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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to knock her head off ?

233 replies

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 11:19

Myself and my children’s father seperated over 10 years ago. We are since divorced. He is in a relationship (prob started whilst we were married tbh).

Im not entirely sure when this started but for the but last 5 years at least his new partner has started to slag me off in front of my kids. For context I took voluntary redundancy 7 years ago it came at a convenient time as I was very unwell after a coercive controlling relationship. I already had mental health issues and the abuse sent me into psychosis. He was mentally, physically and sexually abusive. Since then I’ve not worked (I’ve also been caring for my eldery parents and my 2 teenagers). I’ve continually had episodes of severe breakdowns, psychosis and blackouts.
I am constantly on the edge of my nerves, my mum passed away in January and my dad is very difficult to deal with. In retrospect he was very abusive toward my mum and this has also really affected me.

I digress. My exes partner has been slating me. Saying I’m making it all up, I’m fraudulently claiming benefits. I’ve spent all my children’s savings on holidays (none of which is true). She can say and think what she likes but NOT to my children. My children are older now (21 & 18) and they have confided that this has been an ongoing issue but if they ever said anything to their dad he took his partners side and told them off.

Not only this but in the last 4 years I’ve been excluded from stuff because of her. Previously (because me and the ex were completely amicable) we used to celebrate the kids birthdays and Christmas as a family. Including his partner. I used to welcome them into my home put on food etc. Both sets of grandparents would be there. It was for the kids benefit and there was no issue as far as I was concerned.

All this has stopped now and it’s a pita and a shame as my kids recently had big birthdays and it was all made awkward. (Ex husband came to my house to drop presents and pick up kids and his partner sat outside in the car scowling and texting him to hurry up). Honestly it’s just ridiculous.

Ive spoke to the ex husband about it. He’s a wet lettuce and does nothing about it.

Would I be unreasonable to knock her fkn head off. (Joke). But what would you do? Anything ? Nothing ?

Also ex mil thinks the sun shines out of my arse which winds the new partner up. The ex mil has been told that it’s me causing the issues! Should I write her a letter and put her straight ?

TIA and sorry for the length of this post !

OP posts:
RappelChoan · 19/08/2026 15:49

In your OP you ask ‘what would you do - anything? Nothing?’

I would do nothing, except be a listener to your kids and empathise with them. The same as I would if they had a work colleague who was a PITA or a friend issue or any other relationship stuff. It’s not in your power to fix. Your job is to be a calm and respectful role model even when your children are adults.

Ionacat · 19/08/2026 15:49

I don’t think confronting her in any way is going to help and move things forward. It will give fuel to her fire. It’s sad that she doesn’t want to be in the same room for the sake of the kids, but you can’t change her, only your reaction to her and I think you have to accept that she doesn’t think she can be civil around you. The best course of action is to grey rock as hard as it is and then support your DC if they no longer wish to see their dad if she is around,

Itsbeenalongtimeincoming · 19/08/2026 15:49

InterIgnis · 19/08/2026 14:13

…and what? Get laughed at?

No. It then warns the ex that the conversation is coming and is not going to be good so he has a choice before the OP goes in all guns blazing.

They can laugh all they like but at least the kids will see the OP handled it maturely and gave them a choice.

RubyHiker · 19/08/2026 15:48

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:44

In your opinion. I’m neither immature or obsessed.

Im annoyed.

OP asks for Enlightenment on our opinion
other people - here you go
OP - thats just your opinion!!!

well yes. That was the point.
But just you carry on raging against the world and some women you don't even need to be involved with. If that makes your day brighter.
Alternativley, just grow up and move on. You'll be happier in the end

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:44

purplecorkheart · 19/08/2026 15:41

Thank you I was just about to reply this. OP you also come across as quite aggressive op.

In your opinion. I’m neither immature or obsessed.

Im annoyed.

OP posts:
DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:43

tiredofthisshitt · 19/08/2026 15:35

i think you need to be honest about why you care so much about this. I suspect at the heart of it is you, missing the family set up (understandable). The kids will cope with not having the family thing. They still do, it’s just a different family thing.

your ex’s relationship dynamics with his partner - respectfully - are not your concern. He’s not your husband, or even your friend, and you don’t know the ins and outs of their relationship. It clearly works for them as they’re still together.

