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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

STBXH guilt trips toddler

37 replies

Lis667 · 28/04/2025 06:27

Still living together whilst going through divorce. Since our daughter turned one, she’s been more attached to me. She’s abit over 2 now, My stbx can’t cope with it, I was sympathetic when we were married. But now iv reached the end of my tether. He makes it extremely clear how it makes him feel. He guilt trips her, is cold and dismissive to her when she speaks to him after she’s made it clear she wants me instead. Mimics her when she is calling for me, speaks sarcastically to her and just downright sulks. She’s started sensing this and tries to correct her behaviour (not that it’s wrong) and please him, to which he is just cold and moody.
Him and his mother booked a holiday to Majorca for September (without telling me) for 12 nights. Iv asked can he change it to 7, as 12 nights is too long for me, and I feel too long for her. He’s refused to.
If she starts asking for/wanting me when they are over there then what is he going to be like with her? I’m considering refusing to let her go if he doesn’t change it as watching him, and watching how our daughter is now is reacting to him, his behaviour is unacceptable and I feel it’s going to start causing issues for her.

OP posts:
Lis667 · 28/04/2025 07:03

ToKittyornottoKitty · 28/04/2025 07:02

For who?

All of us, he turns more into an arse, then more tension and not good for the atmosphere. I want as little confrontation as possible whilst he is still living in the home

OP posts:
helibirdcomp · 28/04/2025 07:04

Do you get on with MIL. Have you spoken to her about his behaviour and you concerns about the holiday? Perhaps she would have better luck correcting his behaviour

Lis667 · 28/04/2025 07:06

Yes, but she’s all for her son. He said he takes her for 12 days or not at all. So I messaged her and said just letting you know I’m not refusing to let her go I just asked for 7 days instead. And her reply was for me not to spoil it for our daughter 😂

OP posts:
Lis667 · 28/04/2025 07:57

helibirdcomp · 28/04/2025 07:04

Do you get on with MIL. Have you spoken to her about his behaviour and you concerns about the holiday? Perhaps she would have better luck correcting his behaviour

Yes, but she’s all for her son. He said he takes her for 12 days or not at all. So I messaged her and said just letting you know I’m not refusing to let her go I just asked for 7 days instead. And her reply was for me not to spoil it for our daughter 😂

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 28/04/2025 07:59

Lis667 · 28/04/2025 07:57

Yes, but she’s all for her son. He said he takes her for 12 days or not at all. So I messaged her and said just letting you know I’m not refusing to let her go I just asked for 7 days instead. And her reply was for me not to spoil it for our daughter 😂

Surely that’s the MIL acknowledging 12 days isn’t what’s best for your daughter?

VivIsBlonde · 28/04/2025 13:01

Lis667 · 28/04/2025 06:45

Which is why Iv taken it until I know what to do, the thought of my 2 year old in another country without me and her dad behaving how he is isn’t acceptable right now. I’m not doing this out of spite

Sounds like you are!!
BTW, it’s not just your daughter though is it?!?!?

pikkumyy77 · 28/04/2025 13:11

Agix · 28/04/2025 06:30

Instead of asking him to shorten the holiday, talk to him about your concerns of his reaction in the event daughter misses you. Explain to him that daughter will be a lot happier with him if he reacts gently, lovingly and reassuringly. Explain to him that she needs to be shown daddy is safe.

He could use this holiday to repair some of the damage that's been done, perhaps he just needs guidance as to how.

Do you not know that the kind if person OP is describing is so emotionally immature that they can’t manage the kind if reasoning this conversation would entail? He won’t care that he is hurting his toddler daughter—his goal is to punish her into loving him best. That is both cruel and absurd but its his goal nonetheless.

FortyElephants · 28/04/2025 13:12

Soontobe60 · 28/04/2025 06:51

You do know he could just apply for another passport and report the one you’re hiding as lost?
This is not going to end well at all - the atmosphere in your house must be toxic at the moment, which will be having a massive impact on your DD. Unless there are serious concerns about his parenting that are being investigated by SS, then you really can’t prevent him from taking his own child on holiday.
Out of interest, how often do you stay away from the house and leave your DD with her dad?

No he can't - only the person who applied for the passport can report it as lost

Lis667 · 28/04/2025 15:52

VivIsBlonde · 28/04/2025 13:01

Sounds like you are!!
BTW, it’s not just your daughter though is it?!?!?

i never said she was, but I have a duty to protect her.

OP posts:
partridgeinasweartree · 29/04/2025 07:36

FortyElephants · 28/04/2025 13:12

No he can't - only the person who applied for the passport can report it as lost

For a childs passport, anyone with parental responsibility can report it as lost

VivIsBlonde · 29/04/2025 20:29

Lis667 · 28/04/2025 15:52

i never said she was, but I have a duty to protect her.

You’re saying MY daughter, when in fact she’s both your daughters!

Lis667 · 29/04/2025 22:06

VivIsBlonde · 29/04/2025 20:29

You’re saying MY daughter, when in fact she’s both your daughters!

It’s not that deep, it’s just how I worded it. I’m very well aware I didn’t make her on my own.

OP posts:
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