Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I trashed the house

163 replies

kate1996 · 24/12/2023 09:56

I completely lost it. Mum of 3 two of them are under 2 (10 weeks and 18 months) they kept me up until gone midnight last night and I'm exhausted. Dh was asleep in bed having a lay in when I completely lost it, we don't have a tumble dryer and the washing has gotten too much I've been spending hours and hours everyday making sure everyone else has clean clothes and I have nothing, well I have to be out the house in less than an hour with the baby so I'm trying to get myself ready whilst baby is screaming and the house needs tidying too because we have guests coming and when I realised that I don't even have clean clothes it all got on top of me and I told everyone that I quit, took all the clean folded washing and threw it all all over the living room floor, told my teen and my Dh to just fuck off because I'm sick of carrying this load. Am I crazy? Did I over react? I'm still mad tbh and feel like I could smash the whole house up. I'm never angry like this and I've never had this kind of outburst before. I just feel drained. All Xmas shopping was down to me, Dh didn't even pick one present or put his thoughts into anything.

OP posts:
Whenthebirdssing · 24/12/2023 10:47

kate1996 · 24/12/2023 10:45

An update... I apologised to my teen she got upset because she said "I've never seen you like that" she's started to clean her bedroom. I told her it's not her fault and that just like how she gets angry with her homework and takes a strop, I got angry with my housework and took a strop but shouldn't have taken it out on her, dh has started picking up the clothes and folding them and has apologised for being a... In his own words "lazy prick" now I feel terrible. For the commenter who asked if I work, I'm a full time career for my dad aswell so the stress of him being unwell over Xmas has also taken its toll. I just need to take a breather. Thanks for all the positive comments. X

Full time carer, full time mum. New baby. No wonder you are exhausted!!

It’s so good that your DH recognises it. See my post above. The FairPlay cards were a game changer for us. You just need a partner willing to step up - and he is!!

Jacfrost · 24/12/2023 10:48

kate1996 · 24/12/2023 10:45

An update... I apologised to my teen she got upset because she said "I've never seen you like that" she's started to clean her bedroom. I told her it's not her fault and that just like how she gets angry with her homework and takes a strop, I got angry with my housework and took a strop but shouldn't have taken it out on her, dh has started picking up the clothes and folding them and has apologised for being a... In his own words "lazy prick" now I feel terrible. For the commenter who asked if I work, I'm a full time career for my dad aswell so the stress of him being unwell over Xmas has also taken its toll. I just need to take a breather. Thanks for all the positive comments. X

DO NOT feel terrible. It sounds like it was a wake up call for your DH (and maybe your DD too, perhaps she could be doing more around the house?) I hope moving forward that they start to pull their weight more.

Reallybadidea · 24/12/2023 10:48

Don't feel bad. Maybe the way it came out was a bit extreme, but given your sleep deprivation and unhelpfulness of your DH, I don't blame you one bit. At least it's had the desired effect!

Watchkeys · 24/12/2023 10:49

If you could scream one thing in your DH's face, one sentence, what would it be? Mine, as an example, was 'YOU DON'T LISTEN TO ME!!!', but yours likely is different... if you can answer it, if you can get right down to this root of anger, you can deal with it.

The fury you felt is from your childhood, probably. You will have spent your childhood being told/shown that your feelings come second to something. Like an ill parent, an addict parent, fighting parents, demanding sibling... something systematic in your childhood life, that made you uncomfortable/unhappy, but you couldn't express your feelings or have them nurtured, because 'the thing' was always more important.

Does that make any sense, or am I fully barking up the wrong tree?

You're allowed to lose your shit. It's never great behaviour from anybody when they do, but it's not a major tragedy. Use it as an example to your teenager that when you fuck up, you apologise, by identifying the hurt person's feelings and expressing regret, and then promising an effort never to do it again. Your teenager will follow your example, and thus, not carry a bunch of guilt around for every mistake they make, all their life. You can turn this into something really valuable.

How is your husband responding, now? What's been said between you, since 'the event'?

And, lastly: Flowers You are very very far from being the only person who has done this!