Honestly - for the sake of your mental health, move on. You can’t tell them what to say or how to be. That’s their choice. Just control what you can control, which is your reaction. Speaking to him/ them about it won’t help, it’ll just cause bigger problems for everyone, including your children - who I suspect don’t care as much as you do.

It’s nothing to do with any of what you said.

Im concerned that people think I should accept that this woman is calling me and accusing me of fraud to my own kids. God knows what else she says. I was investigated by the DWP last year and I highly suspect it was the partner that reported me. It was all fine obviously but I can do without it.

OP posts:
purplecorkheart · 19/08/2026 15:41

RubyHiker · 19/08/2026 15:40

you are coming accross as immature and a bit obsessed. Your kids are not kids, they are adults. Stop concerning yourself with your ex and his wife.

Thank you I was just about to reply this. OP you also come across as quite aggressive op.

RubyHiker · 19/08/2026 15:40

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:31

I can just imagine how that would have been received.

Do enlighten me how I am not coming over well on this thread. I’m intrigued.

you are coming accross as immature and a bit obsessed. Your kids are not kids, they are adults. Stop concerning yourself with your ex and his wife.

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:40

CarbootJunction · 19/08/2026 15:33

You only know about all of this because your kids are telling you. Are they enjoying causing conflict, and upsetting you?

No they get annoyed. My son is less tolerant than my daughter. He’s stopped spending time with his dad if his partner is there. He’s more direct than my daughter who is a bit passive.

like I say I have confronted their dad about this issue previously because I have no way of contacting the partner. I sent him an email and it wasn’t aggressive or argumentative it was a simple request that he speaks to his partner when she starts name calling. He didn’t reply and then bollocked the kids saying they were trouble causers. This was about 4 years ago

OP posts:
KilkennyCats · 19/08/2026 15:38

CarbootJunction · 19/08/2026 15:33

You only know about all of this because your kids are telling you. Are they enjoying causing conflict, and upsetting you?

This. They’re not young kids, yet they’re acting (and frankly being treated) as though they were. They need to grow the hell up.

tiredofthisshitt · 19/08/2026 15:35

i think you need to be honest about why you care so much about this. I suspect at the heart of it is you, missing the family set up (understandable). The kids will cope with not having the family thing. They still do, it’s just a different family thing.

your ex’s relationship dynamics with his partner - respectfully - are not your concern. He’s not your husband, or even your friend, and you don’t know the ins and outs of their relationship. It clearly works for them as they’re still together.

Honestly - for the sake of your mental health, move on. You can’t tell them what to say or how to be. That’s their choice. Just control what you can control, which is your reaction. Speaking to him/ them about it won’t help, it’ll just cause bigger problems for everyone, including your children - who I suspect don’t care as much as you do.

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:35

HumberSquid · 19/08/2026 15:32

Just to add - if your dad is abusive just walking away from him is an option you should strongly consider.

My dad is 85 and unwell. I don’t feel like it’s an option right now. I’m an only child so it’s tricky.

OP posts:
CarbootJunction · 19/08/2026 15:33

You only know about all of this because your kids are telling you. Are they enjoying causing conflict, and upsetting you?

HumberSquid · 19/08/2026 15:32

Just to add - if your dad is abusive just walking away from him is an option you should strongly consider.

HumberSquid · 19/08/2026 15:31

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:09

I couldn’t give a shite what she thinks about me. But she shouldn’t be saying stuff in front of my kids. Especially when it’s actually slanderous.

Of course not. But your children are adults now so they dont have to listen to what she says, nor do they need to be reporting it to you. It's not your job to manage or mediate their relationship with their dad and his partner. Just tell them you're not interested in her opinions and ignore, ignore, ignore. The alternative is court.

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:31

purplecorkheart · 19/08/2026 15:29

Your children are adults, they do not need to shout do not enter they can politely say that you are not hope and that they would prefer to not invite them is and that they will meet them in the car.

