Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Ex spam-calling and accusing me of withholding child over basic boundary. I’m I unreasonable?

38 replies

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 18:29

Hi everyone, I really need some outside perspective and a sanity check on a situation with my 6yo son's father.
For context, he is not an involved parent. He picks and chooses when he wants to see our son. He has never taken him to school or nursery, has never attended a single parents' evening, and doesn't show up for school events.
Today, he called to speak to our son. During the call, he told our 6yo that he wants to take him to the cinema to see the new Spider-Man movie after we get back from our upcoming holiday. He then explicitly instructed our 6yo to "remember what to say" to me to let me know these plans are happening.
I was sitting right next to the phone and heard this. I immediately stepped in and told him that our 6-year-old is not a messenger and will not be put in the middle of adult logistics. The dad shouted "don't speak to me" and slammed the phone down.
Since then, he has spam-called my phone 12 times. He sent an aggressive text claiming that he is the one setting a boundary by refusing to speak to me, and accused me of stopping our son from seeing him because I won't answer the phone.
I texted him back very clearly, saying that if he wants to take our son out, he needs to text me the exact date, start time, and pick-up details in writing so I can check the calendar. I told him I will not handle this over the phone. He replied saying: "So you're going to stop him from seeing me because I won't speak to you?" He refuses to text the details and just keeps ringing.
To make matters worse, a few days ago I confronted him about how he sexually coerced me when we were in a relationship. He completely dismissed my feelings and told me what I said was "disgusting." I feel like this relentless calling and twisting the narrative today is a massive power trip and reaction to that. He has also previously insulted me for accepting a caravan holiday invitation from his dad's partner, calling it a "pity handout" and telling me I should be ashamed that I can't provide a proper holiday myself.
I have now put my phone on Do Not Disturb because his behaviour makes me incredibly uncomfortable. In the past, when I've let him into my house to see our son, he has repeatedly touched me, made sexual jokes, and commented on my body after being told to stop.
Am I being unreasonable for refusing to answer his calls and standing firm that if he doesn't text me the basic details, our son simply isn't going? How do I handle the guilt and the inevitable blame that I am "withholding" our son?

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
BookArt55 · 25/07/2026 22:27

Report to police. Every single time.
Block on all other methods and sign uo to a parenting app. OUR FAMILY WIZARD is good, can get jt free if on benefits.
He does not come to your house. Use a neutral location that has cctv.
Tell him nothing. He doesn't need to know the holiday was from.your dad's partner. Give limited information. Look up BIFF- brief, informative, factual, friendly. Also grey rocking would be really beneficial.
I also have autoimmune diseases and deal with an ex like yours. It is draining, so well done for putting those boundaries in place.

ChequerToRed · 25/07/2026 19:44

This reply has been deleted

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

Oh, get knotted with this unhelpful concern trolling. It’s not appropriate in the circumstances.

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 19:44

This reply has been deleted

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

Who said my home is filled with smoke? I do not smoke inside of my home and I have already said I have given up smoking weed. THE REASON I DID SMOKE WEED IS FOR MY CHRONIC ILLNESSES!!!!

OP posts:
Beachbeach · 25/07/2026 19:42

Also screenshot your phone log. That is a levels of harassment calls. My ex once called me 68 times in 24 hours and the police were very very very interested in this as it’s a level they can get involved at. 12 is also too many and you can build up a picture of this

