7yo threatening to go live his dad..

[Leanin15yearsmaybe]

After advice please....
Background: I have 2 x ds, their father sees them when it suits him, so sometimes once a fortnight, sometimes it can be 6 weeks in between visits. He generally has them for 1.5 hours after school or 4 hours if it's a weekend. We have been separated for 3 years and he has only had them overnight once. He often calls me 1-2 hours before he is due to have them to cancel last minute. Both boys are not bothered about him in the slightest and never mention him/ask to see him.

Today, after being refused extra iPad time, my 7 yr old informed me he wants to go and live with his father as I am mean and hateful and an awful mother etc etc. Not sure where it has come from given the lack/irregular contact with his father but it has made me want to cry! How do I address this? Wwyd?

Try not to take it personally. I think this is a fairly stock response to not getting his own way. I used to reply in a matter of fact way "That's a shame because I'd miss you" and then swiftly move on to another subject.

Why are you even giving it brain time? Just ignore it.

Thankyou vets.

I'm giving it brain time as it was a shock as he doesn't mention his dad ever and it made me feel shit!

He's 7. Thats what kids do. I had a similar outburst from my dd when she was 6. She told me she was going to move in with our next door neighbours. Take it with a pinch of salt.

Will try to. Neighbours would be a much better option IMO!

He's a young boy, he does not mean it

Just ignore, or talk to him about feeling angry and saying things he does not mean.

I would just downplay it.

He does not mean it, he's just a baby

ok then love you, very much, i will miss you. Ipad stays here though.....

I think this is something all single parents hear from time to time! It's horrible to hear but I agree it's best ignored, he doesn't really mean it.

Hahaha toffee! Unfortunately exh attempts to buy love so they could have an iPad for each limb with him 🙄

Will attempt to ignore and just have a good sob and glass of wine now they are in bed! Thank you for the replies

If you weren't separated he would be threatening to live with grandma. Treat this with the seriousness it deserves, i.e. None

I am sure it was 7 my DS told me he was leaving home and went and sat on the street where he thought I couldn't see him so watched him while I washed the dishes.

Then he moved out of my sight so I told him to get in . He did probably pleased of a way back in.

My Ds doesn't see his dad so can't use that one..It is part of a stock statements that they use like I hate you, you are the worst mum in the world..Some of them hurt first time then you learn to ignore them.