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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I know I am, but ...

9 replies

noitsnotme · 09/05/2017 22:04

How do those of you who are single parents deal with the the boiling rage that ex partners can cause?

My ds has just had a laugh about his dad saying that I "wipe my bum with £20 notes".

Now, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt that this was a jokey comment, but considering he had 5 foreign breaks/holidays/honeymoon in a 12 month period this year/last (and took ds on none of them), hasn't paid a days childcare, hasn't so much as bought a school uniform this year, told DS we would split his first HS trip between the three of us, (me, him, and Ds) I'm really struggling not to text his hilarious self. I don't want him implying to ds that I'm minted, because I certainly am not, and I certainly don't want DD thinking dad "pays" me and therefore helps me wipe aforementioned arse with said £20s.

He's a decent dad, has DD 2/3 nights a week, pays me £100 a month and pays sports activity fees £25 per month (although in his words, that's because it's something he wants DS to do Hmm) I know I'm better off than so many single parents (and even calling myself that feels a bit inaccurate) and we actually get along fine 95% of the time and are flexible with arrangements etc. but this one flyaway comment has me raking over every shit thing he's done in 12 years, and it's always the same. I can't just be pissed off at individual things, I stew over every other thing and want to list them all and tell him he's a shite dad whose life has never really had to change despite having two kids, even when I know he isn't really

How do you learn to just let it wash over you? I hate feeling so resentful and I know I should have put down better ground rules over the years, so I can't be arsed rocking the boat over this stuff now. I just want to learn how to let it all go.

OP posts:
ImperialBlether · 09/05/2017 22:06

Why do you count yourself well off on £100 per month? Have you checked on the Child Support site to see what he should be paying you?

noitsnotme · 09/05/2017 22:26

I don't really know what he earns. He was doing a lot of OT the last couple of years, but not so much now I don't think. I'd estimate the £100 isn't far wrong, as he has another NR child. Plus, I don't want to ask for more money, and it perhaps negatively impact ds at his house, as in less pocket money etc or any kind of "I give your mum money to sort that". Not saying that would definitely happen, but when I asked for an increase last year (from £65), I got an "okay, I'll give you £100 from now on, plus keep paying fees, and giving pocket money each month" type reply, after which I hit the roof and was told I'd taken it the wrong way.

Anyway, less venting. These things won't change massively. Although I'm going to insist he buys uniform this year for his house, or splits the cost overall.

I just need to know how to stop the resentment sometimes. So many people on here in worse situations seem to just accept it and be satisfied that they are doing the best that they can despite their useless/non existent ex, but I'm always ranting about something trivial in comparison!

OP posts:
Helloitsme88 · 09/05/2017 22:32

Sorry you mention DD and DS do you have two children together

ImperialBlether · 09/05/2017 22:36

You're letting him control things, aren't you? He has holidays and money to spare because he's paying you so little. You are paying for his holidays! Have a rough guess at his salary and enter his details into the Child Support calculator, and take control.

noitsnotme · 09/05/2017 22:37

No, he also has a DD who doesn't live with him.

OP posts:
chitofftheshovel · 09/05/2017 22:46

It's bloody annoying. I've had both of mine saying "dad pays you" recently. No he bloody well doesn't. He pays a minuscule (£120 a month for two) amount. But the wording obviously comes from him, twat.

Sorry, no help at all, just thought I'd join your rant!

AlternativeTentacle · 09/05/2017 22:48

Just calmly do what you have to do to make sure you are getting the right amount of £ through the CSA? The. Once he starts ranting about it say 'DS mentioned that you thought I was wiping my arse with £20 notes. These things are often deflection so I thought I would check out what the CSA thought you should be paying as it seemed rather an odd thing to say. Turns out I was right!'

Garlicansapphire · 09/05/2017 23:00

Hmm I'd really really check the money too. So if he's got 2 kids with you thats £12.50 a week you're getting??? Even with one child its £25 a week.

There's a child maintenance calculator on the gov.uk site - but you'd need to know his weekly income.

noitsnotme · 09/05/2017 23:13

I used the calculator, but don't know how it works with two kids to two mums. I estimated he earns £455 a week and for two kids that says £52 a week, but his DD would get more of that as she rarely stays there. I know he was paying her mum £150, but that was a good few years ago when I was privy to such info.

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