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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To expect DH to support me financially on maternity leave and increase the share of mental load

218 replies

Iris10000 · 13/06/2025 10:20

This is a long post but I hope I will get some response and advice. I have been going in circles with DH and it’s apparent we have totally different outlook on running the household and associated responsibilities. The argument boils down to two items:

  • money and what happens when my maternity pay decreases. Just as a background we have two DCs preschool age and 4 months. Before maternity leave I worked part time 4 days earning £72k. DH works 5 days earning £35k. We both get bonuses. Mine is c£10k once a year and his is £400 a month. DH refused to have joint account so I take care of all bills and he has standing order to my account. He approximately contributes 35 percent of all bills and kids expenses. Some larger purchases for DCs and household are financed from my bonus and he doesn’t contribute. DH has more savings than me as a result of not always contributing to all expenditure. I am fed up of being responsible for all finances and not having one pot. I don’t like the idea of my and yours money but DH disagrees. I asked DH if he could support me on maternity leave when my wages are lower than his and especially the last two months when I don’t get paid. I thought this is fair as I have been contributing to household expenses more than him and I am happy to do that as that’s fair because I am the higher earner. He said he doesn’t want to hand over all his wages and that I should dip into my savings. I feel very emotional about this as I really want someone to take care of me and stop feeling like I am the house manager and DH is my son.
  • Spinning from the argument above there is another argument about the split of mental load. I fully expect to do more when on maternity leave but I also did more when I was working. DH is of a view that he already does more than any man and partner he spoken to in his workplace as they don’t even change a nappy. He also stated that he is tired in the evenings so cannot physically do more. He is of an opinion that I am unreasonably demanding and I should be more affectionate towards him as he doesn’t feel loved. This is totally irrelevant but crops up at every conversation I am trying to have with him so it’s always spun the way that I am the bad wife. Our split is as follows: DH - bins, help get older DC dressed and make her breakfast in the morning, being tidy which stems from his OCD tendency, play with both DCs when I cook in the evening, older DC bedtime but not bath, mow the lawns once every two weeks, iron his work shirts, play with DCs at the weekend, change nappy etc when we are all at home at weekends (yes he thinks this is part of his chores and counts). Me - preschool pick up and drop off when I am on maternity leave, meal planing, food shop, cooking, shopping for all household items eg bin bags, cleaning products and noticing when they need a top up, house cleaning every other week as we have a cleaner, buying, sorting, replacing DCs clothes, daily laundry, planning DCs activities such as swimming and taking them, all preschool admin and asking DH to take holiday for things like sports day or nativity so we can both go, looking after household finances, looking after DCs health (organise private health ins, taking to doctors, dentist when needed), changing beds, thinking ahead of the school holidays and organising clubs and my unpaid leave.
OP posts:
thepariscrimefiles · 13/06/2025 13:22

Iris10000 · 13/06/2025 11:41

Thank you all for your comments. Just a bit of clarification: we have two DCs, my punctuation was non existent there! I did consider going solo but it’s not straightforward. I still think of good times we had in the past and ways to make DH realise life changed after kids and he has to adapt. I did some research and calls about finances post divorce and my understanding is that I might be worse off as he might get a higher share of the house equity as a lower earner if he wants to have 50/50 custody. And frankly not seeing DCs half of the time would break my heart. Our only way is to talk but I don’t know how as he refused marriage counselling .

If he won't contribute more to the family finances while you are on a lower income than him during maternity leave, stop buying anything for him out of joint money. Don't buy or cook him any meals and don't do his laundry.

He is a pathetic, mean and petty little man. I hate him and I've never even met him.

Lurker85 · 13/06/2025 13:24

lastapache · 13/06/2025 13:15

Jesus, the people who say "leave him" are always very trigger happy on Mumsnet.

Clearly this isn't a situation that can continue. Your DH isn't going to divorce you because you insist he takes on more chores and contribute fairly to finances. If he does, you shouldn't be with him.