You do not need either of these people in your life any more. It will be a lot less hassle for everyone if your ex and partner are not involved in your life. Two parties rather than one is a small price to pay.

If I am being honest you are not coming across particularly well in this thread.

I can just imagine how that would have been received.

Do enlighten me how I am not coming over well on this thread. I’m intrigued.

OP posts:
purplecorkheart · 19/08/2026 15:29

Your children are adults, they do not need to shout do not enter they can politely say that you are not hope and that they would prefer to not invite them is and that they will meet them in the car.

You do not need either of these people in your life any more. It will be a lot less hassle for everyone if your ex and partner are not involved in your life. Two parties rather than one is a small price to pay.

If I am being honest you are not coming across particularly well in this thread.

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:26

Cherry8809 · 19/08/2026 12:42

Sounds like you’ve got far too much time on your hands. Maybe it’s time to go back to work 🙂

Im doing a degree and volunteering for a charity so please don’t concern yourself with my time.

OP posts:
DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:23

Aworldofmyown · 19/08/2026 15:19

Why on earth did they let them in 😳

What are they meant to do - shout “do not enter” like raving lunatics ??

OP posts:
DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:22

Hatty65 · 19/08/2026 15:12

I’ve continually had episodes of severe breakdowns, psychosis and blackouts.

As your adult children presumably know this what on earth are they doing repeating toxic shit they claim this woman has said about you? It's not doing you any good. Tell them firmly that they are adults, their relationship with their father is up to them to deal with and that you don't want to hear any more.

They need to grow up and handle it, rather than expecting someone whose mental health is clearly extremely fragile, to sort it out for them.

I am happy they don’t feel the need to treat me like a fragile person. I’m not a weak person. Prior to becoming unwell I had a career in a high pressure environment and worked my way up into a managerial position

Sometimes shit happens in our lives that knock us down but I’m not some nervous wreck sat rocking in a corner.

My kids know they can talk to me about stuff

OP posts:
Aworldofmyown · 19/08/2026 15:19

Why on earth did they let them in 😳

DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:18

MsPrufrockk · 19/08/2026 13:24

This sounds rough on them and on you (I'm not sure why you're getting a hard time for being pissed off you can't celebrate together if that's what you've always been used to). Have the kids said what they want to happen? I feel like if it was me at their age, I'd be cutting contact with my dad.

I’ve actively encouraged them to not cut their dad out of their life. He’s always been passive it’s part of the reason we split. But he has always been a decent dad as such. He loves them dearly and I don’t want the partners obvious dislike of me to cause issues between them and him.

OP posts:
DallazMajor · 19/08/2026 15:15

Sometimeswinning · 19/08/2026 14:45

Absolutely! We all have our limit.

The people on this thread think they will be judged for standing up for themselves, they worry they will be laughed at by people who don’t know them. Instead I’d be more worried that someone thinks they can talk about me like that to my children!

Honestly there has been many occasions when the kids where younger they would come home upset. The name calling seems to have been ongoing for years although she seems passive aggressive so they might not have picked up on it when they were little.

Although obvs this is Mumsnet where people seem to be in another universe when it comes to such matters. I regret making this post. I was particularly annoyed this morning because my daughter told me that whilst I was away her dad & partner came to the house to pick them up and the partner had the brass neck to come in the house and start saying things like. “How’s she afford that? My taxes paying for her to buy it” and the like.

OP posts:
Beansandsprouts · 19/08/2026 15:14

Having just seen that your kids are adults, they’re old enough to see through it. Forget this woman (she’s likely as nasty as he if they was cheating whilst you were together)

Leave them in their own little toxic bubble they’ve created. Your kids will naturally move away from them both, as no one wants to be around people like that for long.

Hatty65 · 19/08/2026 15:12

I’ve continually had episodes of severe breakdowns, psychosis and blackouts.

As your adult children presumably know this what on earth are they doing repeating toxic shit they claim this woman has said about you? It's not doing you any good. Tell them firmly that they are adults, their relationship with their father is up to them to deal with and that you don't want to hear any more.

They need to grow up and handle it, rather than expecting someone whose mental health is clearly extremely fragile, to sort it out for them.