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AIBU?

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DP just isn't interested in DS

581 replies

Karma1387 · 06/02/2026 17:31

I'm not sure if this is a AIBU or just looking for advice.

I have an almost 2 year old son and another due in a few weeks. My partner is just so unengaged with him. They don't get to spend a lot of time together due to DP working nights and having sleep apnea so he needs plenty of sleep in the day.

Whenever I try to give them some time together I am constantly having to nudge him to talk to DS or play with him. He usually ends up staring into space or reading on his phone or falling asleep. It makes me a bit sad he isn't more interested in him as he doesn't get a lot of time with him to bond.

DP is going to be on toddler duty full time for 6 weeks when DC2 is born due to me having an elective C section. I am worried about if DS is going to get enough attention and engagement or if I am going to have to try to juggle DS and the baby whilst recovering from the C section whilst DP has 6 weeks off work.

Is this normal for dads with young children? Does it get better as the kids get older and they find mutual interests? He just doesn't seem to be able to engage or doesn't know what to do with him. He struggled with initial bonding when dc1 was born due to depression so I'm not sure if thats caused an impact.

I feel bad nagging him about spending time with DS as he is the main/ only earner so ai appreciate hes tired but I want my kids to have a good relationship with their dad.

So I guess am I unreasonable to keep nagging about his lack of interest? Or do I need to just accept that they wont have as close relationship with him as they do me?

OP posts:
Karma1387 · 06/02/2026 17:45

MostlyHappyMummy · 06/02/2026 17:36

Why did he decide on having another child?

I believe he loves my son. He knew as soon as we had our son I would want at least 1 more if not more.

His family are very unattached so I'm not sure if he just needs encouragement to learn how to have a close relationship with the kids and release his playful side.

OP posts:
HeadyLamarr · 06/02/2026 17:42

A CPAP machine can change his life, if he's knackered all the time. Being perpetually overtired drag people down.

Springisnearlyspring · 06/02/2026 17:39

What treatment is he getting for the sleep apnoea? Working nights wreaks havoc with health and reality of sleeping in day with 2 small children won’t be good quality sleep. Could he switch to days.
I’m surprised he wanted another dc.
Realistically you need to speak to him.
I suspect your guess of you doing everything for two despite surgery will be spot on.

WhatNoRaisins · 06/02/2026 17:39

Is there anything that can be done to improve his sleep quality? I think 2 can be a bit of a difficult age for a lot of parents but if he's too exhausted to even try then I don't see what's going to get better.

Snoken · 06/02/2026 17:38

Most parents are able to work and be an engaging parent so I think you have to just assume that this is it and your kids will grow up feeling rejected and confused and later on in their childhoods angry and then indifferent towards him. If you are ”lucky” he will find them more interesting when they are older, but the connection won’t be there then. You can nag but he doesn’t care so any engagement from him won’t be genuine.

MostlyHappyMummy · 06/02/2026 17:36

Why did he decide on having another child?