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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I know I’m being an idiot but feel so upset

40 replies

Daisydoo73 · 27/10/2025 17:05

So earlier my 6 year old made a comment and said if me and husband ever broke up he would live with his dad, I totally acted like a child myself and stormed off and then had a go at my son telling him how hurtful things like that are to say. I know I’ve acted totally immature, but I feel so gutted (we aren’t splitting up) but just so hurt that he said it, he is a daddy’s boy through and through and I’ve often struggled with that as I feel useless as it is, I know I sound pathetic, I don’t think it’s helped that I am hormonal to. I feel like I just want to get being a mum right so bad but I overthink it so much. My son has adhd so most days can be pretty challenging, he calls me names most days and is very explosive and I can deal with that I just ignore it and explain how we don’t say this, but this comment just got me today. My son only wants me in the night to sleep in bed with him which I love as that’s are little time and one time I feel he wants me other than his dad, I know I sound pathetic, my dad was a narc himself and I don’t want to be like him but I feel like I am being like him right now sat in a huff about what my son has said.

OP posts:
Sleepyandtiredandlazy · 27/10/2025 17:11

He calls you names OP?
Do you or your H challenge him on that because he shouldn't be allowed to think that is normal or acceptable behaviour.

HedwigEliza · 27/10/2025 17:14

As you said, you acted like a child yourself. Very juvenile response on your part.

Orangefoxglove · 27/10/2025 17:17

YANBU to be upset but YABU to respond as you did (although it is quite understandable to have done so)

pimplebum · 27/10/2025 17:21

You were v disregulated and had impulse control failure

standard adhd life

it’s how you pick up the pieces and mend the relationship that counts now

Tealpins · 27/10/2025 17:21

I mean it's not hurtful to say that is it? So you are being unreasonable.

My 9 year old gives us scores out of 10. DH gets a higher score than me. I think it's funny and actually quite reassuring about their bond.

As you say, this is obviously touching a much deeper set of buttons about your own childhood. It's reminding me of that Philippa Perry book about not passing on your own childhood difficulties. She would say seek out therapy but I realise that hugely expensive - maybe look at her book on parenting?

MasterBeth · 27/10/2025 17:23

He's 6!!!!!!

Octavia64 · 27/10/2025 17:26

This sort of thing is very very standard for children to say. Mine said it to both parents depending on which one was currently annoying them most.

as you say, his aim was to hurt you presumably because you wouldn’t let him dissect his sister/torture the cat/watch TV and he knows he got what he wanted.

they say it to hurt. In the heat of the moment. It doesn’t mean it’s true. You know that.

40andlovelife · 27/10/2025 17:37

It’s great and extremely important for boys to have a bond with their dad. It’s how they learn to be a man as they grow up. You are doing a great job to have facilitated this!

WhoaaaBodyform · 27/10/2025 17:37

pimplebum · 27/10/2025 17:21

You were v disregulated and had impulse control failure

standard adhd life

it’s how you pick up the pieces and mend the relationship that counts now

The OP is saying that her son has ADHD - she doesn't.

I don't think ADHD has anything to do with it in this case though; he's 6, and at 6, things are very black and white. I don't think there's anything hurtful here and although OP is entitled to feel a bit upset by it, there's nothing to gain from doing so. If her son had said he'd live with her rather than his dad, I'm sure she wouldn't have given it a second thought?

So OP, kindly - yes, you are being an idiot! But at least you know it and you'll get over it soon 💐

Daisydoo73 · 27/10/2025 17:47

I know I’m being an idiot and unreasonable I wasn’t looking for anyone to tell me otherwise as I totally know, and feel ashamed by it all, not quite sure how the best way to repair is now

OP posts:
Skybluepinky · 27/10/2025 17:48

That’ll be the reason they chose their dad, dual it back or if you do split up you could be very lonely.

Kbroughton · 27/10/2025 17:54

WhoaaaBodyform · 27/10/2025 17:37

The OP is saying that her son has ADHD - she doesn't.

I don't think ADHD has anything to do with it in this case though; he's 6, and at 6, things are very black and white. I don't think there's anything hurtful here and although OP is entitled to feel a bit upset by it, there's nothing to gain from doing so. If her son had said he'd live with her rather than his dad, I'm sure she wouldn't have given it a second thought?

So OP, kindly - yes, you are being an idiot! But at least you know it and you'll get over it soon 💐

If the child has ADHD it's very possible one of the parents has it. Women generally tend to be diagnosed later. I was diagnosed at 48 after my daughter was. Critisism hits very hard with ADHD and the OPs response is not a 'usual' one. I think the comment is spot on and i would advise the OP to seek support. Also I think you and your husband we'd support to deal with your 6 year old as ADHD is not an excuse for bad behaviour.

TheOccupier · 27/10/2025 17:55

Tell him neither of you would want him and he'd have to go to an orphanage. That'll learn him.

Shegotanology · 27/10/2025 17:58

Both my DDs prefer their Dad as he's soft as shit.

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 27/10/2025 18:06

Don’t panic. Tell him you’re sorry you shouted. Tell him you were really upset because you try really hard to be a good Mum, and want him to be happy. Then tease him gently about managing through the night without you- maybe you could live with Dad but come home to me for bedtimes!

Orangefoxglove · 27/10/2025 18:06

TheOccupier · 27/10/2025 17:55

Tell him neither of you would want him and he'd have to go to an orphanage. That'll learn him.

