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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU about husbands gaming

10 replies

lw88x · 07/08/2026 18:55

My husband and I have 2 children
Aged 9 and 13
Both work. I fit my schedule in around the children.
He comes home and games every night and weekends. All I ask is he spends certain nights gaming and the rest with the children and me. His had the past 2 days off sick from work with a backache, so ive been to work but the children have been left to there own devices whilst he games!
It always gets into a massive argument when I mention how much time he dedicates to his gaming and not us as a family or couple. Im at my wits end but have no idea how to move past it.

AIBU?
Tips and opinions welcome.
T.I.A x

OP posts:
Pleasedontdoitagain · 07/08/2026 19:40

Yet another depressing thread where gaming is more important than family and partner.

I don't know at one point gaming becomes an addiction rather than a hobby but it sounds as though your H has crossed that line.

If he refuses to listen to your entirely reasonable request that he actually spends some time with his family and with you I honestly don't see what you can do about. If he don't change you either put up with it or you end the marriage.

Lmnop22 · 07/08/2026 19:41

Ick ick ick ick ick.

Gaming incessantly and obsessively beyond caring responsibly and properly for your family is ICK.

whippersnapper55 · 07/08/2026 19:45

I'm afraid I couldn't be with a giant man-baby who spends all his time gaming and neglects his own children and his wife. I'd tell him to move out and then he can live in his own little man cave and game day and night if he likes!

Evining · 07/08/2026 19:47

Another man child who prefers the fantasy world to the real world. Ask him if he will regret not spending time with his kids once they've left home and his arthritic fingers are too stiff to hold a games controller.

ChloeHH · 07/08/2026 19:52

Adults gaming is pathetic. Gaming is for children.

I’d chuck his gaming equipment in the bin and tell him to grow up.

Vaxtable · 07/08/2026 20:18

Can’t you just turn the internet off, or change the password

if he is going to act like a child treat him like one. It goes back on once he has spent time with the kids, sone chores etc

Original poster
lw88x · 07/08/2026 20:23

Thank you for your messages! Ok so its clear im not being unreasonable. You all make sense 👏🏻

OP posts:
Pinkflamingo10 · 07/08/2026 20:44

this is so sad for the children
their dad prefers a fantasy world to their actual real world
i would have zero tolerance for this
sounds like he has checked out of marriage and family life
i have always been deeply suspicious of grown men who game

Victorius19 · 07/08/2026 20:45

I'd taking his gaming console and making some adaptions to it with a sledgehammer.

Awkwardisfunny · Yesterday 18:37

lw88x · 07/08/2026 18:55

My husband and I have 2 children
Aged 9 and 13
Both work. I fit my schedule in around the children.
He comes home and games every night and weekends. All I ask is he spends certain nights gaming and the rest with the children and me. His had the past 2 days off sick from work with a backache, so ive been to work but the children have been left to there own devices whilst he games!
It always gets into a massive argument when I mention how much time he dedicates to his gaming and not us as a family or couple. Im at my wits end but have no idea how to move past it.

AIBU?
Tips and opinions welcome.
T.I.A x

You sure this is the man for you? He might need an intervention. I'd be explaining that this is time he won't get back and does he want to be on his death bed with scenes from a video game flashing through his mind? Or does he want memories of games nights, family time, outings.

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