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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Do I need to manage better or am I not unreasonable?

180 replies

HomeDoesTheTrick · 02/07/2018 21:05

He works Monday to Friday, leaves the house at 7ish and doesn't return until 7pm.

I get that he has a long day with a big commute.

But I feel like his own DC should still be of major priority to him above relaxing.

For example, on a weekday, he comes home from work, says hello to us and then gets changed. He won't pick DS up until he's changed. Once changed, he has a quick cuddle and then hands him back/puts him down to go on his phone or watch telly for a bit before he starts dinner (he does cook for me most nights which is nice and is one less thing to worry about).

Once dinner is done, he won't help with DS because he usually says 'I've just eaten'.
He won't help with bath time (if I bath DS at night, I usually just do baths for him in the morning), he doesn't show much interest but might pop his head round if he's upstairs at the time.

If DS is grizzly or upset, it's straight to me.

On a weekend, I can't leave him with DS to do a few jobs unless he's woken properly, because he says it isn't fair to have his eye on him whilst he's half asleep. This is usually after 9am.

If we are all downstairs and I need to put a wash on, wash up or whatever else, it's always "How long are you going to be?" Usually followed by my DH and DS standing in the same room as me, with the excuse of "He wanted to see you"

If I say "You need to have DS whilst I hoover the bedroom", I often hoover and steam clean the bathroom floor too (takes an extra 5 or so minutes). DH will often reply with something like "See, this is what annoys me about you, you say you need to do 1 job which is fine, but then you start doing other jobs"

Which is fair enough, but sometimes it's just easier to do it all at once. I always feel pressured for time Envy

I'm angry sometimes because DH just goes to get his hair cut or goes to the gym twice at weekends at the drop of a hat. He just announced he's going at whatever time and that's that.

I, for example, can't even go to town on my own at weekends. I usually say that's fine, but I want 20/30 minutes on my own to just browse. This is often met with a bit of questioning as to why but I get him to agree easily enough.

It's frustrating all the same though. I could never just say "right, I fancy a trip to town. I'll see you two later on today".

It's always a question of "how long will you be" and "why can't we come" etc etc

DH's reasoning is that DS needs me for soothing because I calm him down. I say well you need to break that cycle and be someone DS can be calmed down by if he is upset, or whatever else.

He says it doesn't work like that because I'm his mum and he spends all of his time with me so naturally needs me.

He doesn't like dressing him, if I come out of the bathroom with DS and ask that DH does it, he says he's not good at it and I should do it. Last time he tried to do anything but a vest, he said "right, I've put his nappy on but I can't do the rest. It's too fiddly. You need to do it".

I just feel burnt out sometimes.

I love cleaning, I love doing the odd job on my own. But I can't even do that without him hovering over me sometimes which "when will you be done" and "how long are you going to be, I just want to relax, I've been at work all week".

DS is a very good baby so I can't compare the stress of domestic lifestyle to DH's job and travels, but it's still hard when you don't get much of a moment to yourself without being questioned.

DS's room is all in a shambles because we are decorating, and the other week DH kept saying "you don't have any housework to do so can you get it done this week please".

Little does he know DS is a very mobile 7 month old, needs constant watching because he's always getting himself into mischief and whatever else. I can't sort through anything with DS there.

I have bleeding down there from not being sewn up properly and it's very painful and, sorry for graphics, bloody when I try and use the loo. Surgery booked in for soonish. I can't go to the toilet without "are you almost done?"

AIBU? I know he does work hard but I feel like that doesn't come into it when it's your own children.

I'm hoping to go back to work soon part time but I'm waiting for a position nearer to home as I can't return to my old position, it's too far away.

I use to put my foot down when DS was a bit younger but it'd leave DH in the foulest of moods and I wasn't happy leaving a baby with him in case the baby could sense he wasn't wanted at that time.

OP posts:
WowLookAtYou · 02/07/2018 23:10

And I wouldn't be spending too much time awarding him medals for cooking. I'd hazard a guess that he's only doing it because otherwise he might end up having to entertain the baby while you do it.

Happypuppy · 02/07/2018 23:11

I’m sorry, but he IS out of the house 12 hours a day. Sounds like he probably didn’t want a kid and just went along with it as most men do.

Mollywobbles82 · 02/07/2018 23:11

He needs to admit that what you're doing is hard. And he doesn't want to put the effort in to do it himself. He wants you to do it. Without complaining.

Yy to this. Stop buying into his narrative that he has the hard life and yours is a walk in the park by comparison. His actions attest to the fact that he knows this to be untrue.

welshmist · 02/07/2018 23:14

He sounds like my son, who I am contemplating giving a good kick up the arse when I next see him.

Gruffalina72 · 02/07/2018 23:15

So, basically you're a single parent with a part time chef who treats you like his skivvy?

To pick one horrible example - steam cleaning the floor. Vacuuming first then carrying on to finish off the job by steaming it is totally normal behaviour. Him making out its some kind of personality flaw on your part to do things efficiently (in a completely normal and standard way) is terrible. As is the fact he's obviously been doing it so long you feel you have to explain your case. That's not something you should even have to contemplate needing to justify! He's trying to break you down.

