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AIBU?

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5 year old left alone for half an hour in changing room

52 replies

Swimmingpoolissue · 19/09/2026 21:01

My ex took our two children to a swimming class The five year old wouldn't get changed so he took the three year old into the pool and left the five year old by the door to the changing room, pool side. Five year old went into the changing room, told me they were running around in there for the duration of the half hour lesson, out of sight of the pool and their dad. I am beyond shocked and surely not unreasonable to be very concerned about future contact? He's previously built up contact from a contact center to one overnight a week.

OP posts:
Ilovelurchers · 20/09/2026 19:14

Astounded that he thinks it's OK for the 5 year old to be out of his sight for half an hour in a public place (especially one with additional risks such as swimming pool etc). Horrendous. The one positive is that he appears to be so stupid that he has freely admitted this over text, and thus given you concrete evidence.

I assume given the non.mol. he physically abused you? So your ideal would be that he does not have unsupervised access? I actually think he is playing into your hands by openly admitting neglectful behaviour.

You are right to seek advice from SS. I would seek legal advice too if you can.

It's very sad. I am usually 100% behind kids having a relationship with both parents, including parents who are less than perfect. But a violent abuser who endangers his kids and appears proud of it? Sadly, doesn't sound like he will ever be an appropriate person to be in their lives.

Swimmingpoolissue · 20/09/2026 20:43

I really think supervised access would be safest. I've always supported their relationship I just want it to be safe. He wasn't trusted not to lose his temper and hurt them previously, so went through supervised to unsupervised to overnight.

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