Zone2NorthLondon · 24/12/2023 10:50

Deep breath. You've became overwhelmed and snapped,cumulative stress.
House isn’t trashed there are laundry scattered on a floor,easily fixable
what is important is you, your welfare, stuff is fixable. It’s all about you
When you’re ready a meausured calm conversation about chores & keeping on top off. Allocate responsibility to each by age & ability

Most of all, you take care of yourself

Watchkeys · 24/12/2023 10:50

Just seen your update. Looks good!

AInightingale · 24/12/2023 10:50

You didn't trash the house, you threw some clothes.

Your teen and dh sound as if you've given them a wake up call. Maybe you need to sit down and draw up a chores rota.

Your life sounds stressful enough without being surrounded by laundry for a baby and toddler. Could you buy a tumble drier on interest- free credit for a year and pay off a bit each month? It's a gamechanger if you've not had one before.

captainsudoku · 24/12/2023 10:51

Who are the guests? Can this be postponed? You have more than enough on your plate.

Mariposistaa · 24/12/2023 10:51

So it’s ok to use abusive language against a child because your husband is hopeless?
If that had been a man he would have the riot act read to him. And rightly so. apologise

Ifyourfondofsanddunes · 24/12/2023 10:53

Honestly the pressure Christmas puts on mums especially is immense. Throw a newborn and a toddler into the mix with a useless husband and I'm impressed you've made it til Christmas eve to have a meltdown. No you shouldn't have sworn at your teenager and throwing around the clean clothes isn't ideal but once you've found your calm you can apologise to the teen and explain how you feel.
Your husband on the other hand needs a wake up call. Can you give him a list/mind map of things that need to be done. I know you shouldn't but then there is a clear expectations.

AInightingale · 24/12/2023 10:53

Mariposistaa · 24/12/2023 10:51

So it’s ok to use abusive language against a child because your husband is hopeless?
If that had been a man he would have the riot act read to him. And rightly so. apologise

It's not 'okay' but everyone has a breaking point. She apologised. Give OP a break, the level of stress sounds horrendous.

Angelsrose · 24/12/2023 10:53

Everyone has their breaking point! I don't think you've been unreasonable, you're just under immense pressure. I wish you a peaceful Christmas.

SusanKennedyshouldLTB · 24/12/2023 10:56

kate1996 · 24/12/2023 10:45

An update... I apologised to my teen she got upset because she said "I've never seen you like that" she's started to clean her bedroom. I told her it's not her fault and that just like how she gets angry with her homework and takes a strop, I got angry with my housework and took a strop but shouldn't have taken it out on her, dh has started picking up the clothes and folding them and has apologised for being a... In his own words "lazy prick" now I feel terrible. For the commenter who asked if I work, I'm a full time career for my dad aswell so the stress of him being unwell over Xmas has also taken its toll. I just need to take a breather. Thanks for all the positive comments. X

So he is picking up the clean clothes you threw, is he also outting them on wardrobes? but what about all the other jobs that lead to this. Thats the issue.

Zone2NorthLondon · 24/12/2023 10:56

Mariposistaa · 24/12/2023 10:51

So it’s ok to use abusive language against a child because your husband is hopeless?
If that had been a man he would have the riot act read to him. And rightly so. apologise

Cumulative stress grates and erodes,it affects mood,judgement,behaviour. @kate1996 snapped.
We all have a flashpoint, mainly we hide it,use diversion or it get displaced and comes out other ways
Some stuff got chucked, no one died
Some harsh words,some profanities again no one died

Nicole1111 · 24/12/2023 10:57

You’re only human and all human’s have a limit. The important bit with your daughter is the repair and you’ve already done that so there’s not much else to do. With regards to your dh hopefully this will serve as a lesson to him and he’ll step up more consistently.

LuluBlakey1 · 24/12/2023 10:59

DH and I had a half an hour lie in this morning until 8- he said DC 'are old enough to watch tv and have some cereal for a bit '. I couldn't stand it eventually after I heard DS1 say 'Get a teatowel and some kitchen roll' and went downstairs to find:

Cats have enough food in their bowls to see them through to February 'They were hungry' said DD (6)
A packet of cat nip all over the floor in the kitchen, hall, playroom and sitting room ' They wanted to play' said DS2 (who is 4)
Milk and cereal on the kitchen surfaces and floor
Orange juice the same
Spilled orange juice on the playroom floor and rug
Chocolate coin wrappers being chased round the sitting room by the cats
DS2 has admitted to having 'a little few' chocolate coins
DD with a packet of crisps
DS1 on DH's phone to MIL saying 'I don't know- there's only us up but I've made us breakfast and put the telly.....oh here's mum.'
They were watching 'The Snowman' and there was lego all over the floor
Grubby chocolate handmarks on the sofa throw

I was a bit irritated because it means the day starts with extra cleaning up. DH came downstairs and said 'Wow, you made your own breakfast-that's really good- I'll have to show you how to make scrambled egg on toast, then you can make me some' and sat down in the middle of them on the sofa to watch 'The Snowman'.

MIL's gem when I took the phone 'Don't let them use the toaster. If the toast gets stuck and they put a knife in to get it out they'll electrocute themselves.'

redxlondon · 24/12/2023 10:59

Can you hire a cleaner / helper just for a few hours? You should be able to get one for minimum wage on a temp basis and that sounds like it would really help you. Why do it all yourself?

mottytotty · 24/12/2023 11:01

kate1996 · 24/12/2023 10:45

An update... I apologised to my teen she got upset because she said "I've never seen you like that" she's started to clean her bedroom. I told her it's not her fault and that just like how she gets angry with her homework and takes a strop, I got angry with my housework and took a strop but shouldn't have taken it out on her, dh has started picking up the clothes and folding them and has apologised for being a... In his own words "lazy prick" now I feel terrible. For the commenter who asked if I work, I'm a full time career for my dad aswell so the stress of him being unwell over Xmas has also taken its toll. I just need to take a breather. Thanks for all the positive comments. X

Don’t feel terrible.

They needed a kick up the bum and you gave it.

Don’t soften now and start doing it all!

Viviennemary · 24/12/2023 11:03

You've just got too much on your plate. And exploded in a rage. Christmas preparations can be beyond stressful. And if other members of your fsmily dont pitch in its unbearably frustrating.

liveforsummer · 24/12/2023 11:05

Sounds like Christmas has just been the final straw to in already struggling OP. I'm glad it's kick started your DH and you've apologised to teen who is now doing something useful and might be a bit more thoughtful in future and pitch in a bit. On the whole no harm is done. You didn't trash the house. Hope you enjoy your afternoon out OP and come home to a clean house

IveOnlyEverHeardOutwithONHere · 24/12/2023 11:05

But why are you running round after people who can do things for themselves? The husband and the teen can do their own washing, so why are you doing it?

StopGo · 24/12/2023 11:09

You are taking on far too much. After Christmas you and your DF need to contact Adult Services and arrange an assessment to see what extra help he can get. You are no good to him if you're exhausted so outsource some help.

Is there room (and money) for a tumble dryer or heated airer? DH could go and get something today.

DH needs to majorly step up and parent.

It's not DD's fault you've had two more babies but she can keep her room tidy and start helping with laundry and cooking.

Speak to your HV or GP about the anger you feel. Be kind to yourself Flowers

Jellycatspyjamas · 24/12/2023 11:10

Can you hire a cleaner / helper just for a few hours? You should be able to get one for minimum wage on a temp basis and that sounds like it would really help you. Why do it all yourself?

Or maybe her husband could use his eyes, see what needs done and do it.

ISSTIUTNG · 24/12/2023 11:11

You made a mistake OP because you were overwhelmed and it sounds like it's been resolved amicably with all parties so I'm glad to read that.

I just wonder though what the response on here would be if this was a man who 'trashed the house'... Actually I don't need to wonder, you'd be being implored to 'LTB'

Reugny · 24/12/2023 11:11

Mariposistaa · 24/12/2023 10:51

So it’s ok to use abusive language against a child because your husband is hopeless?
If that had been a man he would have the riot act read to him. And rightly so. apologise

Actually by the OP losing it with her teenage DD and her husband together, she has taught the teenager something important - don't have children with a lazy partner.