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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Should DH have offered?

261 replies

cookingthebooks · 05/02/2025 06:16

long back story condensed into a sentence. I gave up my job, social life, hobbies pretty much everything when our child was born severely disabled and needed constant care. DH was older, earnt way more and wasn’t willing to do it. I made the best. Over the past 4 years (DC are 3 & 5 now) I’ve grown to resent him deeply. He’s a fantastic provider, loyal and dependable but works 70 hours a week and his career is number 1 priority (doctor).

Last night he was due on a night shift and the kids and I got really poorly, I’m talking stinking grotty colds we’ve been coming down with all week but they just ramped up. Disabled DS had been up most of the night before so I was already exhausted on top of poorly. It was really rubbish. Im a plodder and I don’t ask DH to be off work but I’ve stressed to DH that I need him to offer as it makes me feel respected and like I have a safety net. I was crumpled on the sofa last night feeling awful and as he was walking out the door he said ‘at least it’s bedtime’ knowing full well neither child goes to bed or sleeps well when this poorly. I replied ‘you could have at least offered to stay home’ and he just looked at me in disbelief and said ‘that was never an option’ and then left. I rang him on his way to work and reiterated just how unsupported I feel by him and honestly (finances aside) might as well be a single parent. He said I was wrong and unreasonable then stayed silent. (How he deals with all my unhappiness)

Id get it if I were a pee taker but he knows I’d limp through and tell him to go. Should he not at least offer?

OP posts:
MumonabikeE5 · 06/02/2025 07:12

BettyBardMacDonald · 05/02/2025 07:10

This.

I was raised that one doesn't miss work except for dire circumstances. My father never called off work until he had heart surgery at age 60. Not once.

Until he had heart surgery at sixty. That says something about the health this attitude perpetuated.

Mydietstartstomorrow · 06/02/2025 09:19

Barbarana · 06/02/2025 06:06

Are you reading this OP?

At 6.34. on 5.02.2025 you said " I really didn't want to be a SAHM." and I think this is the crux of the matter.

In addition, your husband has done a "bait and switch" and can't or won't step up to the plate.

Bewailing the ignorance of posters regarding residential care is rather futile on a non-specialist site.
It has been suggested that you avail yourself of the advice from professionals re respite care.

And where are the grandparents in all this?

Edited

So my last comment was deleted so I should have worded it better.
You were the one suggesting residential care when you clearly have no knowledge or experience on this are you even a parent? If so, how would you feel about letting your child live elsewhere probably some distance away?
Your comments are awful and just shows a complete lack of understanding and empathy

Barbarana · 06/02/2025 09:32

"You were the one suggesting residential care when you clearly have no knowledge or experience on this are you even a parent? If so, how would you feel about letting your child live elsewhere probably some distance away?
Your comments are awful and just shows a complete lack of understanding and empathy"

It seems the idea of f/t "residential care" is triggering for you.

If you had read my other posts I have suggested a plethera of actions including: p/t residential care, respite care, 'mother's help' type services, seeking advice from HV, Social Services and other professional agencies.

Instead of attacking me, and telling me how awful you think I am, perhaps it would be better for you can suggest some solutions for OP? I would be interested in your input.

Outnumbered99 · 06/02/2025 10:34

Been thinking of you OP and hoping you are at least feeling physically better today x

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 06/02/2025 21:08

He's a doctor. He can't just call in and take time off because the family's have a cold.

I do understand why you feel unsupported though, and you definitely deserve a break a it sounds really tough. And I'm sure he doesn't feel great about the situation either. I think you either need to discuss a job/career change or employ some help...

Mydietstartstomorrow · 06/02/2025 21:15

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Barbarana · 06/02/2025 23:45

This reply has been deleted

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

So what is your solution to OP's problem?

Mydietstartstomorrow · 07/02/2025 07:19

OP came on here asking if she was being unreasonable wanting her husband to offer to ditch his hospital shift for the night to look after her and the kids. She did not ask for a solution to her problems. She is obviously more than aware what is available in regards to support in her area of which you clearly know nothing about
so your helpful comments go -
thought she could have it all and and should give her head a wobble
send her child away as she can’t cope and is in a much better position than other mums of disabled children (oh lucky her) as her dh is a TRAINEE Dr
and hasn’t thought this through
that the OP was ridiculous having a second child
both parents are disorganised as each other
and suggesting that she hasn’t sought professional advice on support available

if you think your comments have been helpful and supportive then you haven’t thought this through and clearly need to give YOUR head a wobble

oh and the term “handicapped” has not been used in the UK for many many years now and is deemed offensive

I have no more time for you

Duckyfondant · 07/02/2025 08:52

Barbarana · 06/02/2025 23:45

So what is your solution to OP's problem?

I think some of us wanted to offer emotional support.

Barbarana · 07/02/2025 12:13

"OP came on here asking if she was being unreasonable wanting her husband to offer to ditch his hospital shift for the night to look after her and the kids.

She did not ask for a solution to her problems. "

So now you are a mind-reader?

The first 4 posts told the OP she was BU.and included comments like:

"You are being unreasonable and need to get a grip, I feel sorry for the husband"

"I think you're being unfair"

"Stop the resentment"

"get some additional support and let your poor husband do his job"

"You are married to a doctor.... what did you expect"

And yet for some reason, known only to yourself, all the brickbats are coming my way ?

You went on to say - I have no more time for you - well I'm pleased to hear that you have decided to aim your vitriolic comments elsewhere.

Mydietstartstomorrow · 08/02/2025 12:02

Barbarana · 07/02/2025 12:13

"OP came on here asking if she was being unreasonable wanting her husband to offer to ditch his hospital shift for the night to look after her and the kids.

She did not ask for a solution to her problems. "

So now you are a mind-reader?

The first 4 posts told the OP she was BU.and included comments like:

"You are being unreasonable and need to get a grip, I feel sorry for the husband"

"I think you're being unfair"

"Stop the resentment"

"get some additional support and let your poor husband do his job"

"You are married to a doctor.... what did you expect"

And yet for some reason, known only to yourself, all the brickbats are coming my way ?

You went on to say - I have no more time for you - well I'm pleased to hear that you have decided to aim your vitriolic comments elsewhere.

Pot.kettle.black.

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