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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask how to protect my daughter from my son?

235 replies

WhaleRiders · 11/11/2025 15:07

Disabled son is nearly 4 but intellectually functions at the level of maybe an 18-month-old. Nonverbal, responds to his name and a few individual words like “eat” but that’s it.

He is incredibly hyperactive and from the moment he wakes up is running around screaming continuously in either joy or anger, pulling things off shelves, melting down and kicking and biting.

Now he is also constantly attacking his sister, who is 6 months old. I of course prevent him from getting within reach of her as much as possible but he still manages to slap, kick, bite, hit her with a weapon of some kind at least once a day, often more. When he can’t reach her he just screams as loudly as he can as close to her as he can, which makes her cry.

She is obviously terrified in her own home. She flinches when she hears him coming down the hall. She often preemptively starts crying when she sees him.

I am losing my mind with guilt and worry over the long and short term harm this is doing to her. What can I do?

Our home is tiny (2 small bedrooms, tiny kitchen and bathroom) and there’s no garden or anything so it’s hard to keep them apart.

He sometimes seems amused by being told off, but mostly doesn’t seem to even notice. I’ve tried ignoring it too but that also doesn’t work.

Ive tried shutting him in his room for a few minutes but he then becomes hysterical which is awful and just doesn’t help.

What can I do? I have no doubt he would actually kill her if they were ever alone together for even a few minutes, but of course I’m careful that never happens.

OP posts:
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Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 21:56

x2boys · 12/11/2025 21:24

Ok so I assume you love your children,
What if they were involved in some terrible accident and became disabled, bearing in mind this is your much loved. Child ,would you just say oh know I can't look after them anymore they will have to go in a ( mythical ) residential schools?
Patents of disabled children love their children just as much as the next person and its abhorrent ti think so many posters think its fine to just send the disabled child away.

No, I’d do my best.As I said no one knows how they will cope until they are challenged

x2boys · 12/11/2025 21:25

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 18:59

A terrible way to live, stressful and exhausting, physically and mentally, not possible for a long length of time.

Well it is im 16 years into this.

x2boys · 12/11/2025 21:24

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:10

Yes, two and I couldn’t do it

Edited

Ok so I assume you love your children,
What if they were involved in some terrible accident and became disabled, bearing in mind this is your much loved. Child ,would you just say oh know I can't look after them anymore they will have to go in a ( mythical ) residential schools?
Patents of disabled children love their children just as much as the next person and its abhorrent ti think so many posters think its fine to just send the disabled child away.

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 21:20

@SpinInPlates

nice to see that your comment got deleted as soon as you posted it. There's absolutely no way you can get away with speaking to victims of child sexual abuse like that. That speaks volumes to who you are as a person.

you've made yourself look utterly hideous!

Laura95167 · 12/11/2025 21:06

WhaleRiders · 11/11/2025 15:07

Disabled son is nearly 4 but intellectually functions at the level of maybe an 18-month-old. Nonverbal, responds to his name and a few individual words like “eat” but that’s it.

He is incredibly hyperactive and from the moment he wakes up is running around screaming continuously in either joy or anger, pulling things off shelves, melting down and kicking and biting.

Now he is also constantly attacking his sister, who is 6 months old. I of course prevent him from getting within reach of her as much as possible but he still manages to slap, kick, bite, hit her with a weapon of some kind at least once a day, often more. When he can’t reach her he just screams as loudly as he can as close to her as he can, which makes her cry.

She is obviously terrified in her own home. She flinches when she hears him coming down the hall. She often preemptively starts crying when she sees him.

I am losing my mind with guilt and worry over the long and short term harm this is doing to her. What can I do?

Our home is tiny (2 small bedrooms, tiny kitchen and bathroom) and there’s no garden or anything so it’s hard to keep them apart.

He sometimes seems amused by being told off, but mostly doesn’t seem to even notice. I’ve tried ignoring it too but that also doesn’t work.

Ive tried shutting him in his room for a few minutes but he then becomes hysterical which is awful and just doesn’t help.

What can I do? I have no doubt he would actually kill her if they were ever alone together for even a few minutes, but of course I’m careful that never happens.

Does DS have a Dr or specialist? Suspect this is jealously and suspect creating a more positive association with DD is the only real way forward.

From an 18month old perspective sharing mum isnt nice, and when he expresses that frustration hes punished. Reaffirming all his negative feelings.

I think you need professional advice on how to make more positive associations for him without putting her at risk. I dont know how to begin to suggest how you do that but many hugs.

