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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to be irritated that my husband treats me like the default parent and bank?

268 replies

Letstalk3llo · 06/08/2026 22:06

AIBU to be irritated that my husband treats me like the default parent and bank?
I’m a mum of three and work full time. I’m also the main breadwinner in our household. My husband works part time, and his holidays usually coincide with the children’s school holidays.
Despite this, I’m still expected to supervise the children during my working day whenever he wants to make plans. For example, he’ll go out for lunch with friends while I’m working, leaving me to juggle childcare and work.
There are other things that are beginning to really irritate me. He often takes my credit card to buy things and then reluctantly gives it back when I ask. He also regularly takes my car, leaving me with his car—which often has little or no fuel in it.
I feel as though my time, money and belongings are simply assumed to be available to him, while he still gets the freedom to do what he wants. I’m exhausted and increasingly resentful.
I’ve tried raising this, but I’m made to feel unreasonable or overly controlling. I don’t mind supporting my family, but I do expect a fair division of childcare, consideration around shared resources and basic respect for my boundaries.
AIBU to be highly irritated, or is this completely fair behaviour?

OP posts:
BCBird · 06/08/2026 22:34

As a stay at home parent should he have access to.the money? I think if it was a sahm people would say yes. Making arrangements to socialise without the children leaving you to supervise childcare is a no. If this is not working he goes full-time and children go in.a holiday club .

cramptramp · 06/08/2026 22:33

Why is he only working part time? As others said, hide your credit card, hide your car keys. Don’t work from home.

CamillaMcCauley · 06/08/2026 22:32

As someone who dealt with the same issue of being expected to work full time, earn well and also be the main parent, I can guarantee you that you’ll be both financially better off and have more time and control over your life after you divorce him.

My ex always moaned that I was controlling too - what he really means is “I feel controlled if I can’t do whatever I like, whenever I like, however I like.” The normal agreements and compromises that are part of family life feel like being controlled to them… because actually, they want to be the one controlling things.

OrangeFlower14 · 06/08/2026 22:30

I’m still expected to supervise the children during my working day whenever he wants to make plans. For example, he’ll go out for lunch with friends while I’m working, leaving me to juggle childcare and work.

and who made him the boss of you? You did

OrangeFlower14 · 06/08/2026 22:29

Sleepytimepleaseee · 06/08/2026 22:10

He's a thief, of your time, money and energy.

It's absolutely crazy and you know that as well he shapes up or ships out

Sunnyjac · 06/08/2026 22:22

“Beginning” to irritate you. You should be incandescent

GOATYOAT · 06/08/2026 22:22

Drive your car somewhere else to work with your credit card in your pocket. Problem sorted.

Shinyandnew1 · 06/08/2026 22:21

I think you need to spell out exactly what is acceptable to you. I’d probably start going out to work somewhere, in my car and with all my bank cards!

Curleywoo · 06/08/2026 22:20

This reply has been deleted

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littlebowpeepscrook · 06/08/2026 22:18

He often takes my credit card to buy things and then reluctantly gives it back when I ask. He also regularly takes my car, leaving me with his car—which often has little or no fuel in it.

Why are you allowing this to happen?

Hide the CCard and lock the car - simple. If he's working he can run his own card and put petrol in it.

I’m still expected to supervise the children during my working day whenever he wants to make plans. For example, he’ll go out for lunch with friends while I’m working, leaving me to juggle childcare and work.

The answer to this is in your own mouth ^ tell him it's not acceptable and he needs to make better arrangements.

I’ve tried raising this, but I’m made to feel unreasonable or overly controlling

He can't make you feel anything. Just tell him you want a fair division of labour.

How old are the DCs BTW ?

gamerchick · 06/08/2026 22:17

So what does he contribute?

While you work at home then it'll keep happening. Lock up your credit card and tell him to get his own.

Or tell him that maybe if he's going to force you to be the default everything then he can get and fund his own house and you'll split up contact with the kids.

Octavia64 · 06/08/2026 22:17

Don’t give him the credit card for astart

do you have joint money or separate finances?

RoniaCheetah · 06/08/2026 22:14

I'd be working somewhere else for a start. If you're working and he's not, then he's on childcare duty. I'd work from office/library/co working space..

Sailingbee · 06/08/2026 22:12

It sounds like you need to talk to him about what you would feel would be a fair division of labour and resources

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 06/08/2026 22:11

Is he fully pulling his weight with the DC? You aren’t in the best position, in that he’s currently going to look like the main carer. And the fact that’s where my mind immediately went suggests that it’s over.
I think taking advantage of your spouse is awful. It’s about disrespect, as well as greed and selfishness.

Merryoldgoat · 06/08/2026 22:10

You’re being taken for a mug and you know it.

Sleepytimepleaseee · 06/08/2026 22:10

He's a thief, of your time, money and energy.

PissedOffAutistic · 06/08/2026 22:09

What is he contributing to the family?!

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