Beachbeach · 25/07/2026 19:41

Definitely get a parenting app

change your phone number

let him take you to court. Or do mediation

Awkwardisfunny · 25/07/2026 19:38

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 18:29

Hi everyone, I really need some outside perspective and a sanity check on a situation with my 6yo son's father.
For context, he is not an involved parent. He picks and chooses when he wants to see our son. He has never taken him to school or nursery, has never attended a single parents' evening, and doesn't show up for school events.
Today, he called to speak to our son. During the call, he told our 6yo that he wants to take him to the cinema to see the new Spider-Man movie after we get back from our upcoming holiday. He then explicitly instructed our 6yo to "remember what to say" to me to let me know these plans are happening.
I was sitting right next to the phone and heard this. I immediately stepped in and told him that our 6-year-old is not a messenger and will not be put in the middle of adult logistics. The dad shouted "don't speak to me" and slammed the phone down.
Since then, he has spam-called my phone 12 times. He sent an aggressive text claiming that he is the one setting a boundary by refusing to speak to me, and accused me of stopping our son from seeing him because I won't answer the phone.
I texted him back very clearly, saying that if he wants to take our son out, he needs to text me the exact date, start time, and pick-up details in writing so I can check the calendar. I told him I will not handle this over the phone. He replied saying: "So you're going to stop him from seeing me because I won't speak to you?" He refuses to text the details and just keeps ringing.
To make matters worse, a few days ago I confronted him about how he sexually coerced me when we were in a relationship. He completely dismissed my feelings and told me what I said was "disgusting." I feel like this relentless calling and twisting the narrative today is a massive power trip and reaction to that. He has also previously insulted me for accepting a caravan holiday invitation from his dad's partner, calling it a "pity handout" and telling me I should be ashamed that I can't provide a proper holiday myself.
I have now put my phone on Do Not Disturb because his behaviour makes me incredibly uncomfortable. In the past, when I've let him into my house to see our son, he has repeatedly touched me, made sexual jokes, and commented on my body after being told to stop.
Am I being unreasonable for refusing to answer his calls and standing firm that if he doesn't text me the basic details, our son simply isn't going? How do I handle the guilt and the inevitable blame that I am "withholding" our son?

Change your number and get full custody - can you get supervised visits only for him? I wouldn't want someone like him alone with my child.

pinkyredrose · 25/07/2026 19:33

This reply has been deleted

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

Weed addicted?

Runsaway · 25/07/2026 19:32

Isn’t the film a 12A? Not really suitable for a 6-year-old.

Justanopinionnothingmore · 25/07/2026 19:25

I think there is an app for this so you don't need to speak to each other. If you can't do that then mediation or another family member to speak through. Don't argue on the phone in front of your son. I know he's an arse but don't fall for his shit. Do it when son not around. This is about your son now not you two.

Tinahowls · 25/07/2026 19:25

This reply has been deleted

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

Coconutter24 · 25/07/2026 19:17

At 6 years old yanbu to want the pick up and drop of details to be worked out with you rather than a message sent through your son. When he is older it would be ok to do that but not at this age.

Banabay · 25/07/2026 19:13

Get in front of this OP.
GP, Women's aid, local domestic abuse charities.

Sexual coercion, you left the relationship, Sexual assault when he came to your home.
Now harassment.

This is a very very bad man.
He knows well what he did and is being careful.
See what Women's aid say.

Please protect yourself.

pinkyredrose · 25/07/2026 19:13

He sounds horrific. I'd definitely report his abuse to the police. So what if it causes issues for him? It's already caused issues for you.

Think of your son, this guy is no role model. You don't want your son growing up learning that this is how men treat women.

Twilight7777 · 25/07/2026 19:12

I’d tell him to take you to court.

BeBluntCoralBird · 25/07/2026 19:10

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 19:00

I will not be made out to be the problem in this situation. You can go and express your feelings elsewhere instead of trying to make me feel ashamed and small.
You clearly don’t understand the situation I am in.

I wasn’t trying to make you feel ashamed or small.

I am concerned for your child who either witnessed or was in the presence of the repeated attacks on you.

The freedom programme may help you.

www.freedomprogramme.co.uk/

Dawnintheageofaquariams · 25/07/2026 19:09

OP your ex is a cunt and you shouldn't have to put up with gaslighting and abuse.