SpinInPlates · 12/11/2025 21:03

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 20:53

Radiatelikethis · 12/11/2025 20:05

It's a very brave step to share your story. I hope you do find the strength to report it. It sounds utterly horrific what you went through, of course it's going to cloud your view that's understandable.

I've written enough on my views on the whole post but wanted to acknowledge the bravery of sharing your story and hope you receive what ever support you need with processing this awful event.

Thank you that's really kind of you to say.

I really hope I haven't high jacked OPs thread. I just wanted to highlight that there can be really harmful abuse that leaves life long scars, and the OPs baby is sadly already being harmed. I hope the boy grows out of it for all concerned.

thank you for your kind comments ❤️

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 20:52

A few years? That’s torture for the OP to live like that

That's what you said. You've several times called her life torture or suggested she shouldn't have to live like that. So what would you do? Send the 4 yr old... Where? And what if it was YOUR 4 yr old, you're living breathing much loved child? Of course you'd love them and look after them. It's not inner strength it's practical survival

SpinInPlates · 12/11/2025 20:52

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 20:51

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 20:03

God that's awful I'm so sorry. That's neglectful parenting on their part though. Being in denial about a child's capabilities can be a real problem. Was it the 80s? We ran in big groups of kids of different ages and there were very uncomfortable situations that arose. I don't know why those in my parents generation are so keen we should all be sending our kids out to run in bands like that when those of us who grew up in that 'freedom' know what happened.

No, it was the early 2000

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 20:47

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 20:21

Telling someone their life is your version of hell doesn't come over admiring or positive in anyway btw

I just said I don’t think I could cope what the OP is facing every day, but when we have to we do. I just hope she gets some respite and help.

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 20:21

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 20:19

Strange response! Of course I don’t think such conditions are nonsense! No one knows how they will react when faced with such a problem! I may well have coped, sometimes you feel an inner strength if there’s no help available. I did have some problems, trials and tribulations, but nothing as bad as this. I feel for the OP, I admire how she’s trying to do her best to solve this. I’m not particularly religious,I just mean it would be a test of my coping mechanism. Of course l love them whatever!

Edited

Telling someone their life is your version of hell doesn't come over admiring or positive in anyway btw

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 20:19

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:18

I'm interested in your thoughts on child dla? Often when people hold these extremely ableist views they also inexplicably think DLA for children with autism, brain injuries, ADHD is nonsense and you're just being up you're own kids.

Strange response! Of course I don’t think such conditions are nonsense! No one knows how they will react when faced with such a problem! I may well have coped, sometimes you feel an inner strength if there’s no help available. I did have some problems, trials and tribulations, but nothing as bad as this. I feel for the OP, I admire how she’s trying to do her best to solve this. I’m not particularly religious,I just mean it would be a test of my coping mechanism. Of course l love them whatever!

Radiatelikethis · 12/11/2025 20:05

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 19:58

Thank you I appreciate your comments. There was a lot at play. The boy wasn't immediate family but was in the vicinity of immediate family and also conveniently lived a few doors up.

I was 8, he was 14, just turning 15.
he made impulsive sexual urges towards me and it happened overnight. There was never ever any clue of it happening and my parents watched us like a hawk. His.. his didn't so much. We weee pushed to include him due to his SEN (Asperger's) and were told he mentally was a lot younger.
it came out of nowhere. We were innocently playing with water balloons with my younger cousins. There was a very small alley way with a slight corner in it between mine and his house. He told me we should trick the others and fill up the balloons with his garden tap.
he led me up the alley way, grabbed my face and forcefully kissed me and spat at me, undid his trousers and forced his penis into my mouth. It only took a second. It felt like a life time but it was realistically probably only a minute at tops. I didn't even know it classed as rape until recent years as it wasn't vaginal.

the dad actually saw what was happening from the bedroom window, he came running out screaming his name. The house went on the market the very next day and he moved away.

it haunts me to this day. I spent most of my childhood with him up until this point and at no point did he ever show any sexual impulsivity. At all. But saying that, I was 8, I didn't know what sexual urges were or what they looked like. So who knows.

I never reported it. I am thinking about reporting it now, as it's come to light he did this to another in the family, one of my cousins who was 6 months younger than me.

perhaps this is why the whole inclusivity' gets to me so much. That boy shouldn't have ever been around any children up until an age where he was strong enough to over power children. Nobody could have stopped it. Nobody knew he was capable of it.

and I've spent the last 2 decades feeling disgusting and dirty because the impression I had from his parents was 'he doesn't know, he has Asperger's.' I'll be the first to admit it's clouded my view for sure.

this is the first time I've ever spoken about or told the full story. To anyone.

