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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not be quite sure what to do about Father's Day, re ex?

18 replies

SirBoobAlot · 12/06/2014 13:39

So. I broke up with exP nearly three years ago now. I maintained a civil relationship with both him and his family for DS's sake. However... We broke up because he went to hurt me, having assaulted me before. In September he assaulted me again. This time I went to the police, and he was cautioned. In the months following I have started to see how abusive every angle of the relationship was and have taken steps to take a more 'healthy' attitude to relationships.

Because DS was in the house when he assaulted me in September (having me by the throat tight enough for me to begin to black out) exP has only been having supervised contact, which I have in writing from social services. This has been going ahead as and when he decides to turn up. I don't tell DS in advance, as he cancels so often; as far as DS is concerned, he gets the day at his grandparents (my parents) and sometimes his dad visits for a bit.

ExP is now taking me to court as he doesn't think supervised contact is fair. We're at court next month.

I feel a bit conflicted as to what to do about Fathers Day. I have always got presents (birthdays, Christmas and Fathers Day) for him - and his stepdad - from DS in the past, however all of this was before his decision to go to court.

I'm now debating whether to just get DS to write him a card. He's made a coaster from hama beads (he made exP a mug at Christmas), and I'm thinking about just putting that in the envelope, rather than getting him an actual present.

Is that unreasonable? My mum says that I'm being unfair to DS if I stop getting him presents, but I feel if he's still got him something, it's okay... Maybe?

Opinions please.

OP posts:
CoffeeTea103 · 12/06/2014 13:42

How old is your DS op? It's meant to be from the child to parent, so if your son did make something for him that should be fine.

Meow75 · 12/06/2014 13:43

I'd go with what you've suggested. Your DS is little. It's not like he'd be buying his father and iPad or set of golf clubs, FGS!!

SirBoobAlot · 12/06/2014 13:46

He's four. Normally I get a present that I know the person will like, plus something he's made.

OP posts:
diddl · 12/06/2014 13:49

Well he'd be getting fuck all from me as he's a shit father.

If your son has made a coaster for him though I would pass that on.

SirBoobAlot · 12/06/2014 13:53

Diddl Grin Must admit in my angry moments I mutter similar things to myself...

OP posts:
everlong · 12/06/2014 13:59

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

KeithTheCat · 12/06/2014 14:32

I absolutely agree with diddl I have never bought DS's bio-dad any presents.

LadySybilLikesCake · 12/06/2014 14:34

I don't send my ex anything and ds doesn't bother. If he'd made any effort to be a father then I would but you can't thank someone for doing sod all really. Don't waste your money, you've better things to spend it on.

SanityClause · 12/06/2014 14:39

The coaster and a handmade card will be fine, unless DS wants to buy him something, in which case you would be doing it for DS, not for wankbadger, IYSWIM.

I wouldn't suggest it, though. If he mentions wanting to buy something when you sit down to do the card, you could come up with something small then.

ManchesterAunt · 12/06/2014 15:42

I think a coaster and card is very reasonable - good luck with your contact.

SirBoobAlot · 12/06/2014 16:07

Thanks for making me feel more reasonable. DS seems quite happy with the idea of the coaster going into the envelope with the card, so we'll go with that.

OP posts:
CanaryYellow · 12/06/2014 16:09

What does your ex do for you on mothers day?

CanaryYellow · 12/06/2014 16:09

I'm with diddl btw. Fuck all is what he'd get from me.

ajandjjmum · 12/06/2014 16:27

Good question Canary - does he get you anything for your birthday etc?

CarCiKoTab · 12/06/2014 16:32

I had the same issue, went through court but although I suffered with abuse it was more my DC that had the brunt so they put in a contact via cards, pictures etc I do tend to send a card on fathers day usually with a photo of him from moonpig it just shows willing.

SirBoobAlot · 12/06/2014 17:03

Oh God no, he completely ignores mine. But then he never got me anything for Mother's day / addressed things from DS when we were together.

OP posts:
ajandjjmum · 12/06/2014 17:16

There's your answer then SirBoob!

Spero · 12/06/2014 17:21

I think you are being very, very reasonable.

No court would criticise you for not buying him a present.

I would suggest to your son that maybe he would like to draw a card for his dad? but not to push it.

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