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Scolding DS's accident

236 replies

ellie09 · 05/08/2025 21:51

Hi all

My DP moved in with me, DS (8 year old) and my dog about 2 months ago now with his 2 cats. We knew it was going to be an adjustment period as far as the pets were concerned.

At the moment, we have the dog downstairs and cats upstairs. We are slowly introducing them and they are now at the point where they can be about a metre away from each other with supervision and remain calm in each others company. We still keep them separated when we are working etc and unable to supervise, so the door downstairs remains closed.

Today, DS accidentally left the door open a little, which resulted in the dog running up the stairs. No big deal, I just ran up and got dog back downstairs.

However, DP seems to have taken it a bit too far (in my eyes). He immediately scolded DS and gave him silent treatment, stomped around the house sulking that all the work put in with the pets is now a waste as the cats will be scared etc etc.

I told DP that it wasn't a big deal, it was an accident and to just forget it, to which he said "oh I'm sure it wasnt an accident". At this point, I told him he was taking it too fad now, and gave him silent treatment back the same way he feels its ok to give DS.

AIBU or is his reaction unreasonable?

I cant stand by scolding and punishing DS for an accident and something that didnt cause any harm etc.

OP posts:
simsbustinoutmimi · 05/08/2025 22:02

ellie09 · 05/08/2025 21:58

DS already has a list of rules to follow to get his pocket money - and strikes if he misbehaves. DP is aware of these and has always followed them, but this seems to be the only time it hasn't been followed.

I am trying to keep an open mind, that he has not lived with a child before, and telling him kids do silly things by accident all the time, but not sure if what I am saying is registering.

Will be having a firm chat with him in the morning, thats for sure.

If son Mis behaved like this would you scold him?

if so, it’s fair DP does that as it’s now his house too.

how long have you been together? How long has son known him

Campingisnexttogodliness · 05/08/2025 22:00

Tell him you are happy being a lone parent. He has no right to punish your ds..
We are 13 years in and my dh leaves the parenting of my dc to me..

LoveMyLifeAlways · 05/08/2025 22:00

Your poor son

simsbustinoutmimi · 05/08/2025 22:00

How long have you been with bf?

I get why he scolded, your son did wrong and maybe you don’t know the cats as well as your DP- maybe they’re terrified of dogs/ have been attacked before and still need introduced slowly. If your son lets the dog bound upstairs and he sees the cats this is not being introduced slowly.

but I think he should probably move out.

ooooohlala · 05/08/2025 21:58

Have a proper think… does living with this man make your son’s life better or worse?

ellie09 · 05/08/2025 21:58

KatyaKat · 05/08/2025 21:54

I would be having a very firm talk with him about what's acceptable, in terms of how he treats your child, assuming everything is normally good. And no more chances - if he does it again, he and his cats should move straight back out, and the relationship terminated.

DS already has a list of rules to follow to get his pocket money - and strikes if he misbehaves. DP is aware of these and has always followed them, but this seems to be the only time it hasn't been followed.

I am trying to keep an open mind, that he has not lived with a child before, and telling him kids do silly things by accident all the time, but not sure if what I am saying is registering.

Will be having a firm chat with him in the morning, thats for sure.

OP posts:
RCJJ · 05/08/2025 21:57

🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

e45crem · 05/08/2025 21:55

Get him out of there and protect yourself and your child.

TheOccupier · 05/08/2025 21:55

It would be in the best interests of both your DS and your boyfriend's cats if he moved back out ASAP.

KatyaKat · 05/08/2025 21:54

I would be having a very firm talk with him about what's acceptable, in terms of how he treats your child, assuming everything is normally good. And no more chances - if he does it again, he and his cats should move straight back out, and the relationship terminated.

PolyVagalNerve · 05/08/2025 21:54

2 months in and he is scolding …

poor kid

nip this in the bud now, and he can’t accept he’s crossed a line, then throw him out - protect your kid,