It's a very brave step to share your story. I hope you do find the strength to report it. It sounds utterly horrific what you went through, of course it's going to cloud your view that's understandable.

I've written enough on my views on the whole post but wanted to acknowledge the bravery of sharing your story and hope you receive what ever support you need with processing this awful event.

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 20:03

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 19:58

Thank you I appreciate your comments. There was a lot at play. The boy wasn't immediate family but was in the vicinity of immediate family and also conveniently lived a few doors up.

I was 8, he was 14, just turning 15.
he made impulsive sexual urges towards me and it happened overnight. There was never ever any clue of it happening and my parents watched us like a hawk. His.. his didn't so much. We weee pushed to include him due to his SEN (Asperger's) and were told he mentally was a lot younger.
it came out of nowhere. We were innocently playing with water balloons with my younger cousins. There was a very small alley way with a slight corner in it between mine and his house. He told me we should trick the others and fill up the balloons with his garden tap.
he led me up the alley way, grabbed my face and forcefully kissed me and spat at me, undid his trousers and forced his penis into my mouth. It only took a second. It felt like a life time but it was realistically probably only a minute at tops. I didn't even know it classed as rape until recent years as it wasn't vaginal.

the dad actually saw what was happening from the bedroom window, he came running out screaming his name. The house went on the market the very next day and he moved away.

it haunts me to this day. I spent most of my childhood with him up until this point and at no point did he ever show any sexual impulsivity. At all. But saying that, I was 8, I didn't know what sexual urges were or what they looked like. So who knows.

I never reported it. I am thinking about reporting it now, as it's come to light he did this to another in the family, one of my cousins who was 6 months younger than me.

perhaps this is why the whole inclusivity' gets to me so much. That boy shouldn't have ever been around any children up until an age where he was strong enough to over power children. Nobody could have stopped it. Nobody knew he was capable of it.

and I've spent the last 2 decades feeling disgusting and dirty because the impression I had from his parents was 'he doesn't know, he has Asperger's.' I'll be the first to admit it's clouded my view for sure.

this is the first time I've ever spoken about or told the full story. To anyone.

God that's awful I'm so sorry. That's neglectful parenting on their part though. Being in denial about a child's capabilities can be a real problem. Was it the 80s? We ran in big groups of kids of different ages and there were very uncomfortable situations that arose. I don't know why those in my parents generation are so keen we should all be sending our kids out to run in bands like that when those of us who grew up in that 'freedom' know what happened.

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 19:58

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:23

It sounds like there was a lot at play there and generally parents not listening to one of their kids over time. I'm very sorry you suffered this, there was siblings abuse in my mum's family and I know the devastation it causes. I'm so sorry for what you went through. As kids grow older I absolutely agree there may come a point where separation is the only option and it sounds like it should have been in your case. However with a 4 yr old it can be managed while you wait to see how the situation develops. What was the age difference if you don't mind me asking? You've lived my absolute worst nightmare as a parent. 1 child irrevocably hurting the other. I'd hope I'd do all I could to avoid that happening and if it did I'd never forgive myself. I definitely think being aware of harder choices as kids get older is a realistic view. So far we seem to be having ongoing improvements thank God but I know that doesn't happen for all

Thank you I appreciate your comments. There was a lot at play. The boy wasn't immediate family but was in the vicinity of immediate family and also conveniently lived a few doors up.

I was 8, he was 14, just turning 15.
he made impulsive sexual urges towards me and it happened overnight. There was never ever any clue of it happening and my parents watched us like a hawk. His.. his didn't so much. We weee pushed to include him due to his SEN (Asperger's) and were told he mentally was a lot younger.
it came out of nowhere. We were innocently playing with water balloons with my younger cousins. There was a very small alley way with a slight corner in it between mine and his house. He told me we should trick the others and fill up the balloons with his garden tap.
he led me up the alley way, grabbed my face and forcefully kissed me and spat at me, undid his trousers and forced his penis into my mouth. It only took a second. It felt like a life time but it was realistically probably only a minute at tops. I didn't even know it classed as rape until recent years as it wasn't vaginal.

the dad actually saw what was happening from the bedroom window, he came running out screaming his name. The house went on the market the very next day and he moved away.

it haunts me to this day. I spent most of my childhood with him up until this point and at no point did he ever show any sexual impulsivity. At all. But saying that, I was 8, I didn't know what sexual urges were or what they looked like. So who knows.