It's fine to maintain two separate current accounts. But you have two children now, you need joint accounts for joint expenses and joint savings. This is an absolute red line. It's perfectly fine for you to contribute 2/3 to outgoings while he contributes a 1/3. That reflects your income and that's fair. But you need a joint bills account and a joint savings account. None of this "he transfers me x amount per month". Both your names should be on the accounts. If you had this already, you could have drawn from your joint savings to top up your maternity pay.

Your joint outgoings account should cover rent/mortgage, bills, holidays and kids expenses. Personally I'd set up two accounts for this. One solely for rent or mortgage, as that's generally a fixed amount per month, and the other for bills/expenses which can fluctuate. I haven't read all the thread but I am assuming you are not the sole owner of wherever you live.

Chores and mental load are a bugbear for every married couple. However, seeing how you've set yourselves up financially, I can imagine this is probably a bigger problem for you both than most. Download a family chores/mental load checklist - there's loads on the internet if you google them. Work180 has an especially helpful one. Print out one for you and one for him. Often the problem is that couples can't see what the other person is doing - especially the hidden mental load of things like doctors appointments.

You need to take time out to discuss all of this with him. Do you have family or a friend close by who might be able to take your kids for a few hours on a weekend? Go out to a cafe and get breakfast with him. Don't do an evening conversation when you're tired and when potentially alcohol can get involved. Make sure the conversation happens somewhere out of the house so that he can't make an excuse that something else needs to be done. Practice what you're going to say. I suggest telling him this evening that you are both going out for breakfast in the morning as you need to sort out finances and X has agreed to babysit. Don't get into a conversation then and there - tell him that it needs to be discussed without distractions. Hold your line if he tries - "I'm tired, I don't want an argument, I just want to watch tv. I am serious when I say I am not talking about it now".

When you get to the cafe, tell him how you want the conversation to go. i.e. "we're both aware that the split of things like finances and chores have been a source of arguments for the both of us. What I want is that when we go home today we have split finances and chores fairly. We don't have to both be 100% happy, but we need to have an agreement. I have some suggestions, and I'm very open to whatever you might suggest too. But I have to clear, continuing the way we are is not one of the options".

Don't have any patience with the nonsense of "I do more than any guy at work". You didn't marry his workmates. And unless he steps into a time machine and emerges at his workplace in the 1950's, he's bllshtting you anyway. Just keep bringing the conversation back to the both of you. You can shoot the breeze on how you were raised or who he hangs out with AFTER you have come to your agreement. Oh, and by the way, before you leave - and assuming you haven't poured your coffee over his head - say "this was so helpful. I feel so much better. It's so good to get away from the kids for an hour or two and actually have an honest conversation. I'm definitely going to ask X if she can babysit again in a couple of months and we can see if this is all working." That puts him on notice that there's going to be follow up.

Trigger happy or the kind of people that aren’t willing to put up with a man’s shit after he shows you who is?

MounjaroMounjaro · 13/06/2025 13:27

The idea of this man becoming a house husband is just awful. Why on earth would anyone suggest that?

Blackdow · 13/06/2025 13:28

Why did you have a second baby with a man who doesn’t contribute enough or fairly to the household? If he is managing to get himself a vast savings pot whilst you can’t, then he is not paying a proportionate amount of ALL the family and house related costs.

And he won’t even step up and parent properly or take on the menial tasks and mental load?

Seriously, what made you think that a second baby would change that? Why are you with him?

crumblingschools · 13/06/2025 13:30

If he is the lower earner why doesn’t he do part-time and shared maternity/paternity leave?

FateAmenableToChange · 13/06/2025 13:31

Unless you have loads of equity I doubt there would be much departure from 50/50. It’s not like he’s a low earner or a dependent spouse. He will have to cut his cloth. His behaviour is financially abusive, and it will grind you down the longer you suffer it. Drawing a financial line under it now would be a much better for future you, than staying.
Is a man who puts playing with his children on his list of chores actually going to want 50/50? And how long will that last even if he does? 50/50 means he has to pay for childcare during his time, so that’s a good thing too.

