AIBU to be absolutely seething with the ex about promised presents for Christmas

[SophisticatedFury]

So my ex partner has been telling my 10 year old son that he'd get him a PS3 for christmas. I've clarified this with him. However, he text me Monday night to say he didn't realise PS3's were that expensive and can not afford to get one. He's told my son for months he'd get one.

I'm so pissed off. I mean it's 2 weeks before Christmas and now he drops the bombshell. DS doesn't know this yet as ex has only text to tell me. I've been wracking my brains on our figures to see if we can afford to get one as I know he's going to be so disappointed.

Yes, a 10 y old would have told all his friends.

And yes, as a mum of a 10 year old, I know you still really want to protect them from getting upset....BUT

There is no need to tell DS now, in your shoes, it is not a good decision to be the messenger of bad news. DS might think his dad promised, but that is YOU who said no ( whatever the reason)?

It would be good if your XH could (should!) be the one disappointing him.

And THEN it is time for YOU to step in with a solution ( second hand one, buying one later).

I understand where you're coming from Chandon but with my ex's record I have no idea when he'll next get in touch - it could be Christmas day. He's that feckless. I'd rather him have the disappointment now rather than Christmas Day itself IYSWIM.

That sucks, then, doesn't it?

My Ds does not have a PS, would love one, but I find them just so expensive!

It is not an essential childhood item, but once it has been promised, it seems cruel to not follow through. Kids get SO excited about Christmas, it just is nt fair of your XH.

Get one in the sales, the prices tend to shoot up in the few weeks before xmas (unless you get a bargain of course!) Esp for second hand which seem to go for the same price as new around now
His dad sounds a right dick, as do some of the others on this thread. How can they do it to little kids??

I think you've done the right thing in telling him that his dad can't get him the Ps3. If you can afford it I would try to get him one for Christmas from you and dh. Can you imagine his face on Christmas day?

These fuckwits are not alone. My friend's dad was like this. As so is the bio dad of DP's niece. They do reap what they sow eventually. My friend cut her dad out of her life, and DP's niece has done the same.