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Partner doesn’t help with childcare

184 replies

Aly321 · 18/12/2022 19:07

I wake up every morning early and attend to both children, toddler and newborn. Bathe, dress, change, feed, whilst my partner has a lie in. Once we’re all sorted and downstairs, he will send me a text when he’s awake and ask me to bring him breakfast in bed. He then puts the TV on upstairs and stays in bed for a couple of hours watching TV whilst I am attending to the kids downstairs. He never baths kids, changes clothes, barely changes nappies, feeds etc. never does a night feed. His excuse is that he is working whilst I’m on maternity leave. He works evenings (5pm until 10pm). But to be honest I don’t see this changing when I return to work because it was very similar when I just had our toddler. He is the father of both children.
furthermore, I pay for my toddlers childcare whilst he goes to nursery. He’s been going to nursery since I was working and I didn’t wanna disrupt his routine so continued to pay for his nursery whilst I am on leave. Partner doesn’t contribute to nursery fees because he has a car finance which is quite expensive and my car is paid off so that is his reason to not contribute a single penny towards nursery.
Is this pretty standard in most households or am I being unreasonable to think he should be pulling his weight a little more?

OP posts:
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Rhaych2003 · 28/01/2023 07:48

So you’ve had the kids all morning and he expects to be waited on hand and foot, room service, breakfast in bed?! Sounds like having an extra kid!! Has he always been such a selfish so and so?! What do his family think if their around?

caringcarer · 25/01/2023 01:56

Breakfast in bloody bed, are you really doing this? You must be mad. You are acting like his servant. Stop it. Tell him you want breakfast in bed tomorrow and he can get up with kids. This is a Victorian relationship.

Tidd · 25/01/2023 00:43

Its all allowed by you.

You enable him.

You stay and tolerate it.

You allow him access to you.

You need to make changes in your life..

Including you getting self esteem, self respect, self dignity and learn to love yourself more.

It's not just his fault. This is what you allow and tolerate.

You give him permission
Perhaps therapy would be beneficial.

Tidd · 25/01/2023 00:39

Why would you have another child if he wasn't doing anything when you had the first one?

Why would you keep rewarding him when he doesn't deserve access to you?

Why do you stay??

Forgooodnesssakenow · 24/01/2023 23:25

BabyOnBoard90 · 20/01/2023 15:30

It's normal to bring husband breakfast. It's not normal for him not help with childcare.

It's normal to take your husband breakfast while he lies in bed and cares for your children? No it isn't. It's normal for 1 of you to entertain the children while the other organised breakfast then eat together or to take it in turns to get up and do breakfast.

Forgooodnesssakenow · 24/01/2023 23:24

Aly321 · 18/12/2022 19:21

Oh my god. I’m not going mad after all. I’m from a south Asian background and most women in my community serve their husband so anyone I spoke to including my mother tells me to shut up and put up as they all do the same. Thank god I’m not alone in my thinking. I don’t know what to do now, because when I try to talk to him about how I feel, he gets very angry… he tends to punch walls or break things when he loses his temper. And I know him well enough by now to know that he will definitely get angry if I tell him he needs to pull his weight more, so I try not to discuss anything that would be controversial..

You're in an abusive situation which is being allowed due to a mysogynistic culture in your immediate family.
My advise is leave, not just the marriage but the culture and the family.

BabyOnBoard90 · 20/01/2023 15:31

Whoops just realised this is an old thread

BabyOnBoard90 · 20/01/2023 15:30

Aly321 · 18/12/2022 19:11

Yes I do take him breakfast in bed every morning, it has become part of my routine now…. But I’m starting to think, is this normal ?

It's normal to bring husband breakfast. It's not normal for him not help with childcare.

Squamata · 11/01/2023 16:52

Glad to hear you're doing well! I'm sure it will get easier with time. You should be proud of yourself. Take care x

Aly321 · 11/01/2023 16:41

Squamata · 11/01/2023 13:27

Been thinking of you, OP! Hope you're doing ok x

Thank you for thinking of me! He still hasn’t come back. He sees the kids a couple of times a week but won’t communicate with me. I am getting stronger day by day without him and quite enjoy some child free days on the days they visit him. However still feel that twinge of sadness and loneliness. I’m hoping that clears up with time. Thank you. I hope you’re well. X

OP posts:
Squamata · 11/01/2023 13:27

Been thinking of you, OP! Hope you're doing ok x

Squamata · 27/12/2022 17:29

In all cultures, including South Asian ones, a woman traditionally gained status through connection to a man (husband, father, son). This is the essence of a patriarchy. That a woman is nothing without a man.

