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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH moved out today

159 replies

DHhasleft · 02/11/2019 21:35

And DS2 is not coping. He is 10. Has completely shut down. At first he was on the sofa, refusing to come to bed, in the end I covered him with a blanket. He has since come upstairs into his room and been sobbing. I lay with him for a while, stroking his hair. When he had had enough I went back to bed. 10 minutes later he starts trying to kick his door in. Terrifying DS3. I managed to force my way in to his room and he hit and kicked me until pushing bast and running back downstairs. He's just screaming get away.

I don't know what to do, DS3 is in my bed and still awake wanting me to be with him. DS1 is in his room sobbing. I feel utterly helpless

OP posts:
DHhasleft · 10/11/2019 19:37

I am exhausted. STBXH not pulling his weight at all with the DC. All he seems to do is add more stress. I really feel like I'm running on empty today. I'm being short with the DC and feeling awful about it. This is hard.

OP posts:
BettyRoo · 10/11/2019 20:00

I am going to sound a bit harsh, but if your STBXh did not pull his weight before you separated, he will not do so now. You can pretty much bank on his level of involvement being around the same. He is not going to turn into super dad, although he may unfortunately develop Disney Dad traits (his time is all fun, fun, fun and you get the worn out and exhausted DC back...)

Where is he seeing the DC now for his time with them? Sorry if I missed that. It is very early days but if he has somewhere to take them which is not where you live, you will be able to have more of a break. My advice would be if you can get a clear contact schedule established so you know what time you have to yourself and DC get used to it. At the same time, it has to be sensitive to DC needs so that may mean the main share falls to you as that is what you did before.

BettyRoo · 10/11/2019 20:02

And yes, it is hard - which is why it annoys me when partnered people say they feel like a single parent when their DH goes away for a couple of days Hmm

DHhasleft · 10/11/2019 20:06

I think I am mostly just tired. Have had at least one but usually two DC in bed with me every night. And of course they have been needing me more. Today I feel burnt out.

OP posts:
HappyGoLuckyLuLu · 10/11/2019 20:14

Have you any family who can come or you can visit to give you a hand and some adult support? Or a close friend? You absolutely need to make sure that you are looking after you in all of this too.

Have you taken any time off work? If not take a day if you can and have some much needed you time, there is a lot going on for you here too so please look after yourself!!!

ThanksCakeWineBrew

ScrimshawTheSecond · 10/11/2019 20:58

OP, no wonder you're exhausted. You're caring for three kids through a huge upset and putting your needs to one side to do so. I completely understand why, but you can only do that for so long.

You can't do the wonderful job you've been doing without taking time for your own self care. It's not sustainable.

Especially your older two, are they helping out? I think sitting down and saying right, things have changed, we're all in it together, we're all hurting, we can, must and will get through this, might be a good idea. Tell them you need their help - solid practical help. They're capable of more than you think and it will probably help give them back some control over feeling that they have none, if that makes sense.

Lists of chores divided up, and a list of treats each too. Factor in time for yourself, a walk, an hour alone, a hair cut, whatever.

And at some point you're going to need help. Family, friends, child minder, baby sitter. Another list.

Sending you all the very best, hope you have a peaceful night tonight.

ScrimshawTheSecond · 10/11/2019 21:00

Also, it's not for everyone, but some people find mindfulness/meditation a great way to deal with stress. Happy to offer tips on that if you like.

fazakerleyjackie · 10/11/2019 22:47

I'm so sorry, it's the mental load of it all, as well as the day to day stuff.
Have you support about? If you have then take it. Don't be proud and try to do it all yourself if there is some back up for you.
I think Scrimshaw has some good and practical suggestions there.
Time for yourself, and set out what H needs to do, that works for you and the boys.

strongteawith2sugars · 05/03/2020 23:30

How are you getting on OP?

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