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Alignedplanks98 · 27/10/2025 18:06

I wouldn’t read in to it too much Op honestly! People will try and make out on here that there is a deep and hidden meaning to it, but at that age, it could just be the fact that his dad lets him stay up later or doesn’t make him wash his face before bed or something banal like that!

Or he may sense your anxiety in trying to get everything right! So chill! 😁

I know it’s a hypothetical situation but many older children opt to live with dad when their parents split and the novelty soon wears off; they get fed up of junk food and having to sort out their own PE kit and come home to mum after a month or so!

It’s who they want when they are ill or distressed that counts 💐

Obviously apologise to your ds for exploding like that and try and count to 10 slowly when responding to him in future! Apart from anything else, it’s not good that he thinks he has that amount of power over you or your emotions. That will be a bit scary for him at that age? But other than that, give him a big hug and forget about it!

By the way op when your son calls you names, does his dad step in and defend you or is he one of these “fun” dads who sits on the fence and acts as referee? Important to nip that disrespectful behaviour in the bud I think before adolescence strikes?

And I sincerely hope there isn’t a daddy’s boy dynamic in the house at your expense! Best to nip that in the bud too if so!

Speaking as the parent of a dd with ASD, it’s really important that his dad has equal share of dealing with explosions and the not so fun bits of parenting and disciplining an nd child. Otherwise, it’s you who take all of the hits and your marital relationship suffers while dad gets to play Mr Popular!

Coconutter24 · 27/10/2025 18:14

‘he calls me names most days and is very explosive and I can deal with that I just ignore it and explain how we don’t say this’

Whether he’s got ADHD or not that’s not an excuse for poor behaviour. You need to not ignore it, that’s not you dealing with it at all. You need to actually deal with it!!

Anyway back to original point…. Yes you handled that very badly. Someone’s got to be the favourite so why can’t it be dad? I totally understand it must be hurtful to hear though

neverbeenskiing · 27/10/2025 18:21

Some of these responses are a bit harsh.

OP, you aren't the first person to momentarily forget they're supposed to be the adult in the room when their DC says something that touches a nerve, and you won't be the last.

It's not unusual at all for children to go through phases of showing a strong preference for one parent over another. But it can still feel like a rejection for the non-favoured parent.
Being the parent of a child with SEN is not easy, and I can see why your DS's comments really stung if you're the one taking the brunt of the most challenging aspects of his behaviour.
Your DS should not be calling you names, ADHD or not that is unacceptable and you and your DH need to be a united front on that issue.

You had a bad moment, OP. That doesn't make you a bad Mum.

Calliopespa · 27/10/2025 18:25

Daisydoo73 · 27/10/2025 17:47

I know I’m being an idiot and unreasonable I wasn’t looking for anyone to tell me otherwise as I totally know, and feel ashamed by it all, not quite sure how the best way to repair is now

It was a hurtful comment and tbh that's not a bad thing for him to learn: hurtful comments get hurt responses.

It wasn't the ideal way of fielding your feelings but just apologise for that bit - not for feeling hurt.

Calliopespa · 27/10/2025 18:26

neverbeenskiing · 27/10/2025 18:21

Some of these responses are a bit harsh.

OP, you aren't the first person to momentarily forget they're supposed to be the adult in the room when their DC says something that touches a nerve, and you won't be the last.

It's not unusual at all for children to go through phases of showing a strong preference for one parent over another. But it can still feel like a rejection for the non-favoured parent.
Being the parent of a child with SEN is not easy, and I can see why your DS's comments really stung if you're the one taking the brunt of the most challenging aspects of his behaviour.
Your DS should not be calling you names, ADHD or not that is unacceptable and you and your DH need to be a united front on that issue.

You had a bad moment, OP. That doesn't make you a bad Mum.

Nail on head.

disturbia · 28/10/2025 18:28

OP just sit with your child when there is a quieter time and apologise for shouting at him and say that you love him. No need to explain why you did he won't understand hormonal reasons etc. Don't beat yourself up over it ... us Mums would be superhuman if we got it right all the time. Take care of yourself

Teenagerantruns · 28/10/2025 18:32

He's 6, honestly hes not going to remember any of this tomorrow, just move on.

Kbroughton · 30/10/2025 09:35

neverbeenskiing · 27/10/2025 18:21

Some of these responses are a bit harsh.

OP, you aren't the first person to momentarily forget they're supposed to be the adult in the room when their DC says something that touches a nerve, and you won't be the last.

It's not unusual at all for children to go through phases of showing a strong preference for one parent over another. But it can still feel like a rejection for the non-favoured parent.
Being the parent of a child with SEN is not easy, and I can see why your DS's comments really stung if you're the one taking the brunt of the most challenging aspects of his behaviour.
Your DS should not be calling you names, ADHD or not that is unacceptable and you and your DH need to be a united front on that issue.

You had a bad moment, OP. That doesn't make you a bad Mum.

Agree! My teen makes me want to scream 'I hate you' and slam my bedroom door on a weekly basis!

TheDutchHouse · 30/10/2025 10:03

Ahh give yourself some slack here.. you are dealing with a lot.
You’ve said you feel crap , make sure he knows you are sorry and that it wasn’t the way to act.
For what it’s worth my eldest , many years ago, told me he rather live with our neighbours than me !
I was so unbelievably hurt as they were the talk of the street for being messy loud and rude . But it appeared that they also let their children watch cartoons in the morning before school and that was his ideal day!