He's gambling on you being worried about loss of status if you don't have him. That the community will judge you, treat you as less worthy etc. So he thinks you'll put up with any crap because having a husband means status.

You very gently raised that he was taking the piss, he's stormed off and is giving you the silent treatment. He knows what he's doing, he's trying to leave you to stew and become anxious so you'll take him back and never dare criticise him again, whatever he does.

If I have a problem, I raise it with DH and he would be concerned, talk it through, we find a solution or compromise. He doesn't run off to his mum's house and ignore me for days.

You deserve more than this op! People always post about Lundy Bancroft why does he do that on these threads, Google it and find it free online.

jannier · 27/12/2022 17:12

Aly321 · 26/12/2022 15:37

I’d much rather return to my abusive relationship rather than experience this loneliness and overthinking day in day out. However he has not made any plans to return and has completely cut all contact

The hits and slaps would get harder especially if you take him back you wouldn't treat a dog this way. Your children could become targets as they get more annoying to him and they will think it's how women are treated.....his mum has probably experienced this too in her own relationship so expects no better.

Squamata · 27/12/2022 15:35

Glad to be of help, op!

femfemlicious · 27/12/2022 14:58

my dear it's going to be hard. You are a product of your culture and it's hard to break free. Think if you want your daughter to end up in a similar situation. Please stay strong.

I think he has actually done you a favour by leaving. You would have found it almost impossible to leave him. I pray he stays gone for your sake. You can do this. Just leave him alone and let him continue on his own path. The other option is to go back to him and he will treat you even worse.

Anonuser456 · 27/12/2022 14:32

Squamata · 27/12/2022 14:04

It's a really big change op, it's not surprising that it's scary and unsettling for you.

You seem to be saying that if he went off with someone else and proved to be a better partner, you'd be missing out. Let's unpack that a bit.

He's abusive and exploits you. That's not a passing habit, that's something that expresses a deeply held belief about how power should be distributed in your home. A lack of respect, an unwillingness to consider your perspective, an unwillingness or inability to control anger.

How would all those things change if he had a new partner? Typically men like that are all sweetness and light with a new partner - to begin with. Then they fall back into the old ways once they think they have a woman attached to them/financially dependent/no self esteem or support network etc. In short: he's not a great catch. Abusive people can learn to change their ways but it takes a recognition of what's gone wrong and a willingness to change. It doesn't happen overnight.

While you're looking at his sm and thinking of his future, what about yours? What do you want in your future? Get paper and pen and write down anything that comes into your head about your career, how you want your kids education and upbringing to be, your home, your hobbies, your friends and relationships. You're more than just a wife. You have potential and a future. Maybe even with a partner who treats you well, at some point.

You need help and support to get through this, this relationship is a major part of your life and you can bet your husband and your family will soon be pressuring you to go back to how things were. If you don't want that, contact the freedom programme and the organisations listed above to get support, someone to talk things through with, practical advice on finances etc.

In the meantime, you're in shock and it's hard. Reach out to friends if you can. Take care of yourself - not doomscrolling on his sm, make sure you have good food, rest and exercise.

Good luck, I'll be thinking of you!

This is exactly the lift that I need today so thank you for that. You are so right. He will probably get someone to begin with but I’m sure they’ll see his true colours once they get to know him properly because he has no willingness to change. And his family definitely see women as below them so that won’t change

im going to try my best to focus on myself and my future now as you said instead of focusing on what he’s doing. Thank you

Squamata · 27/12/2022 14:04

It's a really big change op, it's not surprising that it's scary and unsettling for you.

You seem to be saying that if he went off with someone else and proved to be a better partner, you'd be missing out. Let's unpack that a bit.

He's abusive and exploits you. That's not a passing habit, that's something that expresses a deeply held belief about how power should be distributed in your home. A lack of respect, an unwillingness to consider your perspective, an unwillingness or inability to control anger.

How would all those things change if he had a new partner? Typically men like that are all sweetness and light with a new partner - to begin with. Then they fall back into the old ways once they think they have a woman attached to them/financially dependent/no self esteem or support network etc. In short: he's not a great catch. Abusive people can learn to change their ways but it takes a recognition of what's gone wrong and a willingness to change. It doesn't happen overnight.