Refusing counselling speaks volumes, he has no interest or intention to change. It’s all set up just perfect for him. Drag you down with all the work and stress, rinse you financially as much as he can, live his own life and complain he’s not loved enough whenever challenged. That’s projection - the person who is not loved here is you.

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 13/06/2025 13:33

MounjaroMounjaro · 13/06/2025 13:27

The idea of this man becoming a house husband is just awful. Why on earth would anyone suggest that?

Because it doubles their household income and puts 100% of the domestic load on him. Mental and otherwise.

It's inspired.

MellowPinkDeer · 13/06/2025 13:39

I can’t imagine why you’ve had two kids with this man, he isn’t your equal even a bit. His attitude and behaviour are a disgrace! He needs to he a better job and start contributing properly to his family. Selfish arse.

superplumb · 13/06/2025 13:42

Go part time then file for divorce. Sort out the settlement theb go back to full time once the court have rubber stamped it.
This wont resolve itself as hes selfish. Men dont stop being selfish so you either continue as you are or leave.
Your situation wont improve.

Coconutter24 · 13/06/2025 13:43

I asked DH if he could support me on maternity leave when my wages are lower than his and especially the last two months when I don’t get paid.

First he wouldn’t be supporting you he’d be supporting the family. What does he think will pay the bills when you have no income for 2 months?
I think your current split of 65% and 35% for bills mortgage and kids expenses seems fair considering you earn twice as much as him and your bonus is double the amount of his bonus. He should contribute more during the time you are off work because you won’t be earning as much as him so why should you pay the high amount still? Seems like he is tight with money and if that’s how he’s going to be and you won’t leave him then you need to tight with yours

lastapache · 13/06/2025 13:43

Lurker85 · 13/06/2025 13:24

Trigger happy or the kind of people that aren’t willing to put up with a man’s shit after he shows you who is?

Because it's clear that the conversations thus far have been emotional arguments rather than adult conversations. They have two kids together. They have to make every effort to try and be honest with each other - even if one side refuses therapy.

Of course if she sits down and has this objective non-emotional "this is my red line" conversation with him, and he either refuses to step up or agrees to step up but doesn't follow through, then you'd have to start thinking about separation. I'd agree with that.

HuskyNew · 13/06/2025 13:43

bigboykitty · 13/06/2025 12:23

The sooner you divorce him, the less money you will lose to this user.

This!

the longer you take to realise he’s not going to change, the MORE money you will lose to him. Split the assets 50/50 now and you can build more on your own. Leave it 5 years and you’ll be starting over then, not now.

and there’s no chance he will want, or get, 50/50 custody. That’s a cop out.

SunnyPugdays · 13/06/2025 13:49

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 13/06/2025 12:22

That get my vote.

Doubles the family income and puts all the domestic load on him.

She will still end up doing it all when he gets in .
That makes him the main carer for the children,in a split he could go for the family home and she would end up paying him maintenance for children she barely sees.
Very bad advice

Blanca87 · 13/06/2025 13:52

Tell him if he goes after the house you go after pension and his big pile of savings.
seriously though you need to leave. It really is that easy and stop gaslighting yourself through the lens of nostalgia. It might have been good but it isn’t now and this relationship is a DREADFUL role model for your kids.

Profpudding · 13/06/2025 13:54

You basically have a pet that you are keeping in your house.
You have your DCS now
Rehome the pet

Summercocktailsgalore · 13/06/2025 13:55

As you both pay a % due to income, him being 35% when both working, that % needs to change to your relevant income when on maternity leave.

i also would not allow him to have personal savings due to him not paying whilst you do.

time for change!

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 13/06/2025 13:55

She will still end up doing it all when he gets in .

I'd take that chance for doubling the household income. The responsibility would be his, if he wants it done he'll have to do it. He can hardly say it's her job. It would work brilliantly.

As for it damaging her case on a split, they wouldn't need to split. She's happy with him in every other way, so if the domestic stuff and mental load was his problem they'd both be happy.

