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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to expect my ex to tell me about overnight trips?

557 replies

Bluedeep · 17/05/2026 11:29

Am I justified or overreacting?
My DS is 4 and starting school in September. My ex is married with a 1 year old DS and has our son Thursday morning until Sunday morning every week. My DS SM is due to end her maternity in a few weeks.

I have just picked him up and he was telling me they went to Drayton Manor for the weekend to meet Thomas and stayed in a Thomas themed room at the hotel. I asked my ex about it and he said they did and had a great time. They left on Thursday morning and stayed in the hotel Thursday and Friday night as a little treat for DS and his sister before his wife goes back to work.
Drayton Manor is about 3 and a half hours drive from where we live.

I was so angry at my ex, telling him he should not be taking my DS away overnight without asking permission first. My ex did not agree and has said as his dad he is free to make plans on his days.

I just don’t agree and think he should be asking me before doing anything like driving so far away. I had a similar reaction a year ago when I found out he had driven to Cadbury World for the day and didn’t tell me.

Am I in the right or am I overreacting?

OP posts:
Witchonenowbob · 21/05/2026 11:14

Cat457 · 20/05/2026 15:44

and calling her unhinged, lazy, selfish and saying she needs therapy. Are those also fine?

In fairness I think selfish is correct, she wants weekends relaxing with her partner.

It’s selfish imo to then have an issue with her DS and ex using their time as they please, ie enjoying themselves at Thomas Land. They don’t need permission!

fartotheleftside · 21/05/2026 11:48

Allonthesametrain · 20/05/2026 18:04

He doesn't need your permission but is good practice to tell you.

DB has his DC shared with ex and it's so hypocritical. She is micro managing of his time with them and will go batshit at the slightest thing. Meanwhile she takes DC away without telling him and changes his days of looking after at the drop of a hat.

It's taken years for DC to be 'allowed' to stay overnight and now oh can you have them another night at short notice.

DB is a brilliant Dad, loves his DC so much, but has to overthink every situation. Ex is known for being over reactive/unhinged at times and insists the money he pays is via another person to as not to affect her UC, which it wouldn't anyway.

Yes, he should have taken her to court years ago and was going to but didn't so has to play along with her control freak double standards.

You really can’t complain if you haven’t formalised the agreement. If it’s a difficult person, you need to.

also, if she decides to apply to CMS you might have to backdate the payments, as currently you have no proof you’ve been paying.

Lightswitchy · 21/05/2026 15:45

ops problem is Dad took his child 3 and half hours away without telling her. He probably wouldn't need permission to take him to the local park or something

BudgetBuster · 21/05/2026 15:49

Lightswitchy · 21/05/2026 15:45

ops problem is Dad took his child 3 and half hours away without telling her. He probably wouldn't need permission to take him to the local park or something

He doesn't need permission to take him 3.5hrs away either... just like she doesn't.

Lightswitchy · 21/05/2026 15:50

BudgetBuster · 21/05/2026 15:49

He doesn't need permission to take him 3.5hrs away either... just like she doesn't.

Yes i agree. Its good we've established that

BudgetBuster · 21/05/2026 15:53

Lightswitchy · 21/05/2026 15:50

Yes i agree. Its good we've established that

Sorry, your comment came across as if you agreed with the OP.

Witchonenowbob · 21/05/2026 16:06

Lightswitchy · 21/05/2026 15:45

ops problem is Dad took his child 3 and half hours away without telling her. He probably wouldn't need permission to take him to the local park or something

The problem is that OP thinks he should ask permission, and that it’s disruptive for the child.

Neither is required or necessary.

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