While you're looking at his sm and thinking of his future, what about yours? What do you want in your future? Get paper and pen and write down anything that comes into your head about your career, how you want your kids education and upbringing to be, your home, your hobbies, your friends and relationships. You're more than just a wife. You have potential and a future. Maybe even with a partner who treats you well, at some point.

You need help and support to get through this, this relationship is a major part of your life and you can bet your husband and your family will soon be pressuring you to go back to how things were. If you don't want that, contact the freedom programme and the organisations listed above to get support, someone to talk things through with, practical advice on finances etc.

In the meantime, you're in shock and it's hard. Reach out to friends if you can. Take care of yourself - not doomscrolling on his sm, make sure you have good food, rest and exercise.

Good luck, I'll be thinking of you!

Aly321 · 27/12/2022 09:55

I feel really angry and jealous at the thought of him moving onto someone new and possibly being a better partner/husband to them than he was to me. I keep overthinking this and it makes me really angry that he would possibly have a better life with someone else instead of giving me what I deserved. These thoughts are on my mind because he has started to post selfies on his social media and remove all pictures of me and kids. He hasn’t reached out for kids yet either. I’m starting to think he has no plans to return and is looking for someone else to put up with him and quite possibly taking on board what I said about his laziness and will try to be better for someone else in order for his future relationships to last

OP posts:
Ivyonafence · 26/12/2022 23:22

Aly321 · 26/12/2022 15:37

I’d much rather return to my abusive relationship rather than experience this loneliness and overthinking day in day out. However he has not made any plans to return and has completely cut all contact

Please give it more time OP. It's a big change, but if you stay the path you will be glad you did.

Tabitha888 · 26/12/2022 23:22

How's this for you, I'm with an Asian man, Muslim family, I'm white Catholic. My partners is amazing. Some days gets up with the baby so I can sleep in after nursing all night. She's EBF. He works and pays for most thing while I look after as we're watching money. I do contribute as well. She's almost 8months now. His family understand that, I am the 1st while female in the family. And haven't given me too hard a time. Honestly, it's not normal. He's using the culture "norms" to take advantage of you. We have cousins on his side who have divorced, and the family have moved on and accepted it. What area are you in? Everyone will get over it. His family have a couple who have stayed together married etc because of the pressure of parents, and I've never seen too unhappy people. They have a friends now they have grown kids. But it's just for the sake of appearances etc please do yourself a favour and leave when you can, you are practically a single mum as it is x

pompei8309 · 26/12/2022 23:22

Aly321 · 26/12/2022 15:37

I’d much rather return to my abusive relationship rather than experience this loneliness and overthinking day in day out. However he has not made any plans to return and has completely cut all contact

I really hope , for your sake, that he will never come back . You’re free,look after yourself and children and be happy .

ForPeaceSake · 26/12/2022 23:12

Aly321 · 26/12/2022 14:14

I’m trying to think of all the reasons I can live without him. He used to hit me during arguments but I never thought anything of this cos he never used to hit me hard enough to leave a bruise or a mark and it didn’t necessarily hurt much. It was just like a slap or a kick. But googling things now I’ve realised that it is still abuse even if he didn’t hit me hard enough to leave a visible mark. So gathering all his laziness and abusive behaviour I am talking myself out of wanting him back just to have the typical nuclear family that my family expect

So at the worst he hits you and at the best he shouts and orders you around. This will never be the nice nuclear family you want and deserve, and I'm sure your family don't want you to be abused either. If you let him come back you will have years of this misery and the longer you leave it the harder it will be to make that break.

It seems monumental at the moment, making the decision and sticking to it, but trust me it will be a relief and it will get easier. It's natural to feel regret but it's important to distinguish regret at the marriage not turning out how you expected and regret at ending it. The former is totally understandable. The latter leads to feelings of guilt which will keep you trapped in a bad situation.

Making du'a for you.

EasterIssland · 26/12/2022 22:29

Aly321 · 26/12/2022 15:37

I’d much rather return to my abusive relationship rather than experience this loneliness and overthinking day in day out. However he has not made any plans to return and has completely cut all contact

Sorry you’re going through this.

howeved. Is this the example you want to show to your kids ? That they can be hit or hit others when they’re adults ? That men can treat women like their servants and hit them whenever they want ? Is this really how you want your kids to be when they grow up ?

femfemlicious · 26/12/2022 22:22

Hmmm@Aly321 this is a man that kicks and slaps you and treats you like his personal slave . Just know that you are normalizing this to your kids. Your son will be like him a nd your daughter most likely will marry someone like him. How would you feel about That?

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