I never reported it. I am thinking about reporting it now, as it's come to light he did this to another in the family, one of my cousins who was 6 months younger than me.

perhaps this is why the whole inclusivity' gets to me so much. That boy shouldn't have ever been around any children up until an age where he was strong enough to over power children. Nobody could have stopped it. Nobody knew he was capable of it.

and I've spent the last 2 decades feeling disgusting and dirty because the impression I had from his parents was 'he doesn't know, he has Asperger's.' I'll be the first to admit it's clouded my view for sure.

this is the first time I've ever spoken about or told the full story. To anyone.

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:23

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 19:18

If the older boy with SEN was removed temporarily at least, and parents didn't push and force me to be around him, maybe, perhaps, he wouldn't have raped me when I was primary school age.

but yeah, let's always keep these kids together. It's always the 'best thing to do.' And PLEASE don't sit there and say I'm jumping the gun here, the OP has clearly stated this boy could possibly kill this baby. Which is worse than rape as there's no coming back from that.

It sounds like there was a lot at play there and generally parents not listening to one of their kids over time. I'm very sorry you suffered this, there was siblings abuse in my mum's family and I know the devastation it causes. I'm so sorry for what you went through. As kids grow older I absolutely agree there may come a point where separation is the only option and it sounds like it should have been in your case. However with a 4 yr old it can be managed while you wait to see how the situation develops. What was the age difference if you don't mind me asking? You've lived my absolute worst nightmare as a parent. 1 child irrevocably hurting the other. I'd hope I'd do all I could to avoid that happening and if it did I'd never forgive myself. I definitely think being aware of harder choices as kids get older is a realistic view. So far we seem to be having ongoing improvements thank God but I know that doesn't happen for all

HeyGuysItsNicole · 12/11/2025 19:18

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:12

Imagine your kids are entirely as they are now, then the eldest suffers a brain injury. You're so glad they survived but the come home different, need to relearn how to act with their siblings. What would you do? Ship them off

If the older boy with SEN was removed temporarily at least, and parents didn't push and force me to be around him, maybe, perhaps, he wouldn't have raped me when I was primary school age.

but yeah, let's always keep these kids together. It's always the 'best thing to do.' And PLEASE don't sit there and say I'm jumping the gun here, the OP has clearly stated this boy could possibly kill this baby. Which is worse than rape as there's no coming back from that.

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:18

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:15

God knows! I couldn’t spend my days trying desperately to keep one of them safe from the other. Grateful I didn’t have to be put through such a terrible test !

I'm interested in your thoughts on child dla? Often when people hold these extremely ableist views they also inexplicably think DLA for children with autism, brain injuries, ADHD is nonsense and you're just being up you're own kids.

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:17

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:15

God knows! I couldn’t spend my days trying desperately to keep one of them safe from the other. Grateful I didn’t have to be put through such a terrible test !

Are you religious? Who do you think is testing me?

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:16

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:15

God knows! I couldn’t spend my days trying desperately to keep one of them safe from the other. Grateful I didn’t have to be put through such a terrible test !

Well hopefully neither of your children ever becomes disabled. Or if they do hopefully you find a way to still love them and find the joy. And there is so much joy and I would t swap my children for any other children and I tell them daily. And they are flourishing. Both of them.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 12/11/2025 19:15

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:08

A few years? That’s torture for the OP to live like that!

She hasn't got much of a choice despite the many posts telling her to surrender her child.
You have to split yourself in two.
My DS was similar until he was 6/7 he's a different child now, it takes a lot of work and interventions, we were very poor for years paying for different sessions, his school is amazing, until then, you have to sleep with one eye open.
His sister loves him too, something that I never believed would happen.

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:15

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:10

And if one had a disability? How do you think you'd manage this?

God knows! I couldn’t spend my days trying desperately to keep one of them safe from the other. Grateful I didn’t have to be put through such a terrible test !

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:12

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:11

But the Op shouldn’t have to, it’s not living , it’s a terrible existence!

Imagine your kids are entirely as they are now, then the eldest suffers a brain injury. You're so glad they survived but the come home different, need to relearn how to act with their siblings. What would you do? Ship them off

Allseeingallknowing · 12/11/2025 19:11

Barnbrack · 12/11/2025 19:09

Is it? Because I did it

But the Op shouldn’t have to, it’s not living , it’s a terrible existence!

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