This is not a man who's tired or overwhelmed or afraid. Just look at the pattern of behaviour across your posts, op. There's so much cruelty. Where is the care?

This is a man who is being deliberately controlling and manipulative. He is deliberately trying to wear you down, and it's working. You've said you no longer push back. Precisely what he wants.

He has no respect for you.

You shouldn't be faced with an interrogation for wanting to leave the house on your own, or have to work to get his agreement. That is extremely troubling. Abusive men don't stop women going out by chaining them up, they stop them by making it difficult and exhausting to be able to. Like he does to you.

If somebody you cared about was bleeding and awaiting surgery, how would you treat them? And what does that say about how little he cares for you? Actions not words.

I suspect if you looked at the Freedom Programme you would recognise him in a lot of it. Www.freedomprogramme.co.uk

Cheerbear23 · 02/07/2018 23:21

You definitely deserve some down time without being pestered about how long you are going to be, that is v annoying. Dressing a baby / toddler is easy, and excuses from him over why he can’t do this are ridiculous and need to be ignored.
However he does have a long day, and cooks dinner so I think he should be allowed to relax after work, but weekends he needs to pull his socks up and do 50% of the jobs and allow you ‘time out’ too.

Grobagsforever · 02/07/2018 23:24

Please reassure us that you will return to work full time and not become dependent on this waste of space

Tomatoesrock · 02/07/2018 23:24

Yanbu. You definitely do Not need to manage better, he needs to grow up. It must be so frustrating.

Your DS will pick up on this and want you even more, you will not be able to wee in peace.

If DS wants you from the other room, Your DP must make arrangements to bring him on a walk, to the park or soft play every Saturday morning, tell him it is not negotiatable, it is the least he can do, it will encourage a bond and give you peace.

Be strong OP and break this cycle.

Gruffalina72 · 02/07/2018 23:25

I use to put my foot down when DS was a bit younger but it'd leave DH in the foulest of moods and I wasn't happy leaving a baby with him in case the baby could sense he wasn't wanted at that time.

Hallmark of abuse.

His "moods" were because you broke the rules of his game by standing up to him and acting outside of his control.

The "moods" were used to regain control of you and get what he wanted.

You changed your behaviour to comply with what he wanted (for you to have to continue solo parenting) because you were afraid of the outcome if you continued on the path you had wanted to take (for him to take responsibility).

"Have you ever changed your behaviour because you are afraid of what your partner might do or say to you?"

Yes.

"Does your partner constantly belittle or humiliate you, or regularly criticise or insult you?"

Yes.

"If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, this indicates that you may be experiencing domestic abuse."

www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/am-i-in-an-abusive-relationship/

8sleepyducks · 02/07/2018 23:26

He's shit, my husband works full time and long days but still does everything he can with our daughter.

HomeDoesTheTrick · 03/07/2018 09:37

Thanks for the replies Thanks Will answer the best I can (DS running me off my feet at present).

Has he followed that thought through to the end? That the short periods he's had DC for are stressful... so how much more stressful it must be to have DC for the whole day? Can he not work out how you must be feeling?

He says it's different for me because DS behaviours differently for me. For example, DS doesn't constantly whine when he's with just me. But if he's left with DH, for whatever reason, he doesn't stop moaning

And I wouldn't be spending too much time awarding him medals for cooking. I'd hazard a guess that he's only doing it because otherwise he might end up having to entertain the baby while you do it

He cooks because he won't allow me to cook for him (not sure why, I can cook), so it saves me cooking myself something separate, and what he eats is in line with his diet plan for the gym.

Your DS will pick up on this and want you even more, you will not be able to wee in peace

I've said it'll only get worse and DS may be 5 and still only want me if he doesn't step in more. He doesn't have an answer to this.

What's really interesting is he loves my side of the family and I rarely have to step in once whilst visiting them/they visit us Blush It's like a free babysitter collection. He just loves them all, two doting young aunties and a gran and nan. He isn't interested in me when they're with him!

But they don't visit anymore because they could only come on weekdays afternoon and DH would phone to see if they were still there when he was near home, because he didn't want them there due to him wanting peace when he walks in

OP posts:
SlowDown76mph · 03/07/2018 09:49

Relationship red flags popping up all over :-(

How old is your DS? Are you due to go back to work after maternity?

HomeDoesTheTrick · 03/07/2018 10:09

Slow He's 7 months. I'm going back when I can find something nearer to home as I can't afford the London commute etc

OP posts:
timeisnotaline · 03/07/2018 10:21

So you are being cut off from your family too? Please invite them next week, they sound much more worth having around than your dh. Who sounds like a selfish tosser.

RachelfromFriends · 03/07/2018 10:24

He's a lodger who holds the baby sometimes

Snowysky20009 · 03/07/2018 10:26

He is a dick! Tell him to start being a dad, not an acquaintance to your ds. This is a sad read actually.

Snowysky20009 · 03/07/2018 10:29

I really feel for you OP. I'm not saying he doesn't love your ds, but it reads like his love for him is nowhere near yours. As for his

Snowysky20009 · 03/07/2018 10:29

Sorry

His love for you. Would you treat a loved one like this?

