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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Husband giving me the silent treatment šŸ™„

29 replies

BathToysEverywhere · 07/11/2024 20:29

So dh and I had a disagreement this morning and I’m still this evening being given the silent treatment. This is his default reaction whenever I say or do something he doesn’t like and I’m getting sick of it tbh. We’ve got a nearly 4 year old DS who seems to be struggling a bit with his emotions at the moment. DS can get quite frustrated and angry when we say no to things and this can sometimes manifest into him trying to break his toys. My view on how to address this is to support him with these emotions, explain it’s not ok to break his toys but give him alternative options to let out his anger/frustration eg. hit a cushion etc. DH’s method is to shout at DS, which in my opinion doesn’t have any affect whatsoever apart from escalate DS anger more and probably damage his self esteem. Anyway this morning dh said to DS during a mild version of one of these outbursts ā€˜we’ll have to send you to nursery if you can’t behave.’ Again, some context, DS has been struggling with going to nursery recently, he goes for 2.5 days a week and we’ve just got to a point where he’s fairly happy to go. I said to my dh this morning, it’s not a good idea to use nursery as a punishment. I think this is a totally fair, reasonable and valid thing to say. But dh thought otherwise. He completely flew off the handle at me, started shouting at me in front of DS, saying I can’t control our child etc etc. Then stormed off upstairs, went to work without saying goodbye, and has been giving me the silent treatment ever since. Maybe I’m wrong but AIBU to think this is a completely unfair reaction?

OP posts:
UmberZebra · 07/11/2024 21:00

This is abuse. It’s going to get worse as the years go on. He’ll start doing it to the children too. Good luck. Men like this don’t get better in my opinion, so there isn’t anything else I can say apart from wishing you luck.

Catza · 07/11/2024 20:58

The silent treatment is a form of emotional abuse. The rest of his behaviour isn't much better

Thelnebriati · 07/11/2024 20:52

Your husband uses control and punishment for behaviours he perceives as resisting control, which are typical for authoritarians. Would he consider learning a different style of parenting? It might be best if the suggestion didn't come from you.

janiejonstone · 07/11/2024 20:40

No you're right, it's unreasonable behaviour. It's controlling, immature and borderline abuse. I'd also gently point out that your son's reactions to being held accountable for his behaviour (which is totally understandable from a young child!) are being modelled by his dad. It sounds like they're both finding it hard to manage their emotions, which sound exhausting for you.