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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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To think that DP should be able to do everything I do re childcare

225 replies

hectorslarry · 13/07/2013 17:58

Hi

I have a 4yo DD from a previous relationship and a 3 week old DD from this relationship. DP and i have been together for 3 and a half years. It's not been easy.

He goes out 4 nights a week (drinking) and works 7 days a week 6.30am-6.30pm. He occasionally gets a weekend off but it's been 6 weeks since his last day off. He takes all the overtime he can get to clear his mortgage out of arrears. We share my rented house atm because his own (mortgaged) house is 70 miles away from work family etc.

I have not had a night out with friends in 10 months. I was working nightshift before I went on maternity leave and DD1 stayed at my grandparents house on the nights i was working because dp wouldn't do it (even though he wasn't working then, he only started this job in march) because it's not his kid. His words.

When I went on maternity leave i had 1 night at the cinema and that was because my mum watched DD1 while I went.

DD2 arrived 3 weeks ago and he missed the birth because he was out and wouldn't answer his phone. He has been out most nights since she was born, has not fed her, bathed her, changed her or anything and does nothing housework wise to help me. He just keeps going on about how hard he's got it working all day and how easy I've got it 'lying in my bed all day'. Yes of course I do. The kids look after themselves and the housework fairies appear to clean and make dinner.

I was supposed to be going out with my friends tonight. It's been planned for months because we live so far apart and they were making the effort to travel here and booked a hotel to stay in. I was so looking forward to it. I've spent the day worried sick about leaving the kids with him. He has no idea how to change an nappy, make a bottle or get babies wind up. I asked him when he got in an hour ago (earlier than usual tonight) to give DD2 a bottle whilst I got ready and he refused. Said he didn't know how to and wouldn't do it. I asked him what he was going to do when I was out and he said he was just going to wait until I came home until she was fed, bathed, changed etc.

I'm really upset. Obviously I can't go out now so I've phoned my friends to tell them and they are fuming. They spent a fortune on travel hotels etc to come and see me and it's been a waste of time. I can't even invite them round here because they don't get on with DP even though he's now away out for the 5th night in a row. It's going to take a while to repair my friendship and they were the only friends I've got.

AIBU to have expected a night out only 3 weeks after DD2 was born?

AIBU to expect DP to do child related stuff even though he works all day?

When your DCs were born did your partner help and do stuff? Or is this normal? I honestly don't know because with DD1 i done everything because she was my child.

I think he should be able to do everything I do and we should take it in turns to do feeds and nappy changes etc. He doesn't understand why he has to and why he shouldn't be going out 4 nights a week. I think that's too much and maybe once a month is acceptable when you have a baby. He says that's acceptable for mums but not dad's. Why should dad's have to stay in the house too? How do I answer that question?

I'm pretty much a single parent. I sometimes think it would be easier for me to kick him out and do it myself.

OP posts:
Fluffycloudland77 · 14/07/2013 10:55

They don't give full custody to dads just because they apply for it, especially if you breast feed.

Anyway, if he's going to commit suicide it hardly matters does it?

YoniBottsBumgina · 14/07/2013 10:56

Glad to hear you are staying strong and seeing through his bullshit.

BatwingsAndButterflies · 14/07/2013 10:58

Keep the texts, get the locks changed, ring 101 and tell them you are in fear of him - get it logged so you can refer to it later in court if you need to. x

Ezio · 14/07/2013 10:59

Just an empty threat, what court would give custody to a man who works 7 days a week and threatens suicide, hes got a script.

EverythingIsTicketyBoo · 14/07/2013 11:16

Stay strong, you're doing really well. Save the texts, ignore his stupid empty threats and enjoy your new baby and DD! Have you got some real life support?

Gingersstuff · 14/07/2013 11:16

Hector, he's had a wake-up call and is now in fear of losing his cash cow and all the home comforts you've provided for him free of charge. He is a cocklodger of the worst kind. He gives you NOTHING. Please, please stay strong. If you let him back in this time, he will know that he can treat you as badly as he pleases and you'll do nothing. You are young and have your whole life in front of you and your kids will look to you for their relationship model. If nothing else, leave this excuse of a man behind for their sakes.

pictish · 14/07/2013 11:26

Another urging you to stay strong. How dare he threaten suicide? How dare he?
This arse is the worst kind of emotional abuser there is. He treats you like shit, and when you dare complain, hands over the responsibility of his emotional wellbeing all wrapped up in a box. A mother's day gift.

"If you don't let me treat you as badly as I want, I'll kill myself and it will be all your fault."

This would infuriate me, and if nothing else, strengthen my resolve. He is no good. He urgently needs to be no longer your problem.
He is out - for fuck's sake - keep him out.

ICanTuckMyBoobsInMyPockets · 14/07/2013 11:28

You are doing so well, I as barely out of my pyjamas when I had my newborn!
I think you should keep reading this thread and keep posting, you might just need a little reminder in the days to come that you really have done the right thing regardless if what he says or does now.

SmiteYouWithThunderbolts · 14/07/2013 11:31

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LEAVE! Call the police on 101, please. You can have him forcibly removed from your home. It is not his home at all because he is not on the tenancy agreement. Please don't let this horrible man push you around any more. I'm so angry at this thread!

