Looong back story: will keep it as short as I can.
DH suffering depression for 3 yrs. changing meds at the moment, coming off one to go on another. He's finding it really hard.
DS almost 7. Shows classic signs of SPD and potential high functioning autism. When he makes up his mind about something, he stubbornly sticks to it. Forever.
DS has a hobby where he gets awards for completing levels. He's 1 move off completing a level that qualifies him to train with a new group at a higher level.
Every other week or so for the last 18 months, DS will refuse to go. We get him there through gentle coaxing, bribes and appealing to reason. Every so often I loose my shit. Sorry. Threats of punishment for refusing to get dressed etc. Threats never ever work. Gentle coaxing does.
DS refuses this morning. DH then promised DS everything he wanted to do today, even though we had started out firm. DS wants Dad to take him. I'd already promised Dad a break today and I'd take him. Very conscious of giving DH enough self care time. DH said if he took him, they'd be no time for them both to play together this afternoon, he'd have to choose. Drive to hobby or play, not both. Then DH caved in and started undressing DS like he did as a toddler, gave DS everything he wanted, and now thinks problem solved.
DS always enjoys himself once at hobby and is motivated to keep going. The refusal isn't based on refusing the hobby, more it's that he doesn't want to stop doing what he's doing in that moment, then digs his heels in.
AIBU to be pissed at DH? For caving in and giving DS what he wanted. For making it harder to mange this kind of behaviour in the future? And for not standing up for himself when trying to create time for self care?
How can we handle this better next time? I don't lose my shit every time, I'm normally a coaxer. But I'm the firm one. DH is an easy mark and DS knows this/plays on it/pushes boundaries more often with DH.
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AIBU?
DH just gave DS everything he wanted
54 replies
namechange4000 · 07/10/2018 11:38
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