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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Advice needed please!

12 replies

mummyoftwo20 · 10/08/2026 23:50

BackParenting
Hi first time ever posting on here! Not really sure what I'm expecting just a bit of advice to be honest.
My daughter has just recently turned 2 me and her dad haven't been together the whole time shes been born. She was doing 2 nights a week at his, every week she was coming home with SEVERE nappy rash to the point where she was holding her wee in because of how bad it hurt and was screaming and crying because of it. There were some occasions she came home physically dirty, greasy hair and black nails. She was always starving and extremely thirsty to. She was acting completely different when coming back from his care, being extremely withdrawn, very quiet (shes a extremely chatty girl normally) and very clingy which i understand can be separation anxiety. One time when she went she wasnt very well which i had explained to him before she went. I had asked if she had been sick or anything and he stated that she hasnt and was perfectly fine. His girlfriend then text me a few days later saying that she had thrown up and wasnt changed after either and had a extremely upset belly and was left in the dirty nappy all night (which also shame on her as she just let it happen and was there) She had also told me how my daughter will completely avoid him. I had a conversation with him and expressed my concerns and said i dont feel like nights are working out best anymore as im extremely concerned neglect is going on, he was completely okay with nights stopping and we had agreed on her going just two days a week instead as hes still her dad. He then used the excuse he didnt have a car and couldnt have her 2 days a week as he didnt have a car (he lives 10 minutes down the road) so then he only has been seeing her once a week. He has now had a car sorted for weeks and its still only being once a week hes seeing her. Now when he does take her he drops her off at his nans and goes out with his partner which again is his choice. My daughter is now extremely confused why she isnt seeing him, is constantly asking about him and gets upset whenever someone comes to the door as she goes running asking if its daddy and cries when it isnt him. Her behaviour has changed so much shes becoming aggressive, having sleeping problems and getting really upset shes such a different girl now its heartbreaking. Shes starting nursery next month and ive said to him if we can start doing the weekends so then shes not going back and fourth between houses and nursery as i dont want to unsettle her more, hes completely avoided it. Ive suggested him facetiming her a few times a week if he genuinely cant come and see her just so she isnt as confused but hes completely turned it down. Thankfully my partner has been extremely supportive and helpful and does everything he can to cheer my daughter up. Ive had a few people tell me to cut contact completely but im not sure if thats the best option? He isnt on her birth certificate either as he had blocked me when our daughter was in nicu because he didnt want his new girlfriend finding out he had a baby. I just really want whats best for her i dont want my baby being hurt. Sorry for the rant and thank you for reading!

OP posts:
Hayley1256 · 11/08/2026 00:02

I would stop making the effort to contact him OP and I really wouldn't be allowing any kind of unsupervised visits due to the previous neglect.

GiddyViper · 11/08/2026 00:03

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Journey1234 · 11/08/2026 00:20

@GiddyViper wow another troll 👏

mummyoftwo20 · 11/08/2026 00:21

@Journey1234ive reported the comment. How sad to come onto a app for mums to troll

OP posts:
mummyoftwo20 · 11/08/2026 00:21

@Hayley1256thank you. I just feel so bad for my little girl shes in such a mess she didnt deserve to be in

OP posts:
BibbityBoppityTwo · 11/08/2026 00:25

I wouldn’t be allowing unsupervised visits. All the evidence points to neglect. Kids will still feel a strong attachment to their parents, even abusive ones. Anyone who works in child protection will tell you this. Regardless, you have to do what’s best for her. Her father is not capable of caring for her properly. He is also making it clear he doesn’t want to care for her more often. That’s ticking timebomb of a situation. Let her have supervised visits but that’s all.

Journey1234 · 11/08/2026 00:26

OP, I personally would not feel comfortable allowing my little girl to sleep over or spend long periods of time with her father based on the neglect you’ve mentioned. She is only two years old and cannot protect herself, so it’s your responsibility as her mum to protect her and make sure she is safe.
You sound like a caring mother who genuinely wants the best for your daughter. I also wouldn’t force her father to be involved if he seems reluctant, as your daughter deserves to have people around her who genuinely want to be there for her and care for her wellbeing.
I would also be very cautious about leaving your little one in the care of his new partner, particularly given the concerns you’ve raised about her lack of care towards your daughter.
For your own peace of mind, you may also want to consider making a Clare’s Law request regarding your partner, so you can make sure there’s nothing in his history that could put you or your little one at risk. Ultimately, trust your instincts and prioritise your daughter’s safety.

CandidUmberTraybake · 11/08/2026 00:26

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Journey1234 · 11/08/2026 00:30

@CandidUmberTraybake what a saddo you are

mummyoftwo20 · 11/08/2026 00:31

@Journey1234thank you so much! Ive done a claires law on my partner i did it before he met my daughter and all came back fine! It is an extremely hard situation as I really do want whats best for her

OP posts:
Journey1234 · 11/08/2026 00:37

@mummyoftwo20 Just keep being the best mum you can be to her. The most important things she needs right now are love, stability and routine. She’s only two, and with those things around her, she will be okay.
I hate seeing men put a new partner before their own child. The two things can absolutely coexist when you’re with the right person and in the right environment. If I had a partner who was neglectful towards their child, it would be a massive red flag for me. Sadly, some people just don’t seem to care, and that’s the part I find most heartbreaking.
I’m honestly sick of hearing about child neglect, so I’m really proud of you for putting your daughter’s wellbeing first and protecting her. Well done for doing a Clare’s Law request too you’re doing what you can to make sure she’s safe. ❤️

MiceSpiders · 11/08/2026 01:10

Document everything, I hope you took pictures of the state she was coming home in and screenshot the messages from the girlfriend in case she deletes them, then just stop sending her. This is neglect. He doesn't sound like he's bothered, if he is he can go to court for access.

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