day and cooked dinner (so DD would have been playing with her toys in the same room as I cook). My husband likes to bring this up in arguments or if there's a particularly big pile of toys sigh, roll his eyes, say something like "you girls have been busy" or "daddy's going to have to clean this up now eh". The reality is, yes daddy has to clean this up because I will tidy up the kitchen area after DC mealtime and prepare her for bed, then put her to bed. Of course, as she's 2 she understands what's being said and I don't want her to grow up to the sound of "urgh don't get your toys out" "no don't tip all the pencils out of your box" - if she's drawing she needs her pencils. The house is never dirty, just mess in the sense of toys scattered. And if I ever have him watch her he will keep getting grumpy at her every time she tries to take a toy out - LILLY, NO! Urghhh why did you get your legos! If she spills a drink "LOOK FORWARDS when you're eating" or "why did you tip that??" I've tried explaining that kids play, that part of their development is dropping things and exploring how they fall, that she's excited to play with her toys as she should be.

There's no way he can do bedtime duty because it would just stress her out - for example during bedtime stories if she gets out a second book or tries to colour and tips her pencils out, he will complain at her. The bath - same - why are you splashing water everywhere, why did you throw that bath toy out, now I'm all wet.

To avoid a drip feed I'll add that I'm a SAHM because we both saved £££ before having our DD, so no he isn't fully funding me. My family have also helped out financially so allow me to be a SAHM as it's always been my dream. We have a cleaner who comes 2 times per week to deep clean (whereas I do more of a daily surface clean) so the house is clean, hygienic and safe.

OP posts:
sprigatito · 17/10/2024 22:10

You need to change the dynamic here and start standing up for yourself and DD. You don't have to be aggressive, just be calm, assertive and firm. "No, she's done nothing wrong - don't speak to her like that, please. She needs to tip her pencils out so that she can reach them all."

You've explained that you being a SAHM was a mutual decision and one that you prepared for financially. So don't let him force you into this dynamic where you're the kept woman at home and he's the one in authority. Push back. Every time.

HazelPlayer · 17/10/2024 22:06

Was there any indication he was an anal, intolerant, nit picky, naggy, unrealistic wanker before you had a child with him?

Grandmasswagbag · 17/10/2024 22:05

In my experience men who fuss about tidiness/toys in the house when they come home are always controlling arseholes. He's putting in place rules for you and your dd, you might not even realise they are there, but you know when you break them. Classic for it to become noticeable when you have a child and I'll bet it will become worse.

lazyarse123 · 17/10/2024 22:04

My DH tried that when mine where little I just told him not to bother coming home until they'd all grown up. He shut up. Your DH is a twat as was mine but he grew out of it.

TiredHippo · 17/10/2024 22:03

My ex was like that, still is now a little, even though she's 5 now, used to drive me up the wall. On one occasion, when she was crying, he said, she'll have to learn she can't always get her own way........she was 8 months old!!!!!! I had to remind him on too many occasions of how old she was and she wouldn't have full capability of understanding what he was saying or trying to get her to do, or not do, and to get a fucking grip on himself!!!!

whatatodoaboutnothing · 17/10/2024 22:02

Do you mean your stb exdh?

Yolo12345 · 17/10/2024 22:01

Don't bother being devastated, get fucking furious and giving him a good telling off. What a prick!

pikkumyy77 · 17/10/2024 21:55

Don’t know what to tell you but I wouldn’t be tolerating his whiny behavior. Tell him to knock it off.