Disco2022 · 13/06/2025 13:56

Your husband and you are on exactly the same wages as me and mine. We split bills and outgoings like you do, but he has the majority responsibility for the household/mental load. I've just started maternity and have started doing things like cooking and taking the bins amount (amidst napping- no baby yet!)
But because it is his domain really he doesn't expect much more than that, and is well aware that when a baby arrives my main job is breastfeeding and sleeping. I do pay for a cleaner as I don't like doing it, and will continue to do so through maternity. I'm also finding my robot vac is a godsend now that I have time to clear floors and set it off. On top of that his lovely family have been popping round and doing things to help too. Once my maternity pay subsides he knows that financially it is him that is supporting us. I've got a bit of savings and am doing some good early budgeting for Christmas which will be a SMP wage month for me. But just because your husband doesn't know anyone that actually equally contributed to their house doesn't mean they don't exist.
Also, after 7 months I'm going to back to work and he's having 5 months parental leave and I will absolutely and happily support him through that both financially and mental load wise. Your husband needs to step up.

Leavetheteabaginthecup · 13/06/2025 14:00

He sounds like your sugar baby TBH. I'm petty enough that that would be my nickname for him, and if he got upset over it, would be labelling him 'hormonal' and 'hysterical'. Plus asking him "well it's true isn't it, why are you being so sensitive over the truth?!"

Not a situation that you should be put in while raising children and being pregnant OP. You deserve more respect.

PrincessFairyWren · 13/06/2025 14:05

He sounds financially controlling. Something about your posts make me suspicious that he could be earning more and lying to you. Have you seen his bank statements?

if he pulls that bullshit about his workmates ot changing a nappy I would start saying shit like well at my work, the local sports club, in our friendship group, you are the only one who does so little.

AnnoyedAsAllHeck · 13/06/2025 14:06

@Iris10000 I would tell your NVDH that things are going to change. It doesn't matter that you make more than he does. He takes up 1/2 of the house, 1/2 of the adult food, utilities, etc., yet does not do even close to 1/2 of the home and child upkeep; so from now on, he has to contribute to 50% of the bills, not a measly 35%. He isn't happy? He can go out and get a better job or a P/T job on top of his other. Since he is not contributing to 50% of the house and childcare, he should not be allowed to keep money for himself.

If jobs, administration, childcare, etc. were 50/50, or if he did more, I can see where it would be set up 65% from you and 35% from him. But, he doesn't do that. He's "tired" in the evening. And when you work? You should be "more tired" since you bring in more money.

He is taking the piss, he has been taking the piss for a long time, and it's long past time for it to stop. If he wants to continue on his old ways, let him know that he is in danger of being made redundant.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 13/06/2025 14:06

HuskyNew · 13/06/2025 10:28

@LizGrant puts it’s well… he’s made himself redundant. You don’t need him and you don’t need to be needed by him.

This really

AnnoyedAsAllHeck · 13/06/2025 14:15

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 13/06/2025 13:55

She will still end up doing it all when he gets in .

I'd take that chance for doubling the household income. The responsibility would be his, if he wants it done he'll have to do it. He can hardly say it's her job. It would work brilliantly.

As for it damaging her case on a split, they wouldn't need to split. She's happy with him in every other way, so if the domestic stuff and mental load was his problem they'd both be happy.

Don't be silly. It would not work out like that and you know it.

HoskinsChoice · 13/06/2025 14:20

JHound · 13/06/2025 10:26

I feel like these are conversations for before marriage.

Edited

Exactly this! Why don't couples sit down BEFORE they have a baby and discuss who will do what, how they're going to fund it and what their differences are? It's bizarre and sad for the children that end up in the middle of the toxicity.

LizGrant · 13/06/2025 14:22

HoskinsChoice · 13/06/2025 14:20

Exactly this! Why don't couples sit down BEFORE they have a baby and discuss who will do what, how they're going to fund it and what their differences are? It's bizarre and sad for the children that end up in the middle of the toxicity.

What makes you think they didn't?! You can't possibly think that men aren't capable of lying or promising the earth and then not delivering 😂

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