PicaK · 03/07/2018 10:35

Changing your dh's attitude is going to be a long term thing.
In the short term - sounds like what you want is to be able to sit down in your own home and relax. Are there funds enough to allow nursery 1-2 afternoons a week?

Sarahjconnor · 03/07/2018 10:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 03/07/2018 10:52

He can't have it both ways - finding your son too difficult to look after and needing a rest from him on one hand, but wanting you to do everything with him on the other hand as it's easier than working(so he thinks)!

If it's that easy he should be able to deal with him for more than two minutes at a time

Hopefully he will be better with him when he is older but it's never to early to start building a bond. There is nothing to say there only has to be one primary caregiver, I haven't researched it (maybe you could) but I thought it was beneficial to have more than one strong bond with an adult especially of a different sex

Irrespective of what's best for your son it's about what is best for you as well and what's best for your family. It's not best to have a mum who is burnt out and resentful. You will be a better parent for having a break.

Can you sit down and have another talk with him and make it clear -
It will not harm your child to spend more time with dad - quite the opposite (this is where research may come in handy).
You can always start slow and build up eg leave him for 5 min intervals then 10, 20 etc to get your son used to it
You will involve him in what he is going to do for his son eg if he thinks clothes are too fiddly, he can choose some that have less buttons etc. Or leave him in his nappy if its hot etc
That you consider the weekend (or most of the weekend) family time where everyone has go do the basic courtesy of checking with others if they are planning something else
Most importantly that for your own health and wellbeing, you need a break. Can you go to the doctors and tell him the Dr said you need some time out (as they would definitely say this). Even if you have an 'easy' baby and it's not as stressful as his job etc, nobody can do the same thing or be responsible for the same thing 24 hours a day for 7 days a week. It is not sustainable.
Point out what would happen if you were ill or had to go overnight on a training course for a new job etc or another unexpected absence. It's much better if he has practiced looking after your son on his own

Can you come up with a strategy for evenings. I think it's fair enough he wants to change before holding the baby for example if he is wearing a suit. And some people do need a bit of a wind down before interacting with family. But maybe he could get changed then have half an hour wind down then spend 15 min with your son or something to start. Maybe he could do bathtime once a week with you in the room at first if needs be. Maybe you could cook tea (prepared in advance at nap times) to free up his time and so he doesn't have that excuse.

You know what his arguments are going to be but these are not in the best interests of you or your son or your family and so you have to be firm - you need some time alone even if half an hour shopping and your son needs to get to know his dad. Just make it clear you are willing to work with him to achieve that and take it in small steps if needs be. And lastly this may be hard if you're used to doing everything yourself but he will probably do things wrong or not how you're used to...you're going to have to bite your tongue and let him get on with it unless it's immediately dangerous to your son! You'll have to let it go when he puts his clothes on backwards / puts him down for a nap etc at the wrong time. Easier said than done! Good luck

BlingLoving · 03/07/2018 10:53

OP, reading this is breaking my heart. I think your DH is clearly emotionally abusive. I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and say he simply doesn't realise that his behaviour is grossly unfair and unpleasant, but even so, it's completely unacceptable. The fact that he refuses to look after DS, that he chooses when he can go out or stay in and yet offers nonsuch flexibility to you and then the fact that your family are not welcome in your home anymore are massive red flags for me. And I'm guessing if you ask your family to be honest with you they will tell you the same.

What about finances? You're not working at the moment so how do you pay for things? Do you have joint finances or does he pay you an allowance?

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 03/07/2018 10:55

I've just read your last reply...sounds like there are maybe more issues than child care related he sounds quite controlling if he won't let you cook for him, tells you when people can come and visit etc. It sounds like he tells you what to do a lot rather than you agreeing together - is this the case? Might be more difficult to sort out if he is like this in every aspect of your life

frenchknitting · 03/07/2018 11:02

I'm out of the house 6am - 6pm. I still manage to be a parent when I get home! In fact, it makes me more keen to spend time with the DC because I haven't seen them all day. Plenty of families have two working parents, and both need to get stuck in when they get home, so having a job is not a get out of jail free card.

7 months was really the worst time with both of my babies. It was when the workload increased with weaning, and the babies becoming more active. Also, it was when the fact that I hadn't had a second to myself or a solid 2 hours sleep in 7 months started to take it's toll. It was also when separation anxiety started to kick in a bit.

Does your baby take a bottle? Neither of mine did, and it made it very hard to get away, and I basically accepted that I wasn't getting any time for myself until closer to a year. Then at 11 months both times, I started back at work and DH took a month off, and it completely reset everything to a 50/50 basis, which has continued.

So if at all possible I'd look at him taking a month of parental leave (e.g. for the first month you are back at work). I think it solves a multitude of problems.

frenchknitting · 03/07/2018 11:07

Also, for a short term fix... can you ask him to take the baby out somewhere one morning every weekend? I think that's easier to go out than stay in the house. With you not there he will need to step up. And a drive is always good, as it means the baby will likely have a nap on the way.

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