MaMattoo · 14/07/2013 11:32

Whilst I now know (DS is 3yo) that DH can't do everything like I do. I do know that he can watch and care for our child when I go out with friends or for work. He might not do it 'my way' but he can do it.
I feel bad that your first child won't be cared for in this relationship by him.
I feel bad that you are now with two kids and little help.
I feel bad for your friends who obviously miss you enough to make a huge effort for you but are probably not saying much as you have just had a baby.
He works hard and that is all the more reason for him to spend more time with you. It means you get a break from home and kids and he from being out and about.
Whilst post delivery hormones are a force to be reckoned with, and leaving a relationship with two little ones is hard, I would think long and hard. You have a long life ahead and to raise a happy and confident pair of kids you need to be happy and confident too..and you don't sound like that.
Think long, hard and weigh up your options. A man who does not support you now, when you most need it, won't be of much use later.
And after all that..
Congrats!!! Having a lovely newborn is hard work but its such a nice feeling!!!

SmiteYouWithThunderbolts · 14/07/2013 11:32

Whoops, I totally didn't realised there was a second page of posts and was replying to last night! Glad he's out now, OP. Keep strong.

MaMattoo · 14/07/2013 11:35

And after reading the rest..
Well done! Stand up strong! He sounds like an ass. Suicide threats are the lowest of the low...IMO.
Good on ya'

LunaticFringe · 14/07/2013 11:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ElizabethHornswoggle · 14/07/2013 11:38

So let me get this straight.
You've got a 3 week old baby with him. He's out drinking four nights a week.He ignored his phone when he knew you were due to give birth at any time.
He refuses to help out with anything.
Nope, sorry to have to say that really isn't normal.

Hamwidgeandcheps · 14/07/2013 11:44

*cheers the op on!

I was knackered after I separated. For ages - but at least that was my only problem Grin

InLoveWithDavidTennant · 14/07/2013 11:47

well done hector i am so so pleased and relieved that the locks are being changed.

remember... you are NOT responsible for his actions. whatever he does or doesnt do is NOT your fault at all. what he is doing is emotional blackmail. you already know what he's like as he's done it before. he wont change. dont let him walk all over you. you and your children deserve so much better... and there is better out there. trust me... im 18st and i dont think im much to look at... but i have a dh who loves me and treats me well. there are nice guys out there.

and he wont get full custody... he doesnt know how to look after a child... let alone a 3 week old baby. also... keep everything he sends you (texts/emails etc). maybe get a notebook and keep a note of anything that happens

btw... i think you should report your thread and get it moved to relationships (or post there with a link to this thread). there will be others over there that can help you with what you need to do now and give you amazing advice and support

not that you havent had that already of course.. but i dont think aibu is the place for this thread

Jinsei · 14/07/2013 11:59

Well done OP, you don't need this man in your life. I hope you're ok - stay strong!!

DoubleLifeIsALifeHalved · 14/07/2013 12:16

Please please stay strong, it's too easy to give in to all his tactics and too easy to dismiss your needs and self esteem, can feel like you are a small pebble trying to hold back the sea...

This is the hardest bit, but your life will be so much better if you manage to stay strong and keep him out. Good luck

Holliewantstobehot · 14/07/2013 12:24

really well done - phone to claim income support on monday as you will be entitled to that - when I had to claim income support for the first time they contacted housing benefit and tax credits for me so ask them if they are going to do that or not and if they do it will save you some work!

I echo what the others say about not looking for anyone else yet. When me and exh split up I felt so lost and looking back I had lost myself. I have been on my own for 3 years now and it has really been the best thing as I am now strong and in control of my life and know who I am and what I want. The sense of accomplishment you feel at getting through things by yourself is immense and really builds your confidence.

Hamwidgeandcheps · 14/07/2013 12:29

Full custody in the uk does not exist anyway. He is entitled to apply for residency but he wouldn't get it unless there are serious concerns about your parenting. He wouldn't have a leg to stand on. Also the legal fees will put him off that game before he's even begun. He is trying to scare you in to compliance - dont let him.

Dollybird86 · 14/07/2013 12:37

Oh my God kick him out & burn his stuff! Lol slight over reaction but hey ho! Can I just ask how he is with ur daughter day to day? If he won't look after in the evening when I assume she's sleeping? I know she's only 4 but as someone who grew up being very aware my mums bf would of rather I wasn't around its very unsettling & made me very sad.
Do u need him for financial assistants? As if not hes not doing anything else & behaving this way I would say u really don't need him & please think of the effect he & his behavior has on ur dd's.
Hope u sort it out.

Snazzyenjoyingsummer · 14/07/2013 12:38

Ha ha ha, like he would get residency when he can't and won't change a nappy or give a bottle! No chance! Treat this as the empty threat it is.

Good for you for taking action. You will be better off on your own. Definitely log all this with the police on 101 and make sure they know he has his own house so he is not being made homeless by him having to leave your place.

MrsTomHardy · 14/07/2013 12:40

Please make sure you contact CSA

SignoraStronza · 14/07/2013 12:44

Is he doing all this extra overtime so he can afford to go out drinking every night op?

I was bf and my dh still managed to defrost bm and look after the baby for a night (easier in the early months as she actually slept). He also works long hours. Pub only happens once a week though, and a monthly boys meet up in addition to that. We go out together once a month or so and I'll have a girls night once or twice a month.

DC (at one) will only sleep on our next to one of us. Whoever is looking after her just has to lump it.

Your 'd'p is being v. unreasonable. Seriously, he's rather be worth a distressed, wet/dirty and hungry baby than step up and look after his own child? That's just cruel. Big Red flag here.

SignoraStronza · 14/07/2013 12:54

Blush So sorry op . Posted before had read the thread and didn't realise how long it was.

So glad you've got rid of the loser.Thanks

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