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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner 'ruined' my son's birthday

305 replies

soleparent5494 · 16/01/2024 11:02

This weekend was my son's 5th birthday, he had a party at our house on Saturday and then we had small plans with family & friends on Sunday.

My partner (not my son's dad) in my opinion totally f!cked the weekend up with his behaviour, and I feel totally betrayed that my son's birthday wasn't prioritised. Typically this type of behaviour hasn't happened in the past, we generally work well together and he's never been nasty or mean to me, and I think that's what has made this worse in my head. We have had issues of him being inconsiderate before (e.g. just making plans without thinking how it impacts the family). He is adamant that we are a "family" and treat each other equally, however I don't feel this is always true.

The kids party on Saturday was fine, however my partner's children didn't really get involved and sat on their computers all day. They then broke my son's helium balloons, despite me telling them to be careful with them. My partner did not discipline them for this. (For context he LOVES balloons and it's something I always get him each birthday)

In the evening we had friends over which was fine, but my partner and his friends then decided to drink excessively (they ended up drinking a whole bottle of vodka plus beers, prosecco etc). At 11pm I set up my son's presents in the living room, fixed his balloons as best I could and made it special for his morning. My partner didn't even notice I'd done this, I text him to say I was heading to bed and my son was in our bed so one of our guests didn't have to sleep on the sofa. He agreed to sleep on the sofa instead, but didn't come and find me to speak to me personally.

His children had in this time broken a wardrobe in their bedroom and then taken themselves to bed. He ignored them for probably 4 to 6 hours in total. Even when the wardrobe broke I was the one who went upstairs to check they were ok and tell them off in the reasonable way a step-parent would.

When all of the other guests left, I then heard my partner leave the house. He went into town until gone 2am and didn't even tell me where he was or that he had gone out! When I tried to call him I was busy-toned, my messages telling him I was upset and worried about his behaviour were read and ignored - I've now seen photos of him and his friends having a whale of a time. When he got home I was told I needed to "chill out" and that "no one had died". I explained he had abandoned his children in the evening and been totally inconsiderate to me and what the weekend was about. He didn't feel he needed to apologise and was quite nasty about how upset I was.

The next day he was still drunk in the morning and went up to bed, missed my son opening presents (which were meant to be from "us"). His children didn't get up until gone 9am and neither wished my son a happy birthday. Instead they threw tantrums about having to get showered and generally acted like brats. When I asked if they'd said happy birthday to him they cried and told me I was being mean... not very "family"-like to me...

It's only now (2 days later) my partner seems to realise that he has potentially lost me and my son. I've spoken before to him about how I don't feel we are a family unit, and that we are spare parts in his world where he does what he wants. His children have no rules to live by and do whatever they please, whereas my son lives under my firm but fair rules (e.g. he will have his favourite toy/game taken away for a day/week if he is naughty, whereas my partner's child told us to "f!ck off" a few weeks ago with absolutely no consequences or punishment.)

We've had a long conversation about everything, where he explained he feels that I don't even like him, he would be better off alone and just left to work and do what he wants etc. We've agreed to try and both put a better structure into place for all of the children, however I am struggling to move on from how my son's birthday was a total shambles. I feel really hurt and angry at the total disregard for him as a 5 year old, and I'm not sure if I'll be able to move on from this. Am I being unreasonable to still feel angry about this?

OP posts:
Bythefireside · 16/01/2024 15:10

I agree with ditching him but think his kids are just stressed out unhappy victims of their dad. Harsh to call them brats.

Katbum · 16/01/2024 15:11

Omg! The leaving you with his kids to party with his mates without so much as telling you he was doing it is so selfish and irresponsible. I’m not one to say break up easily but really, in what sense is this the behaviour of someone you can love and respect?

Stupidliefromfriend · 16/01/2024 15:11

OP I haven't read all the replies but the ones I did read have irritated me beyond belief.

I'm going to take your claim that this is a complete one off at face value. I don't know why you'd come on here, share a terrible story then lie about certain parts.

When I read the post these were my thoughts -

The setup with the DSD is awful, you both need to have established standards for your entire household. It can't be the fun house for them and a proper home for your kids. You and DH need to get on the same page here. I'm speaking from experience. You agree on how the home will run together and implement boundaries and rules no matter how difficult that is. Engage a professional to help you here.