CoffeeCup14 · 25/07/2026 19:07

His behaviour sounds appalling. Like you say, he's trying to erode your boundaries. It's exhausting to deal with because behaviour which protects you can conflict with choices which are in the best interests of your child, and he uses that to try to manipulate you. It's also difficult because he has the same parental rights and responsibilities as you, so it can feel very difficult to say he can't do something with your son. And my experience is that professionals are often very unwilling to give opinions, so you can feel on your own.

Have you come across DARVO before? It's something I've seen people talk about on here - nasically your ex projecting his behaviours onto you. It's worth having a look and see if it resonates with you - if you can see what he's doing it takes some of his power away.

I also think you would probably benefit from some support around domestic abuse as his behaviour sounds controlling and abusive.

You will read a lot of comments about the importance of good co-parenting and putting your child first. And obviously this is true. But it only works if both of you are doing it. It doesn't sound like he is. You cannot effectively co-parent with a bully, you just have to manage the situation as well as you can.

As an aside, is the new spiderman film even suitable for a six-year-old? Children have really different tolerances for that sort of thing, but I wouldn't have expected it to be.

You sound like you are trying really hard to do what is best for your son, and navigating a difficult situation. I hope it goes well for you.

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 19:06

Loulou4022 · 25/07/2026 18:35

I’m guessing he maybe doesn’t want text as then the information isn’t in black and white and he can change the goalposts and claim you misunderstood?

Yes exactly what I am thinking. Over the phone he can change what he says but when it comes to text messages he can’t and he don’t want anyone to see what’s he’s been doing and putting me through. I’ll be downloading one of these co parenting apps to communicate through as I have had enough. I’m constantly judged and made to feel so small by him.

OP posts:
verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 19:02

AMurderofMurderingCrows · 25/07/2026 19:00

Stop with your victim blaming!

Your replies are disgusting and not helpful.

thank you, absolutely vile comments coming from this person. They clearly don’t understand the situation I am in

OP posts:
AMurderofMurderingCrows · 25/07/2026 19:00

This reply has been deleted

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

Stop with your victim blaming!

Your replies are disgusting and not helpful.

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 19:00

This reply has been deleted

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

I will not be made out to be the problem in this situation. You can go and express your feelings elsewhere instead of trying to make me feel ashamed and small.
You clearly don’t understand the situation I am in.

OP posts:
verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 18:56

Banabay · 25/07/2026 18:48

Have you considered reporting his sexual coercion and that he has sexually assaulted you when he has come to your home?
Talk to Women's aid.
Get these things recorded with your GP and perhaps the police.

Never allow him into your home again.
He is dangerous and not to be trusted.
Get advice about him.

He sounds like the sort of arsehole that would go for 50/50 to annoy you.

Get a video door bell as a priority.

Hi, not I haven’t considered that as I didn’t want to cause any issues for him. All I’ve ever tried doing is keep things civil for our son but I am considering speaking to women’s aid to get support with this. Thank you for your response

OP posts:
BeBluntCoralBird · 25/07/2026 18:56

This reply has been deleted

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

verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 18:54

Hankunamatata · 25/07/2026 18:48

Try one of co parenting app thats suggested by courts - Google and they come up.
Send him app and say your changing number in next couple of days and will only be avaliable through the app

Yes, I am looking into this. It’s extremely exhausting having to deal with a person like this, on top of dealing with chronic illness. Thank you

OP posts:
verytiredmamma3194 · 25/07/2026 18:51

BeBluntCoralBird · 25/07/2026 18:42

In the past, when I've let him into my house to see our son, he has repeatedly touched me, made sexual jokes, and commented on my body after being told to stop.

why did you keep letting him in?

I kept letting him in because I was trying to prioritize my son having a relationship with his dad and wanted to keep the peace. I didn't want to be accused of 'withholding' him or causing a scene. I now realize he used that access to cross boundaries, which is exactly why I am changing the rules and keeping him on the doorstep from now on.

OP posts: