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Shared calendar- another method of control?

144 replies

NeedSleepNow · 18/06/2023 12:49

Ex and I set up a shared calendar after mediation. I was asked to set it up and put all school holidays into it and then things that crop up affecting us both so I have been putting in things like school parents evening, school plays, sports days, parties or activities that fall on ex's weekend. He now wants everthing put in there that falls on my time with the children too - kids activities, play dates with friends, parties, trips to town. He wants exact times, locations of everything. To me this feels like another method for him to reclaim control, to check up on us, to know exactly what we are doing and where.

What do others do that use these sorts of shared calendars? Do you put absolutely everything in there?

The children live with me, ex sees them once in the week and has them every other weekend,more in the holidays. There is history of EA and control so I am trying to put some boundaries in place and retain some privacy.

OP posts:
bluedomino · 20/06/2023 07:51

You would benefit from speaking to your local Domestic Abuse Service. He is an abuser. He is coercively controlling, emotionally abusive and financially abusive. You need support and your teen does too. Domestic Abuse services are not just for physical abuse, most of their work is coercive control etc.

Keep a paper diary of everytime he contacts you, what his demands are, how you felt, the kids reactions etc. Contemporaneous notes will show how he's is being unreasonable. Hide your diary.

You need a separate phone that you turn on ONLY ONCE A DAY. Block him on your personal phone. Let your teen know its ok to turn off phone or block/unblock their father. Its important they know they can say No to their father. Tell him you have changed your email and set up a separate email just for him, nothing else. That way you won't start reacting everytime you get a normal email notification and you have further evidence of attempts to control you.

Does your school operate a Parent Mail App system, where each parent receives an email with dates etc? You can inform the mediator that he is unreasonable in his requests to know every detail of your day, that you feel this is controlling behaviour, especially as he does not reciprocate with his plans. Also, inform the mediator in writing with a copy to your ex that as the school information is freely available, you are busy working and looking after the house and children, you are no longer able to provide "secretarial support" to your ex. Suggest his Mum takes on the role if its too much for his manly brain!

Your time with the kids is your time. You no longer need to jump everytime he texts, phones etc. It's OK not to respond immediately or even that day, and when he whines tell him its not his business what you were doing. Rinse and repeat. You no longer have to do anything he says. He has trained you but you can now refuse. Let him make himself look unreasonable with all his demands. YOU ARE FREE.

The Courts will listen to what the children want, especially the teen. My solicitor laughed when I told her he was threatening family court with teens. Especially if you have support from the Domestic Abuse service.

Put a chain on the door, so he can't let himself in unannounced and leave a key permanently in the other door so it can't be opened from outside. You are a woman alone with children, it's not unreasonable to take small measures to provide protection for yourself and your children. Get a ring doorbell to show him snooping around. After I went to DAS and solicitor, I was told to change my locks. My solicitor said I could call the police if he kept trying to get in, even though he owned a share. You are allowed peaceful enjoyment of your own house. He's moved out, there is no need for him to keep coming back. Yes, legally he may be able to but its further evidence of his control and bullying. Document everything and hide your private papers in lockable box, keeping the keys on you.

If he follows you home after clubs, stop going home! Pop to the supermarket, drivethru and sit in car to eat and chat to the kids about their day, (just buy one chips to share if you cant afford more). Or go to see a friend. If you explain the situation, I'm sure they will provide sanctuary and a coffee whilst he gets fed up of waiting and goes away. And note it in your diary and the kids comments. Its not his time so you do not need to provide access to kids. Stop allowing control over you.

Stay strong. You can say No and he has to lump it. It will get easier. Allow him to make an unreasonable fool of himself. The solicitors and courts are used to hearing abusive men accuse women of abuse, it's DARVO. Get support. You will get through this and life will be so much better. Promise.

Lefteyetwitch · 20/06/2023 08:00

NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 06:37

It does feel like that, like we're under surveillance and being watched. I've had the same issue with phone calls from him, if we don't answer straight away he keeps ringing and ringing and wanting to know why, what are we doing, why are we busy, no one told him...

Whenever the kids tell him they've been somewhere, he complains to them 'of course I didn't know anything about it as usual, as your mother didn't put it in the family calendar'. I think he forgets that we aren't a family anymore

After the second call you block him. You can Just keep him blocked

NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 08:07

bluedomino · 20/06/2023 07:51

You would benefit from speaking to your local Domestic Abuse Service. He is an abuser. He is coercively controlling, emotionally abusive and financially abusive. You need support and your teen does too. Domestic Abuse services are not just for physical abuse, most of their work is coercive control etc.

Keep a paper diary of everytime he contacts you, what his demands are, how you felt, the kids reactions etc. Contemporaneous notes will show how he's is being unreasonable. Hide your diary.

You need a separate phone that you turn on ONLY ONCE A DAY. Block him on your personal phone. Let your teen know its ok to turn off phone or block/unblock their father. Its important they know they can say No to their father. Tell him you have changed your email and set up a separate email just for him, nothing else. That way you won't start reacting everytime you get a normal email notification and you have further evidence of attempts to control you.

Does your school operate a Parent Mail App system, where each parent receives an email with dates etc? You can inform the mediator that he is unreasonable in his requests to know every detail of your day, that you feel this is controlling behaviour, especially as he does not reciprocate with his plans. Also, inform the mediator in writing with a copy to your ex that as the school information is freely available, you are busy working and looking after the house and children, you are no longer able to provide "secretarial support" to your ex. Suggest his Mum takes on the role if its too much for his manly brain!

Your time with the kids is your time. You no longer need to jump everytime he texts, phones etc. It's OK not to respond immediately or even that day, and when he whines tell him its not his business what you were doing. Rinse and repeat. You no longer have to do anything he says. He has trained you but you can now refuse. Let him make himself look unreasonable with all his demands. YOU ARE FREE.

The Courts will listen to what the children want, especially the teen. My solicitor laughed when I told her he was threatening family court with teens. Especially if you have support from the Domestic Abuse service.

Put a chain on the door, so he can't let himself in unannounced and leave a key permanently in the other door so it can't be opened from outside. You are a woman alone with children, it's not unreasonable to take small measures to provide protection for yourself and your children. Get a ring doorbell to show him snooping around. After I went to DAS and solicitor, I was told to change my locks. My solicitor said I could call the police if he kept trying to get in, even though he owned a share. You are allowed peaceful enjoyment of your own house. He's moved out, there is no need for him to keep coming back. Yes, legally he may be able to but its further evidence of his control and bullying. Document everything and hide your private papers in lockable box, keeping the keys on you.

If he follows you home after clubs, stop going home! Pop to the supermarket, drivethru and sit in car to eat and chat to the kids about their day, (just buy one chips to share if you cant afford more). Or go to see a friend. If you explain the situation, I'm sure they will provide sanctuary and a coffee whilst he gets fed up of waiting and goes away. And note it in your diary and the kids comments. Its not his time so you do not need to provide access to kids. Stop allowing control over you.

Stay strong. You can say No and he has to lump it. It will get easier. Allow him to make an unreasonable fool of himself. The solicitors and courts are used to hearing abusive men accuse women of abuse, it's DARVO. Get support. You will get through this and life will be so much better. Promise.

Thank you @bluedomino that's really helpful advice. I will look into fitting a chain and a ring doorbell.

I have resorted to keeping paperwork and other personal stuff in my car boot so that he can't go through it all.

The problem with him trying to follow us back after clubs is that he says to the kids he will drive them back and the younger ones jump at the chance of an extra car ride with Daddy, so I can't then go off elsewhere rather than straight home. or if I say we are busy he will start crying making me out to be the bad guy and the kids then beg me to let him come back with us for a while. He tells them he desperately misses them and wants to see them and that I am not letting him. Our eldest sees through this but the younger two struggle with hearing this sort of thing and get angry & upset with me, telling me how unfair I am.

He's now telling everyone who'll listen that he refuses to be bullied by me. I hate confrontation and am the person least likely to bully anyone. What he really means is he is furious I have started saying no to him.

OP posts:
bluedomino · 20/06/2023 08:16

"Whenever the kids tell him they've been somewhere, he complains to them 'of course I didn't know anything about it as usual, as your mother didn't put it in the family calendar'. I think he forgets that we aren't a family anymore"

And then you tell kids that "it's not Daddy's business what we do when we are together". Tinkly laugh and "poor Daddy doesn't understand".
Everytime just say "its none of Daddys business" and change the subject. Don't allow him to emotionally abuse you or kids (and diary document it). Show your kids you can refuse him power over you. Rather than thinking of him as powerful, start thinking of him as a pathetic little control freak.
Sit down and make a bullet list of all your new responses. But remember you do not need or owe him a response. He is eating into your time, stop allowing this. You owe him nothing. Only when you stop responding you will make him powerless.

Makemyday99 · 20/06/2023 08:21

Setting up a shared calendar as suggested is fairly standard advice from mediators as it reduces the need to communicate directly & prevents confusion about contact etc so it’s a good idea & if you genuinely want to reduce communication with him you would do it. I assume he is only asking you to put details that only concern the children in the calendar not information that only concerns you?

bluedomino · 20/06/2023 08:55

As for him bad mouthing you...I was given some really good advice...YOU DONT NEED TO TELL PEOPLE SOMEONE IS AN ARSEHOLE, THEY CAN TELL. Just ignore it, anyone decent can tell and as for the rest of them, their opinion doesn't matter. Keep dignified and don't respond as they just want gossip fodder. Just smile enigmatically and nod your head in a knowing manner. It really pisses them off.

Regarding the clubs you HAVE to be strong. Before you get to the club, tell the kids he will not be driving them home. You are going somewhere. Tell them you expect them to behave and to get straight in your car. When he offers a lift you will have to say "No, thank you. We have plans. This is my time with the kids. You will see them Saturday". If he persists say "Please stop trying to emotionally manipulate the children. Kids please get in the car NOW. If you dont leave, I shall be forced to call the police". Repeat. Then call the police. He is domestically abusive.

Don't get into a discussion. Ignore the manipulation by tears (diary document those though). Ignore the pleading and crying by the little ones, see that as them being manipulated by a bully and you need to protect them from that. You are the grown up. Tough love from now on. Its your job to protect them from manipulation. There really is no level too low for him to go.

I know it's scary as he's had control of you for so long but you have to take back control. You are the adult. Don't shout just repeat in an authoritative tone "No we neither want nor need a lift. Kids get in our car now". Someone told me to stop being a passive doormat, be a dragon. It shamed me into action.

You could try asking a family member to meet you outside or a friend to accompany you to your car. Maybe he wouldn't cry in front of others. Or ask the club leaders to come to car with you as an independent witness. If he won't stop, call the police. You are allowing him to take the kids as you are frightened of him. This is domestic abuse.

No more. Phone police everytime. You should be able to leave the club without harassment. Get tough. Stand up to your bully. He's worked out what he needs to do to manipulate you, control the kids and get what he wants. The crying is no better than a petulant toddler. If he knows you will call the police he will soon stop.

Only you have the power to stop him controlling you.

LadyGardenersQuestionTime · 20/06/2023 09:04

It took me years to accept that I had any power in our relationship after we split up. And there is an important difference between “he has no power over me any more” and “I have the power to choose how this goes”.

we vipers are always happy to give you a bit of affirmation and a script. Just don’t do it and keep saying No. If he wants to know what they’ve been up to he can ask them himself on his weekends.

The real breakthrough is when you know he won’t like your answer but you say it anyway and realise his tantrum has no hold over you any more.

barlie · 20/06/2023 09:07

TheCig · 18/06/2023 13:07

I had an x like this op, you can ben over backwards til your back breaks and it won't be enough.

I would update calendar just enough so that he cannot use a lack of co-operation against you, and no more.

Sending you strength💪

Yep me too. It's worth you being in charge of the holiday/access division dates otherwise people like this a. Won't get it done and b. If they do, will get it wrong. That's all he needs. I lived this for 20 years having left with a baby, and 'that doesn't work for me' will do, or just no response. I had text contact only no emails in the end.

  • holiday contact calendar yes
-party invitations on his weekends - forward them and he is in charge of them - not your department. He can buy presents etc as any maintenance you may have accounts for time he had them and related costs.
  • what happens on your weekends - no not his business
And if it's possible try not to let all these silly questions get into your head and make you agonise about what is reasonable as that's what abusers like this do. It's an attempt by them to keep themselves at the front of your mind. Best to try not to reply to any silly questions. I used an old fashioned carbon copy book to update on any significant issues eg medical issues and in court when he tried to claim I didn't keep him updated he therefore looked very silly indeed. Imho with skilled and powerful abusers, who are in positions of power in their workplace, which mine was, mediators don't always have a measure of them. CAFCAS office women thought he was charming and helpful.. this was 20 years ago so I might hope things have moved in but I doubt it. I think mediation with them can be a risk.
bluedomino · 20/06/2023 09:15

@Makemyday99 Standard advice it may be but good advice it most certainly isn't. Especially for dealing with an abuser.
Standard advice is also not to attempt any mediation with an abuser. Certainly no-one would take me on as they said it would be allowing continued control and abuse.

Any decent mediator would refuse to take her on after listening to how he is attempting to maintain control over his family and former partner. A mediator that could listen to that an still take her on is an enabler.

Any man that can cry on demand in front of his children is an emotionally abusive, coercively controlling and manipulative bully.

As to your remarks " if you genuinely want to reduce communication with him you would do it", well, you are either an abusive man or someone who has absolutely no idea what it is like leaving an abusive partner. It changes your brain and how you respond to situations. She may have complex post traumatic stress disorder.

May I suggest you try to research the subject, attempt some empathy or just shut up as that is just victim blaming and out of order.

barlie · 20/06/2023 09:15

To add, the best thing I did was get a very good lawyer. I had two very poor ones but the one I finally paid for was so excellent and she got a paper calendar in place as the agreement which was holiday and weekend division only. Many men like this get bored and go away, particularly if they start dating, but some like this just keep on and on. Having read through all your posts it sounds very like my ex. Grey rock is the way forward but covering yourself for a possible court case so you have evidence that you have continued to be calm, reasonable and kept him updated on anything major that he can they via text or the school website. So all by formal letter, carbon note or text (that you download and save). I would say try not engage in discussion - just one way updates. And then as other posters say, work on your boundaries and start trying to enjoy the majority of your life without him in jt. Flowers

barlie · 20/06/2023 09:20

And what @bluedomino says is so right! These men need clear handling and us not engaging in their thrashing about.

Makemyday99 · 20/06/2023 09:22

bluedomino · 20/06/2023 09:15

@Makemyday99 Standard advice it may be but good advice it most certainly isn't. Especially for dealing with an abuser.
Standard advice is also not to attempt any mediation with an abuser. Certainly no-one would take me on as they said it would be allowing continued control and abuse.

Any decent mediator would refuse to take her on after listening to how he is attempting to maintain control over his family and former partner. A mediator that could listen to that an still take her on is an enabler.

Any man that can cry on demand in front of his children is an emotionally abusive, coercively controlling and manipulative bully.

As to your remarks " if you genuinely want to reduce communication with him you would do it", well, you are either an abusive man or someone who has absolutely no idea what it is like leaving an abusive partner. It changes your brain and how you respond to situations. She may have complex post traumatic stress disorder.

May I suggest you try to research the subject, attempt some empathy or just shut up as that is just victim blaming and out of order.

No I won’t shut up & I have knowledge of this subject. I’m not victim blaming at all I was suggesting that she try what mediator has suggested. There is a process involved with mediation & they cannot possibly adapt it to every different set of circumstances. If it doesn’t work then stop mediation, that’s not mediators fault for being crap

NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 10:59

Makemyday99 · 20/06/2023 08:21

Setting up a shared calendar as suggested is fairly standard advice from mediators as it reduces the need to communicate directly & prevents confusion about contact etc so it’s a good idea & if you genuinely want to reduce communication with him you would do it. I assume he is only asking you to put details that only concern the children in the calendar not information that only concerns you?

@Makemyday99 I think that's a bit unfair to say if I really wanted to reduce communication with him I'd do it. I have set up a shared calendar and sent him access to it, I have put all school term dates & non pupil days in for the next 18 months, I have put in all school events as they are announced, things like parents evening, music concerts, plays, sports day... Any parties that fall on his time or extra activities like sports matches on his weekends are added by me. The issue is that he wants every single thing on my time detailed in it too which to me is completely unnecessary. It doesn't affect him and if he asks the children what they have been up to on his numerous phonecalls then they will tell him. He knows what clubs the kids routinely go to so I haven't put them in there as again he is just trying to make extra work for me and it is another method of his control wanting to know exact locations, times etc.

OP posts:
NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 11:01

@barlie he has started dating again which I had hoped would curb some of this behaviour of his but unfortunately it doesn't seem to have made much difference

OP posts:
NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 11:02

I'm not quite at that point yet @LadyGardenersQuestionTime , when I know he won't like my answer I still dead his reaction and what will happen next

OP posts:
GoldDuster · 20/06/2023 11:05

If you have no experience of this level of control you can't begin to imagine it. Unfortunately a lot of mediators haven't either and will take the same approach as posters suggesting you just be sensible and get on with it.

Anyone who has experienced coercive control will recognise the situation you're dealing with in an instant OP, it's not you, it's your reality and it's mind bending and feels never ending. You're not going mad. You will find a way to put him at arms length and keep him there. The first step is accepting you're not dealing with somebody reasonable or normal and that no matter how reasonable you are, he won't return the favour.

Fraaahnces · 20/06/2023 11:07

Oh god, get the apps! Block his number. If he is desperate to contact you, give him only an email address and tell him you will check it once a week, otherwise, all contact is via the app.

barlie · 20/06/2023 11:10

I recognise the dreading the answer and steeling yourself. That constant adrenaline rush is not good for anyone's health. One way I did use for a while if things were bad, was getting someone else to look at this messages and tell me if anything was necessary. Another is just having a rule that you don't reply immediately. Sometimes draft it and then send the next day. I found then I only needed to say a quarter of the words I initially drafted! Less is best and least comms best so decide what is essential and ignore the rest. Email was hopeless for me because i just receive long emotional missives that upset me for the day . Maybe turn phones off for certain periods when you and DC are eating etc. depending on what age they are, so that you and they are not harassed. Much is about managing his space in your life I think, when and where he has a right to any of it, and you can take ownership of that.

NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 11:16

@barlie yes I've recently started doing that, taking a day or so to think it over and then send a reply. I'm trying to just put essentials in but regardless of what I wrote I do usually get huge swathes of text back from him about the emotional harm I am causing him, his feelings, how unfair I am, he won't let me bully him...

I have started unplugging the house phone and leaving my phone on silent in the other room so that he can't interupt when we have dinner or are having family time playing board games or doing homework etc.

I can't wait for the house to be sold so that I can have my own place, that is mine and the children's safe space and he can only come in if he is invited in rather than now b when he just follows the kids in or let's himself in uninvited.

OP posts:
Rainbowqueeen · 20/06/2023 11:25

Don’t put extra stuff in the calendar. If it comes up at mediation simply say that he is very clear that he is too busy to keep track of the stuff that is to happen on his time and so you don’t want to overburden him by adding any information that is not completely necessary.

NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 11:29

Rainbowqueeen · 20/06/2023 11:25

Don’t put extra stuff in the calendar. If it comes up at mediation simply say that he is very clear that he is too busy to keep track of the stuff that is to happen on his time and so you don’t want to overburden him by adding any information that is not completely necessary.

I don't think I'm going to go back to mediation again. It feels just like a huge waste of time and money. He twists things to make him sounds like a wonderful father who had been put in this terrible situation by his wife who neglected his feelings and needs. He came across so well to the mediator, agrees to things then completely ignores it straight after, doing whatever he wants instead, refuses to submit all of the correct financial info...

Instead I think I'm just going to get my solicitor to deal with the major issues instead, letting her write to his solicitor each time.

OP posts:
bluedomino · 20/06/2023 11:47

@GoldDuster is spot on.
These men are not reasonable, normal humans whose first concern is their children's security and happiness.

They believe they have the right of complete control over another person and will never see that their behaviour is unreasonable. They act like access to their toy has been taken away.

OP has done more than enough to facilitate this man's life. His demands will get more and more outrageous. She is not his secretary. As a grown man who can hold down a job, he ought to be capable of maintaining a diary.

Mediators should be able to see through the fake charm or pity party and spot an abuser. I suspect they just want the cash though.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 20/06/2023 11:59

He sounds awful so glad you're no longer with him.
Just say no it's too much hassle and the children can tell you what they're up to.

Empathizing for one second though, if I was the every other weekend parent, I would be so so sad to be missing out. I'd want to know eg did they go swimming with their cousin or go to a theme park so I could ask them about it. Could you give him an occasional round up of what they've been doing or send some pics just before he sees them? How old are your kids? Maybe they could find a way to show him what they'd been up to during the week eg maybe set up a messenger for them on a WhatsApp group for them or on a tablet so they can send things to him, or keep a litttle diary that they bring to his house.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 20/06/2023 12:01

I do tend to keep my ex updated with things like when my baby had his injections and how brave he was and when he went swimming for the first time etc, but don't tell him eg who I took baby to see for lunch that day

NeedSleepNow · 20/06/2023 12:18

@Unexpectedlysinglemum I used to send photos and a round up text in the early days of separation so that he knew what they had been up to, but it just seemed to make him more depressed and fuel his feeling that I had wronged him and am causing emotional harm to him. So I stopped.

He knows what clubs the kids do as they've been to the same activities for years now, it's just the times and days that change from one week to the next depending on homework and other commitments. He never really showed an interest in it before we separated, just said it was all a waste of time and money (not that he had ever paid for any of the activities).

I do appreciate that he misses them when he doesn't see them, but he hated the reality of family life when he lived with us. He moaned about the noise, the mess, money etc and would shut himself away watching TV after work whilst I did everything and he never even came out with us as a family.

OP posts:
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