Your son's party wasn't actually ruined. He had his party before the theatrics of the evening took place.

Your DH's behaviour that night was deplorable. Leaving you and the kids alone to go out on the town is entirely unacceptable. Why did he do it? Is he stepping away from the relationship? Is he stressed out about a secret and at breaking point? Is he actually just a total prick who thinks now he can get away with this stuff? Are his friends very influential in his decisions? Does he genuinely believe you would be better off without him? Is he chasing another woman? Did he get carried away with the alcohol and have a rebellion?

I would not be leaving and breaking up a family over one crime without first trying to get to the bottom of what happened. I would need to understand. Then I'd make my decision on my next steps. If he fobbed me off however I wouldn't get past it as I guarantee the disrespect will rapidly get exponentially worse.

Good luck. I hope things improve whatever you decide.

Snowdogsmitten · 16/01/2024 15:14

Fullofxmascbeer · 16/01/2024 15:08

I think people are forgetting that he isn’t used to drinking and it was completely out of character. We all do stupid things when drunk, especially if you aren’t used to it and get drunk quickly without realising.

You’ve made that up. She said this level of shot behaviour was out of character, and that they never normally had excessive drinking in the house, but saying he was unused to drinking (and so somehow a victim in your eyes?) is your own narrative.

Seaweed42 · 16/01/2024 15:18

Well isn't it funny when somebody else is the centre of attention, some men seem to find a way to get attention for themselves.

The partner turned this into an opportunity for him to party.
Talk about bad timing.

Did you feel a bit of a prat the next morning with your Mum and the other older couple when your partner was sleeping it off upstairs?

I'd look carefully at does your partner treat your son with tenderness.
Does he carefully make your son's food, does he put your son to bed, read him stories.
Does your partner put himself out for your son?

Does he put up willingly with all the trials that a 5yr old brings, or does he 'leave' all that to you?

MorrisZapp · 16/01/2024 15:20

From your OP:

'I've spoken before to him about how I don't feel we are a family unit, and that we are spare parts in his world where he does what he wants. His children have no rules to live by and do whatever they please, whereas my son lives under my firm but fair rules (e.g. he will have his favourite toy/game taken away for a day/week if he is naughty, whereas my partner's child told us to "f!ck off" a few weeks ago with absolutely no consequences or punishment.) '

It wasn't a one off. You've had to speak to him before about treating you as spare parts.

Fullofxmascbeer · 16/01/2024 15:23

The excessive drinking is completely out-of-character in our house. We often have friends and their children over for lunch/dinners, at Christmas or on birthdays we might share a bottle of prosecco or similar to toast the occasion. This is completely out of the blue - hence my state of shock.

out of character
out of the blue.

MinorInconvenience · 16/01/2024 15:24

If you take all the noise away;

You can’t change his biological dad‘s behaviour in the past or now.

You can’t go back in time and not move in with your partner.

You can’t change your partner’s, or his children’s, behaviour. His current behaviour is the best indicator of his future behaviour.

The only thing you have any control of, and it’s a big thing, is what you do now. Don’t rely on someone that has already shown you he’s unreliable to do the most important thing of living with you and your son. Move out.

Fullofxmascbeer · 16/01/2024 15:29

And I’m not defending him. I said in my first post that I might be barking completely up the wrong tree. I also said that the different parenting styles/ boundaries will cause huge issues in the future.

But if all they normally drink is to share a bottle of Prosecco with family and friends to toast things sometimes, then it’s not a huge leap to assume that he isn’t used to drinking.

Raqu15 · 16/01/2024 15:34

Fullofxmascbeer · 16/01/2024 15:29

And I’m not defending him. I said in my first post that I might be barking completely up the wrong tree. I also said that the different parenting styles/ boundaries will cause huge issues in the future.

But if all they normally drink is to share a bottle of Prosecco with family and friends to toast things sometimes, then it’s not a huge leap to assume that he isn’t used to drinking.

Someone that isn't "use" to drinking wouldn't be going on a night out to get extra pissed after he was already pissed.

misssunshine4040 · 16/01/2024 15:36

I might get flamed for this but ... Get rid of him and put your son first.
He doesn't need to have step siblings who break stuff and don't even acknowledge his birthday in his life, a step parent who couldn't care less.

Why are you bringing this drama to your little boys child hood?

Blended families that work well are the exception not the rule.

momonpurpose · 16/01/2024 15:36

Sandtownnel · 16/01/2024 15:04

Op I don't want to be rude but this is what I have to say. Your ds dad abandoned him and that is a heavy burden for your son to bear as he grows up. Do not add to his burden by bringing a man so pathetic into his life. It will be hurting him twice. You rather be single with your DS and he at least know that his home is his safe place.

Agreed. The back peddling to make dp not so bad. Put your son first not your need for this loser.

Fullofxmascbeer · 16/01/2024 15:37

Of course they would. You are up for anything for a while. Anyway I’ve said, that may or may not be the case - not that it definitely is.

BoohooWoohoo · 16/01/2024 15:40

It’s good that you’re not pregnant.

You mention that your h didn’t even react when his child told you to fuck off. Was that yesterday too? Did you have the chat about you and your son being spare parts in his life (mentioned in your OP) yesterday ? Your post makes it sound like his behaviour has always been poor but what happened at the weekend was the worst yet. I must have misunderstood. I’m not surprised that someone who is too lazy to discipline (ie parent ) his kids would get drunk and treat you like the babysitter. Yanbu to be angry about that. As the children get older, it can only get worse and you don’t want your son picking up this behaviour too. It’s your husband’s responsibility to sort this out - by any chance does he see his kids more since getting together with you? That’s one of many red flags.

IfOn · 16/01/2024 15:40

momonpurpose · 16/01/2024 15:36

Agreed. The back peddling to make dp not so bad. Put your son first not your need for this loser.

And if I might add, I wouldn't be so quick in moving in with partners either especially with a small child involved. The kid will grow up confused. OP I hope you can find a lovely man in the future that ticks all your boxes and more and someone who respects you and your son.

AFreshStart24 · 16/01/2024 15:41

He sounds disgusting, I absolutely would not stand for that fuxking shit. Think about you son here, this is only going to get worse, don't subject him to that! Put him first ffs.

MrsMarzetti · 16/01/2024 16:03

YABVU for putting up with such rubbish behaviour from him and his children. Why the hell do you want your poor Son to have to put up with him and his bratty children?

Timeforanewnam · 16/01/2024 16:08

Sounds awful

kind of you to babysit his kids when he went out then again in the morning when he was hung over .

Lovemusic82 · 16/01/2024 16:13

Ditch him and take care of your little boy alone.

Sadly blended families rarely work, they just cause stress for all the kids, often the bloke ends up using his new partner as child care, you will just end up angry and stressed all the time trying to keep everyone happy. Best option is to get rid and enjoy single life with your DS. My advice comes from my own personal experience.

Bananalanacake · 16/01/2024 16:18

You can have a relationship without living together you know.

GreenFrog13 · 16/01/2024 16:26

He sounds like a shit dad. Only has his kid eow and fucks of out without saying anything leaving them in your care. And then too hung over the next day…

ASimpleLampoon · 16/01/2024 16:26

My goodness I would not be giving him a second chance. That is awful. Put your son first and get rid of this deadbeat.

GabriellaMontez · 16/01/2024 16:30

MorrisZapp · 16/01/2024 15:20

From your OP:

'I've spoken before to him about how I don't feel we are a family unit, and that we are spare parts in his world where he does what he wants. His children have no rules to live by and do whatever they please, whereas my son lives under my firm but fair rules (e.g. he will have his favourite toy/game taken away for a day/week if he is naughty, whereas my partner's child told us to "f!ck off" a few weeks ago with absolutely no consequences or punishment.) '

It wasn't a one off. You've had to speak to him before about treating you as spare parts.

This. Everything.

You say his behaviour this weekend wasn't typical. I'd say it sounds like an escalation of exactly how he normally behaves. Something you've discussed before.

How do you plan to parent your son totally differently to his children. It may work when he's 5. It won't for much longer.

What did your Mum say?

WinterDeWinter · 16/01/2024 16:58

And once again - he's literally told you what he wants.

"he would be better off alone and just left to work and do what he wants etc."

Easipeelerie · 16/01/2024 17:44

He sounds so, so horrible. I’d get rid ASAP. It’ll be cruel to your little son to have him in his life.